FAQ’s - Bahamas Immigration Department
As outlined in the 2024/2025 Budget Communication published in May 2024, the Government of The Bahamas has introduced a non-refundable application processing fee of $200.00 for the Extension of Stay application.
The granting of Extension of Stay remains the same, however, a non-refundable $200.00 processing fee has been implemented, and it applies to all sea and air arrivals, whether private or commercial.
Visitors are advised to apply for an extension at least 7 business days before their current stay expires. For more detailed information, please visit Extension of Stay.
The granting of Extension of Stay remains the same, however, a non-refundable $200.00 processing fee has been implemented, and it applies to all sea and air arrivals, whether private or commercial.
Visitors are advised to apply for an extension at least 7 business days before their current stay expires. For more detailed information, please visit Extension of Stay.
Online Portal: You can track the status of your application through our Online Portal by entering the key information found on the Acceptance Slip.
Email: Send a message to immigration@bahamas.gov.bs, including your application ID number and the applicant's name.
Phone: Call our Call Centre at (242) 225-5337 or (242) 322-7530-5 for assistance.
In-Person: Visit the Enrollment & Customer Service Section located on the ground floor of Headquarters at Mount Royal House, or contact your local Immigration Office on the Family Islands where you submitted your application.
These options will help you obtain the information you need regarding your application status.
Email: Send a message to immigration@bahamas.gov.bs, including your application ID number and the applicant's name.
Phone: Call our Call Centre at (242) 225-5337 or (242) 322-7530-5 for assistance.
In-Person: Visit the Enrollment & Customer Service Section located on the ground floor of Headquarters at Mount Royal House, or contact your local Immigration Office on the Family Islands where you submitted your application.
These options will help you obtain the information you need regarding your application status.
Yes, visitors can apply for an Extension of Stay to extend their visit to The Bahamas.
An extension on visitors’ stay may be granted to applicants who qualify. All visitors applying for an extension of stay must present themselves in person to the extension officer, accompanied by their sponsor and all required documentation.
To be considered for a visitor’s extension, applicant must provide the following to the extension officer:
An extension on visitors’ stay may be granted to applicants who qualify. All visitors applying for an extension of stay must present themselves in person to the extension officer, accompanied by their sponsor and all required documentation.
To be considered for a visitor’s extension, applicant must provide the following to the extension officer:
- Proof of Payment (options include credit/debit card, bank draft, or Bahamas Postal Money Order)
- Return ticket or Temporary Cruising Permit
- Valid Passport
- Local Address
- The Immigration Landing Card
- Provide Reason for Extension of Stay
- Evidence of Bahamian Visa if applicable
- Valid Email Address
- Mobile Telephone Number
- Sponsor’s Passport and Address
All visitors applying for an extension of stay must present themselves in person to the extension officer, accompanied by their sponsor and all required documentation. It is essential that applicants provide all necessary documents. Visitors are advised to apply for an extension 3 to 5 days before their current stay expires.
The extension application requires a $200 non-refundable processing fee. Invoices will be generated and sent electronically to the applicant or sponsor for payment. If using money orders or certified bank checks, these should be submitted directly to the Account’s cashier for processing. After payment, applicants must present their receipt to the extension officer.
To be considered for a Visitor’s Extension of Stay, applicant must provide the following to the extension officer where applicable:
Proof of Payment (options include credit/debit card, bank draft, or Bahamas Postal Money Order) Return ticket or Temporary Cruising Permit Valid Passport Local Address The Immigration Landing Card Provide Reason for Extension of Stay Evidence of Bahamian Visa if applicable Valid Email Address Mobile Telephone Number Sponsor’s Passport and Address
More information can be found here.
The extension application requires a $200 non-refundable processing fee. Invoices will be generated and sent electronically to the applicant or sponsor for payment. If using money orders or certified bank checks, these should be submitted directly to the Account’s cashier for processing. After payment, applicants must present their receipt to the extension officer.
To be considered for a Visitor’s Extension of Stay, applicant must provide the following to the extension officer where applicable:
Proof of Payment (options include credit/debit card, bank draft, or Bahamas Postal Money Order) Return ticket or Temporary Cruising Permit Valid Passport Local Address The Immigration Landing Card Provide Reason for Extension of Stay Evidence of Bahamian Visa if applicable Valid Email Address Mobile Telephone Number Sponsor’s Passport and Address
More information can be found here.
