United States Visa RequirementsFor Bahamas passport holders
Bahamian passport holders require a US visa despite the proximity of the Bahamas to the United States, one of the few Caribbean nations excluded from the US Visa Waiver Program.
Bahamas passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply for a US B-1/B-2 visa at the US Embassy Nassau at https://bs.usembassy.gov. Complete the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form and pay the USD 185 MRV fee. Schedule a visa interview appointment, then attend in person at the Embassy on Shirley Street in Nassau. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, passport photo, and supporting documents such as evidence of ties to the Bahamas (employment letter, property documents, bank statements), proof of accommodation in the US, and a travel itinerary. Processing after the interview is typically a few business days.
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 United States: What You Need to Know
The United States does not include the Bahamas in its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which is a notable restriction given the Bahamas' close geographic and economic ties with the US. Bahamian passport holders must apply for a nonimmigrant visa, typically a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, at the US Embassy in Nassau before traveling. This applies to tourism, business visits, and medical trips.
The B-1/B-2 visa costs USD 185 (the nonrefundable MRV fee) and if approved, is typically issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years, with each stay limited to the duration authorized by a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer on arrival (usually up to 6 months).
The US Embassy is located in Nassau, making in-person applications accessible for Bahamians. Given the volume of Bahamian visitors to Florida and other US states, the embassy processes significant numbers of applications. Wait times for interview appointments can vary; check the current appointment availability before planning your trip.
Practical Tips
Book your visa interview appointment as early as possible, as wait times at US Embassy Nassau can extend to several weeks. A multi-year multiple-entry visa is common for Bahamians with strong ties to the Bahamas; the 10-year validity makes future US trips much simpler once the visa is obtained. Nassau's geographic proximity to Florida means many Bahamians visit the US regularly; a valid US visa significantly simplifies Caribbean-to-US travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bahamians need a visa for the United States?
Yes. Despite the geographic proximity and strong economic ties between the Bahamas and the US, Bahamian passport holders are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
How much does a US visitor visa cost?
The non-refundable MRV fee is USD 185. This fee is charged regardless of whether the visa is approved.
How do Bahamians apply for a US visitor visa?
Apply at the US Embassy Nassau. Complete the DS-160 form online, pay the USD 185 MRV fee, schedule an interview, and attend in person at the Embassy on Shirley Street. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, passport photo, and supporting documents.
How long is a US B-1/B-2 visa valid?
If approved, Bahamians typically receive a multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years. The allowed duration of each stay is determined by CBP on arrival, commonly up to 6 months.