Canada Visa RequirementsFor Bahamas passport holders
Bahamian passport holders need a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada, costing CAD 7 and applied for online.
Bahamas passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Canada.
Apply for the eTA at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html before booking flights. You will need a valid Bahamian passport, an email address, and a credit card for the CAD 7 fee. Most eTAs are approved within minutes, though some may take a few days. The eTA is linked electronically to your passport; no physical document is issued. Present your passport and boarding pass at the airline check-in and at Canadian border services on arrival.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Bahamas to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Bahamian passport holders traveling by air. This is not a full visa but an electronic pre-clearance linked to your passport. The eTA costs CAD 7 (approximately USD 7) and is applied for online at canada.ca. It is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires and allows stays of up to 180 days per visit.
The eTA applies to air travel only. If entering Canada by land or sea from the United States, different rules may apply. Bahamians who also hold a US visa may be exempt from the eTA in some circumstances; check the IRCC website if this applies to you.
Canada is geographically enormous. Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Quebec City, Banff, and the Maritime provinces offer completely different experiences from east to west.
Practical Tips
Apply for the eTA as soon as you book your flights, as occasional processing delays do occur despite most approvals being near-instant. If visiting in winter, pack for extreme cold, especially outside major urban centers. Toronto and Vancouver have large Caribbean communities, making the Bahamas well-represented in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bahamians need a visa for Canada?
Bahamians do not need a full visa but must obtain a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying to Canada. The eTA costs CAD 7 and is applied for online at canada.ca.
How do I apply for the Canada eTA?
Apply at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html. You need a valid passport, email address, and credit card. Most eTAs are approved within minutes.
How long can Bahamians stay in Canada on an eTA?
Up to 180 days per visit.
Does the eTA apply to land and sea crossings into Canada?
The eTA applies to air travel only. Different rules may apply for entry by land or sea from the United States.