Extension of Stay - Bahamas Immigration

 

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 such time as 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 has 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.

Importance of Applying in a Timely Manner

Once the application is submitted in a timely manner and the applicant meets all requirements, a favorable response is more likely to be granted; however, consideration will be given to those applications submitted late once analyzed and the timeline as it relates to COVID-19 is assessed. Please note that the length of stay must be commensurate with the period of crisis and that credible evidence must be submitted to substantiate your claim for a late submission.

Applying for an Electronic Extension when a Bahamas Entry Visa is required

Visa Requirements
In accordance with official international visa regulation agreements, Bahamas Entry Visa requirements are waived for citizens of countries who wish to visit and remain in The Bahamas for a period not exceeding three (3) months or eight (8) months, as each individual agreement may dictate.

For applicants requiring an extension on their stay who has reached the maximum time allotted to them without having a Bahamas Entry Visa, please note that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the authorizing agency with responsibility for the processing and issuance of the visa, recently implemented the facilitation of an online visa application process. Please log onto the agency’s website at www.mofa.gov.bs to apply for the visa prior to submitting an application to the Department of Immigration for an electronic extension.