Are you in need of information on the visa to the Bahamas process for Nigerian passport holders and others? You’ve come to the right source!
Discover a tropical paradise in the Bahamas, boasting 700 islands and 2,400 cays with sun-soaked beaches and vibrant coral reefs. The turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and diverse marine life create a haven for snorkeling and diving. Whether relaxing on Exuma’s pristine beaches or exploring Nassau’s markets, the Bahamas promises a diverse range of experiences. With its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect destination for an unforgettable tropical escape.
Do Nigerians Need a Visa to Visit The Bahamas?
Yes, Nigerians need a visa to visit the Bahamas, and the visa process can be achieved by following the steps below.
Documents Needed for Nigerian Tourists Traveling to the Bahamas
Self-Sponsored Visitor Visa is issued to persons traveling to the Bahamas for leisure.
Supporting documents required for Single or Multiple Entry Visas:
Scan digital copies of the following documents must be current i.e. less than 6 months old and appended to your application:
- 1 digital passport-sized photograph in pdf format (see Bahamas eVISA Photograph Specifications)
Documents must be uploaded to the visa portal in PDF format:
- Completed and signed application form
- Personal data and signature pages of your passport (click here to see sample)
- A job letter (less than 6 months old from your employer) or a copy of a valid business license (for self-employed persons)
- An original bank reference letter (less than 6 months old)
- Police Report (less than 6 months old) – click here for a guide to get yours.
- Medical Certificate (less than 6 months old)
- Intended address of Hotel/Cruise or residence while staying in The Bahamas
- Proposed Flight itinerary/travel dates
- Copy of conference/invitation letter (where applicable)
- Copy of Children’s Birth Certificate to prove parental relations (if applying for a visa for a child)
- Copies of previous BAHAMAS Visas if visited The Bahamas before (at least 3 are required for multiple entry consideration).
- Proof of legal status in the country of residence i.e. work permit, spousal permit, permanent residence cards, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL FOREIGN MARRIAGE, BIRTH, DEATH, AND POLICE REPORTS/CERTIFICATES MUST BE TRANSLATED TO ENGLISH (WHERE APPLICABLE)
Visa processing can take from 2 hours to 2 weeks. Make sure all documents submitted are, accurate, clear, and easy to read to receive a near immediate visa from their office.
Where and How to Apply for the Bahamas Visa – Nigerians and Other Nationalities
Visit https://mofa.gov.bs/evisa-online-services/ to submit your application, and complete the process. On the
How Long is the Bahamas Visa Valid for?
The Bahamas visa allows Nigerians to stay on the islands for up to 90 days/3 months.
Single Entry Tourist Visa – This single entry visa is valid for 3 months.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa – The multiple entry visa is issued to applicants for up to 3 years, depending on the history of travels to the country.
Contact Information for the Bahamas Embassy in Nigeria
The Bahamas does not have an office in Nigeria. To contact the support team in Nassau, Bahamas during regular business hours 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), see below –
evisaoffice@bahamas.gov.bs – Visa Services
Phone: +1 (242) 323-5578
For Other Nationalities. Check Here to See if You Need a Visa to the Bahamas
Some countries are part of a visa waiver agreement with the Bahamas, use the widget below to confirm if you do not need a visa to visit the Bahamas. If you do need to apply for a visa, the widget below can help you get started!
Extension of the Bahamas Tourist Visa
Not quite ready to leave the Bahamas? Make sure to contact the Immigration Dept. (Tel: +1 242 322 7531) directly to find out what you need to extend your stay in case the information below has changed.
Apply for an Electronic Extension
The Department of Immigration has updated its extension service during the Emergency Order for the COVID-19 pandemic enacted by the Government of The Bahamas on 23rd March 2020. This update will remain in effect until the order is lifted.
An electronic extension on visitors’ stay may be granted to applicants who qualify. Please note that this process in no way nullifies the usual process that requires applicants to be interviewed in person by the extension officer.
To apply, please provide the following for each person in your party to complete the electronic extension process:
- Biographical data page of your passport
- Page bearing the entry stamp granted upon arrival into The Bahamas
- If you previously had an extension on your stay, a copy of the page bearing initial extension(s)
- The immigration landing card
- Provide reason for extension of stay
- Return ticket if traveling via airplane
- Cruising permit if traveling via sea
- Evidence of Bahamian Visa if applicable
- Proof of residency (Permanent Residence Card)
- Sponsor’s information if applicable (only required for those who initially entered to reside with a resident of The Bahamas or have had to take on a sponsor due to hotel/accommodation closure).
*Required sponsor’s information
- Copy of sponsor’s passport
- Address
- Proof of legal status in The Bahamas if the sponsor is a non-Bahamian
- Telephone contact
Please note that the documents should be attached as a portable document format (PDF) or a JPG image to nasimmigrationextensionsimmi@bahamas.gov.bs
The subject line of your email should read Electronic Extension and the island on which you are currently on. For example: “Electronic Extension – Grand Bahama.”
Once a decision has been made, applicants will be notified via email.
Fastest Way to Get to the Bahamas from Nigeria
With your visa to the Bahamas approved, it’s time to pack your bag to jet off for your trip! There are currently no direct flights from Lagos to the Bahamas. Most flights require an average of 2 layovers before getting to Nassau, the main flight hub and capital of the Bahamas. Flights to other islands in the country from Nigeria will require at least 3 layovers before getting to the country. Many ferries and planes fly directly from Nassau to the smaller islands. Plan an average of 27 hours of travel time before getting to your destination.
Travel Insurance
There are some local travel insurance companies in Nigeria like AXA Mansard and Allianz Nigeria.
To avoid currency valuation issues, I prefer to use international insurance companies to receive a dollar value of whatever loss I incur during my travel because the local companies reimburse in Naira. I don’t think I need to say more regarding the Naira.
My current preferred option is SafetyWings
See Here for the Best Accommodation Options in
Budget/Hostels in the Bahamas
Hostels are my preferred way to travel when traveling solo because there are usually like-minded travelers there and I’m able to create a safety bubble system with other travelers. Sadly, from my search, it doesn’t seem like there are any in the Bahamas.
Resorts/Hotels in the Bahamas
Vacation Rentals in the Bahamas
Things to Do in the Bahamas
