Do you need a visa to go to the Bahamas – Lonely Planet Travel News

Sunshine, sandy beaches and some 700 tropical islands make the Bahamas one of the most sought-after Caribbean retreats in the world. This haven for North American tourists is relatively easy to access for US and Canadian citizens; however, some rules do apply.

Most travelers with a valid US or Canadian passport that contains multiple blank pages and is well within its expiration date should have no trouble clearing customs in the Bahamas. Likewise, visitors from Latin America should be presented with few issues at the border. Still, these guidelines will help you earn that coveted passport stamp in the Bahamas and avoid any potential obstacles at your port of entry.

US citizens do not need a visa to visit the Bahamas. Canadian citizens who plan to stay less than eight months do not need a visa to visit the Bahamas.

Permanent US residents who are not American citizens must apply for a visa to the Bahamas for stays longer than 30 days. Additionally, a valid national passport is required. A green card is required for visits less than 30 days; however, a visa is not.

Canadian permanent residents may stay in the Bahamas for 30 days without a visa; however, they must bring a valid passport that expires no less than three months after their last day in the country.

If traveling directly from Canada, an original Canadian Permanent Resident card that expires no less than three months after their last day in the country is accepted. If traveling via another country, that card must expire no less than six months after their last day in the Bahamas. A return ticket is also required.

Citizens of Latin America are not required to carry a Bahamas visa is their stay is less than three months. They are required to have a return ticket and proof of lodging confirmation.

Indian nationals with a visa issued by Canada, the United Kingdom, United States or a Schengen Member State are not required to carry a Bahamas visa and may stay for a maximum of 90 days in country.

The Bahamas requires a visa for residents of 78 countries, a list of which begins on page six here. Notable nations include Egypt, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Laos, the Philippines, India, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Taiwan, Ukraine, UAE and Vietnam.

The average cost for a visa to the Bahamas is $110. Visas with biometric data cost around $250. Forms must be completed in block letters and must be submitted with supporting documents including a valid passport.

Requirements may also include a police report, flight itinerary, copies of previously held visas and foreign marriage and birth certificates. It is recommended that applicants contact the Bahamas Consulate Division before applying.

According to the government of the Bahamas, the turnaround time on visas can be up to two weeks.

The Bahamas Consulate General accepts extension applications for visas for up to eight months. Applicants must apply at the Bahamas Immigration Department in Nassau.

Know whether you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate or not.

Visitors over age one must carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a nation with a risk of yellow fever transmission. These are mostly nations in Latin America and Africa. Visitors who have transited through an airport in a nation with risk of yellow fever transmission for more than 12 hours must also carry a vaccination certificate valid for at least 10 days before entering the Bahamas.

Be mindful of credit card fraud in the Bahamas. The US Embassy has received reports of credit card fraud in the Bahamas. The embassy urges all US citizens to check their credit and debit accounts for unusual activity and notify card companies of fraudulent activity if found.

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Do you need a visa to go to the Bahamas - Lonely Planet Travel News