Bahamas entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Starting in 2026, Ivory Coast passport holders need an eVisa to visit the Bahamas. The process is fully online, and you must get approval before traveling — there's no visa-on-arrival option.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter the Bahamas. Apply online at the Bahamas Immigration Department portal before your trip. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, so submit your application at least a week ahead.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for stay duration | Your Ivory Coast passport must be valid for the entire length of your stay in the Bahamas. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it at Nassau and Freeport airports. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Bahamas immigration requires proof of a return or onward flight out of the country. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — officers at Lynden Pindling International Airport check this for all foreign visitors. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in the Bahamas speeds up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you're staying, so have the address and contact details handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — bank statements or a credit card statement showing available credit. Immigration officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival — apply before you fly
Ivory Coast passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have an approved eVisa before you board. Airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass.
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in the Bahamas. If it expires sooner, renew it first. Count carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Bahamas eVisa website (no third-party sites). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a digital passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get an email with your approved eVisa. Download the PDF, print a copy, and save a screenshot on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, double-check: passport validity (6+ months from entry), printed eVisa, return ticket, and first-night accommodation confirmation. Pack a pen for the immigration form.
4
Arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
After landing in Nassau, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 1–2 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any items over the duty-free limit. Once cleared, you're free to enter the Bahamas.
Download Bahamas Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$40 USD (approx. 24,000 XOF)
Standard option for short visits; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 48,000 XOF)
Ideal for frequent travellers; each stay can be extended.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (typically $100–$200 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; not for tourism.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Bahamas. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) plus tuition
For enrollment in accredited Bahamian institutions. Must provide acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor/Entrepreneur Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (minimum investment ~$500,000 USD)
For individuals investing in Bahamian businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Ivory Coast passport holders; subject to change. | ~$40 USD (approx. 24,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; typically processed online. | ~$40 USD (approx. 24,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$80 USD (approx. 48,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | ~$50 USD per day (approx. 30,000 XOF) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Bahamas airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsLynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), Nassau · Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO), Freeport
Health & vaccines for Bahamas
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in some areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Rare but reported; pregnant women should take precautions.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nassau
Bahamas Immigration Department
P.O. Box N-831, Nassau, Bahamas
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Freeport
Freeport Immigration Office
East Mall Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in Grand Bahama; similar requirements as Nassau.
Practical information for CI 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around $40–$60 USD depending on your nationality. Pay online by credit card during the application.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Not required if you're arriving directly from Ivory Coast. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your airline.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Ivory Coast passport holders. Don't risk it.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports: Lynden Pindling (Nassau), Grand Bahama (Freeport), and others. Show it at immigration.
Yes, you'll receive a paper immigration form on the plane. Fill it out before landing — it asks for your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.