British Indian Ocean Territory visa requirements for Bahamian citizens
Bahamian citizens need an entry permit for British Indian Ocean Territory, arranged by a sponsor or tour operator.
BHS
Bahamas
IOT
British Indian Ocean Territory
Entry permit needed
Arranged by a sponsor or tour operator.
- Visa
- Entry permit
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special permit required.
What to do
Ask a licensed tour operator or your sponsor in British Indian Ocean Territory to arrange the entry permit; you usually cannot apply alone.
Wait for the permit (or its approval number) before you book flights.
Carry a printed copy and follow the route and dates it allows.
Get your British Indian Ocean Territory visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into British Indian Ocean Territory
Yacht crews need 2 permits before stopping at approved Outer Islands sites.
Other routeYacht stop permitsThese permits let yacht crews stop at approved sites for safe passage.
- Stay
- 7–28 days
- Valid for
- 28 days
- Fee
- £100
- Processing
- 56 days
How to apply
- Read the yacht guide and sign the application.
- Email documents to BIOTadmin@fcdo.gov.uk; use your yacht's name as subject.
- Keep each email under 10MB.
- Pay as instructed; send the bank transfer receipt after approval.
- Get both permits before travel; apply at least 56 days ahead.
Documents required
- Signed visitor and yacht application
- Passport copies for everyone aboard
- Passports valid for 6 months
- English insurance: 100,000 USD medical evacuation/person
- Insurance: wreck recovery, cleanup and removal
- Marked sections showing required insurance cover
- Travel insurance
- Approval isn't guaranteed; yachts must be self-sufficient. Diego Garcia access isn't included.
- Permits cannot be extended; crew changes aren't allowed after issue.
Sources (8)Last updated 11 November 2026
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Visa requirements
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Applying for a permit
- British Indian Ocean Territory: Guidance for Yachts
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Visiting
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Current travel advice
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Governance and immigration responsibilities
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Contacts
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Entry requirements
Coming from Bahamas
- MoneyUSD $Same as home
- Time+11h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
- Emergency112 or 999 police
Planning your British Indian Ocean Territory trip
Best time to go: June to September is drier and slightly cooler. December to February is the monsoon season. The climate is hot and humid.
Read the full British Indian Ocean Territory guide
About British Indian Ocean Territory
The British Indian Ocean Territory is the Chagos Archipelago in the central Indian Ocean.
- Capital
- Diego Garcia
- Money
- United States dollar ($)
- Languages
- English
- Time zone
- UTC+06:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +246
Other Americas passports
Going to British Indian Ocean Territory
Easier trips nearby
Places close to British Indian Ocean Territory with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do bahamian citizens need a visa for British Indian Ocean Territory?
Bahamian citizens need an entry permit for British Indian Ocean Territory, arranged by a sponsor or tour operator.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help bahamian citizens enter British Indian Ocean Territory?
We have no record of British Indian Ocean Territory relaxing its rules for bahamian citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do other Americas passports get easier entry to British Indian Ocean Territory?
None of the 10 other Americas passports we compared enter without applying first.
Which countries near British Indian Ocean Territory are easier for bahamian citizens?
Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mayotte Réunion, and 3 more let bahamian citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to British Indian Ocean Territory?
Ask a licensed tour operator or your sponsor in British Indian Ocean Territory to arrange the entry permit; you usually cannot apply alone. Wait for the permit (or its approval number) before you book flights.
What money is used in British Indian Ocean Territory?
United States dollar ($). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in British Indian Ocean Territory?
English.
How strong is the Bahamas passport?
It ranks #23 and reaches 134 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck