Bahamas entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 2026·View sources
No visa required
240 days
Max stay
240 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can enter the Bahamas without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 240 days. This policy applies in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in the Bahamas. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Bahamian law, but airlines sometimes check for 6 months — if your passport expires within 6 months, carry proof of your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Bahamas | Immigration officers at Nassau and Freeport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of the Bahamas ready — they check this at the counter, not just at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone showing your first night's booking. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Immigration can ask how you'll support yourself during your 240-day stay. Carry a recent bank statement or credit card showing you have access to funds — no set minimum amount is published, but a few thousand dollars in accessible funds covers most situations. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from arrival, not departure
Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you land in the Bahamas. If it expires sooner, renew it before you go. This is a strict requirement.
No extensions available
The 240-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa or permit before your 240 days are up. Overstaying can lead to fines and entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months beyond arrival), print or screenshot your return ticket and first-night hotel booking. Save a digital copy of your travel insurance policy.
2
Arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) or other entry point
Most Swiss travellers fly into Nassau (NAS) or Freeport (FPO). Follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's usually a single queue for all foreign visitors.
3
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your Swiss passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying.
4
Receive entry stamp and proceed
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually up to 240 days). Collect your luggage and head to customs.
Download Bahamas Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay240 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry)
Swiss passport holders already have visa-free access for up to 240 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay240 days per visit
Validity1 year
CostFree (visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry allows multiple visits within the 240-day limit per stay.
Long-stay visa
Max stayNot available
ValidityN/A
CostN/A
The Bahamas does not offer a standard long-stay visa for tourists.
digital nomad visa
Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)
1 year, renewable
$1,000 USD application fee
For remote workers and digital nomads. Requires proof of employment, income of at least $30,000/year, and health insurance. Allows stay up to 1 year.
Apply retirement visa
Bahamas Permanent Residence for Retirees
Permanent, subject to conditions
Varies; typically $50,000 USD investment
For retirees aged 50+ with sufficient income. Requires investment in real estate or government bonds. Provides permanent residence.
investor visa
Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence
Permanent
Minimum $750,000 USD investment
For investors who purchase real estate or make a significant economic contribution. Grants permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers single entry; no separate visa fee required. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within the validity period; no separate visa fee. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 240 days incurs a fine of approximately $50 per day, capped at $1,000. Avoid overstaying. | ~$50 USD per day (up to $1,000 USD max) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Bahamas
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in the Bahamas.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsLynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) · Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO)
Health & vaccines for Bahamas
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is present especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but can occur; drink bottled or boiled water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nassau
Department of Immigration
P.O. Box N-831, Nassau, Bahamas
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa inquiries and immigration matters.
Freeport
Grand Bahama Immigration Office
Freeport, Grand Bahama
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles immigration services for the Grand Bahama area.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalNassau
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyBahamian dollar (BSD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 BSD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat pins) and Type B (two flat pins with grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled or filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is strictly 240 days. Extensions are not available for Swiss passport holders under this arrangement. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different type of visa or permit before your 240 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, Swiss passport holders do not need a visa for transit. You can stay in the airport transit area without a visa. If you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need to meet the standard entry requirements (passport validity, return ticket).
You must renew your Swiss passport before travelling. The 6-month validity is calculated from your date of entry into the Bahamas. If your passport expires sooner, immigration will deny entry. Renew at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. Remote work for a foreign employer is generally tolerated for short stays, but the Bahamas does not have a specific digital nomad visa. If you plan to work for a Bahamian company or stay longer, you'd need a work permit. For short-term remote work, it's a grey area — best to keep a low profile.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or bank statement on your phone is usually enough. No specific minimum amount is published.
No, there is no mandatory arrival declaration for Swiss passport holders. You simply fill out the standard immigration card on the plane or at the airport. No pre-registration is needed.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering the Bahamas for a period. Always leave before your allowed stay expires. If you have an emergency, contact the Bahamas Department of Immigration in Nassau before your stay ends.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.