Bahamas Visa Types
Visitors come to the Bahamas for many reasons:
sightseeing, business management, public affairs, working as a cruise ship employee, etc. Citizens of some countries can visit the Bahamas without a visa if they intend to take a short trip for tourism purposes, but others must go through a visa application process.
Because people visit the Bahamas for different purposes and under different circumstances, there are several types of Bahamas visas to choose from.
Some types of visas can be obtained online, with the government of the Bahamas rolling out this opportunity to make the application process easier for qualified foreigners. Meanwhile, for the rest of the visa, the applicant must go directly to the Bahamas embassy or consulate. In this article, you will learn about tourist, business, official and diplomatic, self-sponsored, sailor and health visas. Find out its special features and requirements and maybe you'll consider one for yourself!
Tourist visa
The Bahamas Tourist Visa is designed for tourism purposes such as sightseeing, vacationing, visiting entertainment facilities, exploring the country, etc.
The tourist visa application process requires filling out an application form in English. You must present a valid passport, 2 most recent facial photos, attach to the application a copy of the air ticket or round-trip itinerary, hotel reservation or itinerary, copy of previous visa, termination documents marriage, birth and death, etc.
For sponsored visas, applicants must go in person to the nearest Bahamian embassy or consulate. This requires certain information about the sponsor: copy of passport, address, proof of legal status (for non-Bahamians), and phone number.
Business visa
Business visas are used by people who want to visit the Bahamas for business purposes, such as to attend meetings, conferences and training courses.
It allows you to stay in the country for 90 days. If you want to work longer, apply for a one-year long-term work visa.
You will need a business letter from your company containing information such as your name and title, the purpose of the trip and the nature of the duties to be performed. The letter must be written and signed by an employee or officer of the company and not the applicant himself. Copies of onward tickets and itineraries are also required.
Official and Diplomatic visa
Official and diplomatic visas are for diplomats and representatives of foreign governments traveling to the Bahamas to carry out official duties or activities on behalf of their national government. They cannot enter the country on a tourist visa or without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program.
Applicants need an original invitation letter or written note from the representative/consulate.
These visas are not available for online application and may be obtained from Bahamian diplomatic missions for diplomatic purposes only.
Self-Sponsored Visa
Self-sponsored visas are issued to individuals traveling to the Bahamas for recreational purposes under both single and multiple entry categories. It is suitable for those who are able to financially support themselves during their trip to the Bahamas.
Self-sponsored visitor visas can be easily obtained online without having to visit the embassy in person.
To apply, you must fill out the application form and attach the following required documents:
Valid passport, facial photograph, valid employment letter or business license, recent police report, bank reference letter, medical certificate, copy of conference letter/invitation letter ( if necessary), copy of previous Bahamian visa (for multiple entry visas, the applicant needs at least three).
In some cases, you may need additional marriage and birth and death records. Note that they must be translated into English.
Seaman’s Visa
Seafarer visas may be issued to seafarers temporarily visiting the Bahamas for business purposes. It is also available to employees of Bahamian-registered cruise ships.
The application process includes filling out a form and providing standard supporting documents such as passport and facial photo of the applicant, police report and medical certificate not older than 6 months, photocopy old Bahamas visa (for multiple entry visa). visa), as well as marriage, birth and death certificates, if applicable.
The seafarer visa application also requires some specific documents for this particular visa type:
vessel or boat registration, proof of vessel or boat ownership, temporary cruise permit issued by Bahamas Customs, and mooring fees from the Bahamas Ports Authority.
It is possible to apply for a cruise visa through a simplified online application procedure.
Transit visa
Transit visas are used by travelers who need to visit the Bahamas just to get to their next destination.
If you need a transit visa, you must go to the nearest Bahamian embassy or consulate. You will need additional documents such as flight reservations, onward tickets and a copy of the visa of the next country you will visit - of course, if you need one.
Bahamas Health Visa
The Bahamas Health Visa is a required document to enter the Bahamas. It was implemented by the Government of the Bahamas in 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the Bahamas. It can be issued for a visit lasting up to 5 days or a stay of 5 to 30 days.
Applicants must fill out an online application form providing their personal, travel and health information. This helps ensure the safety of everyone visiting the Bahamas. It is also necessary to upload the required documents and pay the fees. The approved health certificate will then be sent to the applicant's email address.
As of June 19, 2022, temporary Bahamas health visas cannot be issued.
