Passport and visa regulations

Nationalities

	Passport required	visa required	Return ticket required
Germany	Yes	no	Yes
Austria	Yes	no	Yes
Switzerland	Yes	no	Yes
Turkey	Yes	no	Yes
Other EU countries	Yes	no	Yes

Passport information

Generally required, must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay.

Visa information

Generally required, except for nationals of the following countries listed in the table above for tourist or business stays of up to 3 months (unless otherwise stated): (a) EU countries (3 months) (Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg and Netherlands for 8 months), (b) Switzerland (8 months) and (c) Turkey (8 months). The visa-free stay of 3 or 8 months can be extended.

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Costs

The fees apply to nationals who require a visa and have a valid residence permit for Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Germany, Austria and Switzerland: Bahamas High Commission in London: £100 (single entry); £110 (multiple entry, valid for up to one year).

Visa types and costs

Visa for single or multiple entry (single/multiple entry). Details from the High Commission (see Contacts).

Validity

Varies depending on the purpose of travel and nationality. Long-stay applications to the Immigration Office.

Transit

Travelers who otherwise require a visa and who fly on with the next connection on the same day, have valid documents for the onward journey and do not leave the transit area do not require a transit visa. However, this transit facilitation does not apply to some countries that require a visa. European Resident Applicants: In person at The Bahamas High Commission in London (Tel: +44-207-408-4488, Fax: +44-207-499-9937).

Application required

Current bank statement, payslips, credit card or savings account; (g) Travel agent’s certificate of paid package tour or letters of invitation from relatives/friends). (h) Stamped registered mail envelope (Deutsche Post, DIN A4) for the delivery of the visaed passport. (i) Onward or return travel ticket and, if applicable, visa for the other travel destinations. (j) Employment contract or school registration. (k) Evidence of visa fee paid via internet. (l) police clearance certificate. (m) the children’s birth certificates, if any. Additional documentation may be required.

Temporary Residence

Inquiries to the competent consular representations.

Processing time

From the personal appointment of the visa application usually at least 2 working days; up to 2 months in the case of an additional interview or documents to be submitted later. Long-term visas usually up to 12 weeks.

Proof of sufficient funds

Foreigners must have sufficient funds (about US$200 per day).

Documents required upon entry

Return or onward travel ticket, if applicable a valid visa for the next travel destination, sufficient funds (approx. US$ 200 per day), hotel booking.

Entry with children

German: Machine-readable children’s passport or own passport (when arriving/departing via the USA: visa-free transit only with your own EU passport. Minors with children’s passports require a visa for transit.). Austrians: Own passport. Swiss: Own passport. Turks: Own passport. Note: The same visa requirements apply to children as to their parents. Attention: Unaccompanied minors need a notarized travel permit from the parents / legal guardians who are not traveling with them. Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU).

Entry with pets

An import permit (Director of Agriculture, PO Box N 3028, Nassau, Tel: +1 242 325 7503) is required for all animals. Dogs and cats originating from countries with rabies must be at least 6 months old. In addition, a vaccination card is required, the vaccinations must be less than 24 hours old.

Exit permit

An airport tax is payable upon departure. This is already included in the ticket price.