I visited the Bahamas twice on a cruise ship without getting a visa since you can visit the country for a day back then with your Valid US Visa. A few years back, we were planning to sail to the Bahamas, and I decided to get my Bahamas Tourist Visa in Florida. If you want to visit this country with pristine beaches and crystal blue waters, read our Tourist Visa Guide for the Bahamas for Filipinos.

How To Get A Bahamas Tourist Visa With Your Philippines Passport.jpg

I got my tourist visa in Miami, Florida, in less than 24 hours for USD 200. For those in the Philippines, the nearest Embassy is in Beijing. They accept mail-in applications provided you send all your requirements and the payment, too. Read this article for more details.

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Quick Facts about the Bahamas Tourist Visa

Validity: 3 months

Number of Entries: Single or Multiple

Processing Time: Two Weeks

How to Apply: Walk-in or Mail application at the nearest Embassy or Consulate

Nearest Consulate: The Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Address: 4th Floor, Unit 2, Tayuan Diplomatic
Office Building 14 Liangmahe Nan Lu Chaoyang District 100600 Beijing China

Telephone Number: 011- 86-10-6532-2922

E-mail: info@bahamasembassy.cn

Website: bahamasembassy.cn

Bahamas Tourist Visa Requirements

1. Visa Application Form – completed in English using block (or capital) letters and blue or black ink

2. Passport(s) – valid for at least 6 months from arrival in the Bahamas with at least one blank visa page. Submit also previous or old passports.

3. 2 Passport Sized Photos – 2 colored 45mm x 35mm photos taken within 6 months from application in white background. Write your name at the back of the picture.

4. Travel Itinerary – Flight or Cruise Reservations, return ticket, or confirmation of the date of travel. It must be in English. In case you pass by other countries, you’ll need to have transit or valid visas.

5. Character or Police Certificate – you can get a Police Clearance, it must be issued within the last 6 months by the country, city, or province where you currently live.

Exempted are either:

Persons under 16 years old
Traveling to and from the Bahamas through a cruise ship
Holding US, UK, Canada or Schengen Visas

6. Copy of Residence or Immigration Status – if you are living in a country where you are not a citizen of

7. Occupation Documents

For Self Employed – Certified Copy of license or registration, include general information like company type, establishment date, and employees
Employed – Certificate of Employment that includes monthly salary

8. Evidence of monthly income or a bank letter – It may be payslips, employment contracts, etc. As for the bank letter, it must include your banking history for the past two years (e.g., Bank Statement for the last 2 years)

9. Visa Fee

Single Entry – USD 160

Multiple Entry – USD 250

Paid through wire transfer to the Embassy.

Additional Requirements

Hukou (family registration book) - if applicable, usually these are for Chinese Applicants
For minor children – with proof of legal guardianship. In case only one parent is traveling with the child, a letter from the other parent or guardian should be submitted
If invited – with letter of invitation in English

For those with Sponsor in the Bahamas

Letter from Sponsor – stating the residence of the applicant in the Bahamas, the purpose of stay, and who will cover costs
Passport, work, or residence permit of the Sponsor
Business License (if applicable)
Interview at the Consular Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Tel. No 1-242-397-9300)

Step-by-Step Guide on getting a Bahamas Tourist Visa

STEP 1: Gather the required documents stated.

STEP 2: Send an e-mail to the Embassy at info@bahamasembassy.cn to know their bank details. You could also send a soft copy of your documents so that they can check beforehand if it is complete.

STEP 3: Find a courier that can submit your documents to the Embassy. Along with your documents, you will need to have a pre-paid courier envelope or a pre-paid airway bill. You will be shouldering courier fees; please note that you’ll need to have the pre-paid services so your passport with the visa can be returned.

STEP 4: Pay the visa fee through wire transfer to the Embassy. Usually, this will take 1 – 5 days.

STEP 5: Wait for your passport to be sent back to you.

FAQS in Applying for Bahamas Tourist Visa

1. How much is the visa fee for a tourist visa?

The visa fee is USD 160 for a single-entry visa and USD 250 for a Multiple-entry visa.

2. Can I get a Multiple-Entry Visa?

Usually, if it’s your first application, you’ll get a single entry visa. If you want a multiple entry visa, you can make a cover letter and add additional documents supporting why you need it.

3. Is the visa fee refundable?

No, once it is paid, it is non-refundable.

4. How do I pay?

You can pay through Wire Transfer to the Embassy’s account.

5. Do they accept walk-in applications?

Yes, they do. If you want to submit your application personally, you’ll need to go to the Embassy on Tuesday or Thursday from 9:30 to 12:30 pm.

6. Where is the Embassy of Bahamas?

The Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
4th Floor, Unit 2,
Tayuan Diplomatic Office Building
14 Liangmahe Nan Lu
Chaoyang District 100600
Beijing, China

7. What’s the schedule of the Embassy?

They are open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Mondays-Fridays

8. How long is the visa processing time?

As per the Embassy, the processing time is usually two weeks. However, since you’ll need to mail your documents and need your passport back, it will take an additional week or two

9. How many days before my schedule should I process my application?

You can do it for a month or two before your scheduled flight.

10. What if my documents are lost?

The Embassy does not take responsibility for documents lost in transit. You’ll need to have a trusted carrier if you want your documents to be safe.

11. What if I’m out of the country, how can I apply?

You can also mail the documents to the Embassy of Bahamas in China if that’s the nearest one. For other offices, you’ll need to check their website.

12. Where are other offices of the Bahamian Consulate?

Other than Beijing there are offices in:

Canada - Ottawa
Cuba - Havana
Haiti - Port-au-Prince
UK – London
US - Washington, New York, Miami, and Atlanta

For Pinoys, Beijing is the nearest Embassy.

I hope this guide is helpful, especially if you want to relax in the gorgeous Bahamas. You won’t regret having a Bahamas Tourist Visa as this country. Unlimited white sand, calm clear blue waters, colorful reefs; it’s a perfect getaway to get your stress away!