Bahamas entry requirements for Ethiopia 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

Ethiopian passport holders need an eVisa to visit the Bahamas for tourism or business in 2026. Get it online before you fly. At check-in and on arrival in Nassau, you'll show your passport, eVisa, and onward ticket.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply for Bahamas eVisa
Apply for your Bahamas eVisa at the Bahamas Immigration Department portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for duration of stay
Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in the Bahamas. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Bahamian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Nassau and Freeport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient cash or card
Have at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash, or a credit/debit card with a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory
Ethiopian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in the Bahamas. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. No exceptions.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Bahamas immigration eVisa portal. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a digital passport photo. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval as a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Keep it with your passport — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
When you land in Nassau, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — that's your entry. No additional forms needed.
Download Bahamas Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa Single Entry
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist Visa Multiple Entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)

For frequent visitors.

Long-Stay Visa (Work/Study)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostVaries (approx. $100–$200 USD)

Requires employer or school sponsorship.

work visa
Work Permit
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For those with a job offer in the Bahamas. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in the Bahamas. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies (approx. $1,000+ USD)
For individuals investing a significant amount in a Bahamian business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Bahamas eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for Ethiopian passport holders applying online.$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Bahamas eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Overstay Fine (per day)No maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying.$50 USD per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%

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

Ethiopian passport holders transiting through the Bahamas do not need a visa if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside for less than 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease present in the Bahamas; use repellent.

ChikungunyaLow risk

Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.

Foodborne illnessLow risk

Common from undercooked seafood; eat at reputable places.

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 extensions and permits.

Freeport
Freeport Immigration Office
East Mall Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Handles extensions for visitors in Grand Bahama.

Practical information for ET 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
updated Jun 4
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
Police911
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid delays. There is no expedited option.
The official fee is around $40–$60 USD depending on the visa type. Check the Bahamas immigration website for the current fee — it can change.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your allowed stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
The Bahamas does not require yellow fever vaccination for travelers from Ethiopia. However, if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your airline.
You will be denied boarding. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No. Ethiopian passport holders must have a Bahamas eVisa regardless of other visas. The US visa does not exempt you.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application has errors or missing documents. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Bahamas immigration office for guidance.

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.