Bahamas entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit the Bahamas for up to 90 days without a visa. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket — it's that straightforward.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in the Bahamas | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Bahamas immigration, but airlines often enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-free entry | Bahamas immigration officers always ask for proof of onward travel at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number works. I've been asked for this at Nassau airport before. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. A bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD is usually enough. I've never been asked, but it's listed as a requirement. | Recommended |
6-month passport rule is strict
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you'll be turned away at check-in. Renew early.
No visa needed, but have documents ready
You don't need a visa, but immigration will ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Keep screenshots on your phone — no need to print.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
Most visitors fly into Nassau. After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and note your allowed stay (usually 90 days). This takes 1–2 minutes per person.
3
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually a green channel for most tourists — you walk through unless you have something to declare.
Download Bahamas Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for NZ passport holders)
Visa-free entry already covers up to 90 days. No need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (not required for NZ passport holders)
Visa-free entry already covers multiple visits within 90 days each.
Long-stay visa (if available)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostUnknown (estimated $200 USD)
Check with Bahamas Immigration for long-stay options; not commonly issued.
retirement visa
Bahamas Permanent Residence for Retirees
Indefinite, subject to conditions
~$5,000 USD application fee + annual fee
For retirees aged 50+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or investments. Allows long-term stay but not employment.
digital nomad visa
Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD application fee
For remote workers and digital nomads. Requires proof of employment and income. Allows stay up to 1 year without work permit.
investor visa
Bahamas Investor Visa
Indefinite, subject to investment
~$10,000 USD application fee + investment
For individuals investing at least $500,000 USD in Bahamas real estate or business. Grants permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers short stays; no separate tourist visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple visits within 90-day limit. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extensionExtensions are not permitted for visa-free stays. | Unknown (not available for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties apply; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and bans. | Unknown (estimated ~$50 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in the Bahamas, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
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; risk is higher 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 water and eat well-cooked food.
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 Department of Immigration
P.O. Box N-831, Nassau, Bahamas
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa and immigration matters. Bring passport and supporting documents.
Freeport
Freeport Immigration Office
East Mall Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in Grand Bahama.
Practical information for NZ 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 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa before travel — but that's unusual for tourists.
No. There's no mandatory online arrival declaration for New Zealand passport holders. You just fill in the standard immigration card on the plane or at the airport.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Get your passport renewed before you travel. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Technically, the tourist visa doesn't permit work — including remote work for a foreign employer. In practice, many digital nomads do it quietly, but it's a grey area. The Bahamas has a specific Digital Nomad Visa if you want to be above board.
No. If you arrive by cruise ship and stay on the ship or only go ashore for the day, you don't need a visa. The 90-day visa-free rule applies to stays on land.
The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere. No need to exchange — just bring USD cash or a card. ATMs dispense BSD.
No. Departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra 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.