U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens need either a passport or another WHTI-compliant document other than an enhanced driver's license for entry to the Bahamas and also for re-entry into the U.S. Western Hemisphere travel documents include U.S. Passports, the Passport Card (only for land and sea travel), NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards and U.S. Military ID.
U.S. Permanent Residents
Visitors to the Bahamas who are legal permanent residents of the United States (non-citizens) need to present both a national passport and an Alien Registration Card (green card). For visits to the Bahamas for longer than 30 days, U.S. residents will need to obtain a visa.
Canadian Citizens and Residents
Canadian Citizens need to have either a passport or BC Photo Identification in order to enter the Bahamas. Permanent residents of Canada need to present both a national passport and a Canadian Permanent Resident Card to customs and immigration officials upon arrival in the Bahamas for visits up to 30 days. For visits over 30 days in total, Canadian permanent residents need to have a visa in addition to their passports and resident cards.
Other Countries: No Visas
The requirements for visitor visas for the Bahamas are determined by the visitor's country of nationality. Citizens of nations other than the U.S. and Canada who intend to travel to the Bahamas should find out if they need a visa well in advance of travel. Citizens of most Caribbean nations and most European countries do not require a visa to enter The Bahamas.
Other Countries: Visas
Citizens from some nations need both a passport and a visa to enter the Bahamas. Such nations include most African countries and some Middle-Eastern nations. For a full list of countries whose citizens need to get a visa and to download a visa application form, visit www.mfabahamas.org. Visas can be obtained through Bahamas Embassies and Consulates and should be applied for well in advance of the intended travel time.
About The Author
Joanne Lewis is a freelance writer who has written for newspapers since 2005. She is currently the editor of a weekly community newspaper in Los Angeles, Calif. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in politics from the University of Bristol, England.
