COVID-19 entry restrictions
Information on COVID-19 entry restrictions can change at short notice. Check the Ministry of Tourism’s website for the latest information.
All travellers
As of 20 September 2022, the COVID-19 testing requirement for entering The Bahamas have been eliminated. All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are no longer required to submit to pre-travel COVID-19 testing to enter the country.
If you’re transiting through The Bahamas
Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.
If you are transiting through The Bahamas on your way to another country and not passing through immigration, you need to follow the latest guidance provided by your airline.
If you are transiting through The Bahamas on your way to another country and will be passing through immigration (sometimes known as a layover), for example to stay in a hotel for a flight the next day or to join a cruise ship, you need to follow the rules applicable to your vaccination status.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Visas
British nationals visiting are usually allowed entry into the Bahamas for up to 21 days. This can be extended up to a maximum of 8 months by applying to the Department of Immigration in Nassau. Penalties for overstaying include fines and detention pending deportation.
If you require a visitor visa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an electronic visa application process. The official website is: https://mofa.gov.bs/obtaining-official-documents/visitors-visa/. Please email mofaconsular@bahamas.gov.bs for more information on visa processing fees and turnaround times.
For all other types of travel, seek advice from the Bahamian High Commission in London.
If you are travelling via the USA, you may need to apply for an ESTA. The Bahamas counts as part of the ‘contiguous territory and islands’ for US visa waiver purposes and time spent in The Bahamas counts towards the 90 day maximum permitted stay in the US under this waiver. If you travel to The Bahamas via the USA under US visa waiver arrangements and are in any doubt about your US visa status, you should seek advice from either the US Immigration and Naturalisation Service or any US diplomatic mission before starting your return journey.
If you’re concerned about your immigration status (e.g. overstaying a visa) due to the emergency restrictions, contact the Department of Immigration on 225 5337 or immigration@bahamas.gov.bs. Guidance on how to apply for an electronic extension to stay and other COVID-19 related immigration concerns has also been published on the Department of Immigration website.
Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter The Bahamas. Your passport should be valid for six months from the date of departure from The Bahamas.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
There is no yellow fever risk in The Bahamas however there may be a certificate requirement. Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.