Embassy
Embassy of the Bahamas in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
United States visa requirements for Bahamian citizens
Entry to the United States is restricted for bahamian citizens: a visa plus special approval.
Passport
BHS
Bahamas
Going to
USA
United States
Entry is restricted
For short holidays or visits to friends and family.
- Visa
- Restricted
- Max stay
- 180 days (6 months)
- Fee
- US$185
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for Bahamian citizens in United States
Bahamians: visa-free US visits require preclearance
- For visa-free entry, use U.S. preclearance at Nassau or Freeport airport.
- Bring your Bahamian passport.
- Stay up to six months.
- Ages 14+: bring a Royal Bahamas Police Force police certificate.
- Certificate: no criminal record; issued within the past six months.
What to do
Read the extra conditions for your passport below: the United States limits where and how you can enter.
Apply for the visa at the embassy well ahead, and expect extra checks.
Enter only through the allowed border points and register with the police if required.
Get your United States visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into United States
Get a visitor visa or check if you qualify without one.
Visa requiredB-2 visitor visaFor short holidays or visits to friends and family.
- Fee
- US$185
How to apply
- Check nationality limits before paying or booking.
- Fill in DS-160 online and save the confirmation.
- Pay the fee and book your appointment.
- Attend your interview unless you are excused.
- Follow instructions for extra checks and passport return.
Documents required
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation
- Fee receipt, if needed
- Printed photo if upload fails
- Trip and funds proof, if asked
- Proof you will leave, if asked
- Fingerprints
- Interview
- Border staff set your stay; follow the leaving date on your entry record.
- This visa does not allow regular work or study for course credit.
Sources (27)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Department of State — Visitor Visa
- Department of State — Visa Waiver Program
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Official ESTA application portal
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA validity
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA for land entry
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA passport requirements
- USAGov — Visa Waiver Program and ESTA application
- Department of State — Citizens of Canada and Bermuda
- Department of State — Transit Visa
- Department of State — Nonimmigrant travel without a visa or passport
- Department of State — Transit visas
- Department of State — Tourists and business visitors
- Department of State — Student Visa
- Department of State — Temporary Worker Visas
- Department of State — Family Immigration
- Department of State — Immigrant Visa for a Spouse
- Department of State — Fiancé Visa
- Department of State — Exchange Visitor Visa
- Department of State — Exchange eligibility, fees and insurance
- Department of State — Crewmember Visa
- Department of State — Fees for Visa Services
- Department of State — DS-160 application
- Department of State — Visa Frequently Asked Questions
- Department of State — Nationality-based visa and entry restrictions
- Department of State — Countries Subject to Visa Bonds, October 2, 2026
- Department of State — Application location guidance, July 15, 2026
- Department of State — Immigrant issuance pause update, August 28, 2026
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Consulate general
The Bahamas Consulate General Atlanta
Atlanta
Consulate general
The Bahamas Consulate General Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Center West Building, 10877 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 600, Los Angeles, California, 90024 90024
Trips to United States
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Coming from Bahamas
- Plugs A BNo adapter
- MoneyUSD $Same as home
- Time−7h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
- Emergency911 police
Planning your United States trip
Best time to go: The best time depends on the region. July to September is usually dry on the northwest coast and good for outdoor activities; northern winters can be very cold, while southwestern summers can be extremely hot.
- Manhattan and ChicagoSee famous skyscrapers and major city architecture.
- Yellowstone National ParkVisit one of the country's major natural attractions.
- AlaskaExplore natural scenery, mountains and coastal islands.
- Southwestern canyonlandsSee dramatic canyon landscapes, including the Grand Canyon.
Scams to watch for in United States
- Aggressive requests for moneySomeone asks for money and becomes persistent or intimidating. This is not always a scam, but the pressure can make you feel you must pay.
- Misleading police statements during an arrestPolice may give untrue information about your rights, the reason for your arrest, or evidence against you. This is a warning about official conduct rather than a typical tourist money scam.
About United States
The United States is a federal republic of fifty states spanning the middle of North America.
- Capital
- Washington D.C.
- Money
- United States dollar ($)
- Languages
- English
- Time zone
- 11 time zones
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +1
Other Americas passports
Going to United States
Easier trips nearby
Places close to United States with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Is entry to United States restricted for Bahamian citizens?
Bahamian citizens can visit the United States without a visa for up to 6 months if they use U.S. preclearance at Nassau or Freeport airport. Visa-free entry is available only if you apply for entry through a U.S. preclearance facility at Nassau or Freeport airport in the Bahamas. You can stay for up to 6 months.
Where can Bahamian citizens enter United States?
Only through: U.S. preclearance facility at Nassau airport., U.S. preclearance facility at Freeport airport..
Do bahamian citizens need a visa for the United States?
Bahamian citizens do not need a visa for the United States. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 180 days.
How long can bahamian citizens stay in the United States?
Up to 180 days each visit with the no visa needed rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Do american citizens need a visa for the Bahamas?
American citizens do not need a visa for the Bahamas. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 240 days.
Do other Americas passports get easier entry to the United States?
Canada and Chile can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near United States are easier for bahamian citizens?
Bermuda, Greenland, Mexico, Saint Pierre and Miquelon Canada, and 3 more let bahamian citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to the United States?
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it. Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
What money is used in the United States?
United States dollar ($). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in the United States?
English.
How strong is the Bahamas passport?
It ranks #23 and reaches 134 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck