Bahamas entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need an eVisa to visit the Bahamas for tourism or business in 2026. The eVisa allows stays up to 90 days, and you must apply online before traveling. There is no visa-free entry, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Bahamas eVisa at the Bahamas Immigration Department website. The eVisa is mandatory for Saudi Arabian passport holders — no visa on arrival is available. Submit your application at least 2 weeks before departure to allow processing time.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the Bahamas. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Bahamian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Nassau and Freeport airports strictly enforce the return or onward ticket requirement. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they will ask for it before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in the Bahamas. Immigration may ask for it if you look like you're staying with friends or family — have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if you're staying more than a week, they may want to see you have at least $500–$1,000 available. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can be slow
The eVisa can take up to 2 weeks during busy periods. Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight.
No visa on arrival for Saudi passport holders
You cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight to the Bahamas.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Bahamas eVisa website and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and your passport info page. Pay the fee (around $40–$60 USD) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval as a PDF. Download it, save it to your phone, and print a copy. Keep it with your passport.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, gather: passport (6+ months validity), eVisa printout, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Put them in a folder or save digital copies on your phone.
4
Arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
Most flights from Saudi Arabia arrive via the US or Canada. At immigration in Nassau, join the 'Foreign Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
Download Bahamas Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 150 SAR)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 300 SAR)
Ideal for multiple trips within validity.
Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$500 USD (approx. 1,875 SAR)
Requires proof of investment or business ties.
retirement visa
Bahamas Permanent Residence for Retirees
1 year, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 3,750 SAR) application fee
For retirees aged 50+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires annual renewal and minimum stay.
digital nomad visa
Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)
1 year, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 3,750 SAR) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Allows stay up to 1 year with no local tax liability.
investor visa
Bahamas Investment Visa
1 year, renewable
$5,000 USD (approx. 18,750 SAR) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of $500,000 USD in Bahamian business or real estate.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeSingle entry, valid for 90 days from issue, max stay 30 days. | $40 USD (approx. 150 SAR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa for most travellers. | $40 USD (approx. 150 SAR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $60 USD (approx. 225 SAR) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day (approx. 188 SAR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Saudi passport holders transiting through the Bahamas do not require 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, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without 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)EssentialInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is present year-round, especially in urban areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but pregnant women should take precautions.
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
Grand Bahama Immigration Office
East Mall Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for Grand Bahama.
Practical information for SA 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can take up to 2 weeks during peak seasons. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around $40–$60 USD, depending on the type. Payment is made online by credit card during the application.
No, the eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your 90 days are up. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from outside the Bahamas.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you may not need a visa. But check with your airline and the Bahamas immigration website, as rules can change. For any stay over 24 hours or leaving the airport, you need the eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process, so double-check everything before submitting.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
It's not officially required, but immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a bank statement handy is a good idea.
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.