Bahamas entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Malta passport holders can visit the Bahamas visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa is needed for tourism or business visits in 2026. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Maltese passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in the Bahamas. Immigration officers at Nassau and Freeport check this at the desk — no 6-month rule applies for Malta. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Bahamas | Immigration will ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines like Bahamasair and Southwest enforce this at check-in too — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a hotel reservation. A printed booking confirmation or a letter from a host covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration can ask how you'll support yourself — have a bank statement or credit card ready. No fixed amount is published, but $200–$300 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in the Bahamas, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew before you go.
No visa extensions available
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban. Plan your exit carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Nassau (NAS) or Freeport (FPO) airport, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer clearly.
3
Get stamped in
The officer stamps your passport with the entry date and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before walking away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. No customs form is required for most tourists.
Download Bahamas Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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 stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for Malta holders)
Visa-free entry already covers this; no need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (not required for Malta holders)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within the 90-day period.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (e.g., work permit fee ~$100 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply at Bahamas embassy.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD application fee + processing
For those with a job offer in the Bahamas. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies
~$50 USD application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in the Bahamas. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor/Entrepreneur Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (e.g., $1,000 USD application fee)
For individuals investing a significant amount in a Bahamian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers 90 days; no visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers 90 days; no visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free) |
| Stay extension costStays are not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
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
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in the Bahamas, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in some areas; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in the Bahamas; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended but consult a travel health specialist.
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 09:00–16:30
Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring all relevant documents.
Freeport
Freeport Immigration Office
East Mall Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for Grand Bahama; call ahead for appointments.
Practical information for MT 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 not extendable. You must leave before 90 days or apply for a longer-term visa before travel.
No, if you're staying airside and leaving on the same day. But if you need to clear immigration (e.g., overnight layover), the visa-free rules apply.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. There's no arrival declaration or online form required for Maltese passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. Any work or study requires a separate visa or permit arranged in advance.
The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, and USD is widely accepted everywhere. No need to exchange.
No. Departure taxes are included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything at the airport.
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.