All persons entering The Bahamas must present a valid passport with a minimum of six months validity. Please note that passport cards are not accepted.
Additionally, some nationalities may require a visa or other specific documentation.
All visitors must possess a valid return ticket or other means of departing The Bahamas.
All visitors must not intend to engage in any gainful employment during their stay.
All visitors must demonstrate the financial means to sustain themselves throughout their visit, or they may identify a local sponsor who will provide financial support.
Visitors must complete a Bahamas Immigration Disembarkation/Embarkation Card before arrival. This card is necessary for processing your entry.
More details are available here
Additionally, some nationalities may require a visa or other specific documentation.
All visitors must possess a valid return ticket or other means of departing The Bahamas.
All visitors must not intend to engage in any gainful employment during their stay.
All visitors must demonstrate the financial means to sustain themselves throughout their visit, or they may identify a local sponsor who will provide financial support.
Visitors must complete a Bahamas Immigration Disembarkation/Embarkation Card before arrival. This card is necessary for processing your entry.
More details are available here
Non-Bahamian nationals, who are desirous of working and living in The Bahamas for a period greater than 90 days, must first be authorized to do so by way of a valid work permit issued by the Department of Immigration. Persons wishing to work for up to 90 days must apply for a short-term work permit.
Employers in The Bahamas are required to sponsor foreign nationals seeking work permits. These applications can be made in-person at your local Immigration Office or digitally via our Online Portal.
The application process necessitates the submission of various documents, including proof of qualifications and a clean police record. Please note that specific requirements may vary depending on the type of application and the employment category. For detailed information on the application requirements and procedures, please refer to the official guidelines found here.
Employers in The Bahamas are required to sponsor foreign nationals seeking work permits. These applications can be made in-person at your local Immigration Office or digitally via our Online Portal.
The application process necessitates the submission of various documents, including proof of qualifications and a clean police record. Please note that specific requirements may vary depending on the type of application and the employment category. For detailed information on the application requirements and procedures, please refer to the official guidelines found here.
If an application is refused, the applicant will receive a Refusal Letter via postal mail or email. This letter will outline the reasons for the refusal and the next steps. If no reclassification has been granted by the Board, the applicant has twenty-one (21) days to conclude their affairs and depart from the country. In certain cases, the applicant may be required to leave the country immediately.
It is essential for the applicant to refer to the stipulations in the Refusal Letter, as these will detail their obligations, including any conditions for departure. Evidence of departure must be submitted within the specified timeframe to ensure compliance with the refusal decision.
It is essential for the applicant to refer to the stipulations in the Refusal Letter, as these will detail their obligations, including any conditions for departure. Evidence of departure must be submitted within the specified timeframe to ensure compliance with the refusal decision.
Permanent residency in The Bahamas is typically granted to individuals who have legally resided in the country for a specified period, usually five years or more.
Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, good character, and a commitment to The Bahamas. The application process involves submitting various documents and undergoing background checks. Specific document requirements and eligibility details can be found here.
Permanent Residence applications can be made in-person at the local Immigration Office, or digitally via our Online Portal.
Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, good character, and a commitment to The Bahamas. The application process involves submitting various documents and undergoing background checks. Specific document requirements and eligibility details can be found here.
Permanent Residence applications can be made in-person at the local Immigration Office, or digitally via our Online Portal.
We will contact you regarding your application using the information you provided. This may include communication via phone, email, or postal mail.
Application processing times may vary. However, if your request does not require an interview or any additional documents or information, the processing time for a final decision is typically 8 to 12 weeks.
Yes. Processing fees are required for all applications, except for those submitted by Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Diplomats, and Government Workers, regardless of the applicant's age.
The Department of Immigration wishes to advise the public that FREE ADDITIONAL PARKING is now available for patrons of the Immigration Headquarters at Mount Royal House, Mount Royal Avenue. The new Immigration parking lot is situated just down the hill from the main office if one is heading north toward Shirley Street and is manned daily by Security. All members of the public are encouraged to use it as needed.
