GoBahamas Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

According to the 2013 China Pakistan Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement, Chinese citizens holding diplomatic, official, regular or ordinary passports are eligible for visa free entry into the Bahamas for a stay of no more than 30 days. Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports can also enter the Bahamas visa free for a stay of up to 90 days. Chinese citizens who wish to stay in the Bahamas for more than 30 days, or study, reside, work, etc., should apply for a visa or relevant entry permit before entering the country.

Passengers entering the Bahamas should fill out an entry registration card and have their valid passport verified by the immigration department before being released. Chinese citizens traveling to Pakistan must also hold a local hotel reservation and return flight ticket upon entry, otherwise they may be denied entry. Bahamian immigration officials grant stay permits ranging from 7 to 30 days based on the purpose of entry for Chinese citizens. Please pay attention to the valid stay period when entering the country to avoid overstaying. I, as a citizen, can apply to the immigration bureau of Pakistan for an extension of my stay before the expiration of the stay period, with a maximum of 30 days. Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration, and citizens of any country who overstay their stay may be detained or deported by the Pakistani immigration authorities on suspicion of illegal immigration.

For specific requirements and procedures related to visas, please inquire with the Embassy of the Bahamas in China. Bahamas Embassy in China Phone:+86-10 65322922, Email: info@bahamasembassy.cn , URL: www.bahamasembassy.cn

Bahamian customs officers conduct random checks on passengers' luggage.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

In addition to international regulations, the Bahamas Customs also prohibits the entry of any items with designs similar to currency currently in circulation in the Bahamas or elsewhere. Plants, flowers, and fruits are strictly restricted items for entry and require approval from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture.

Each adult passenger is allowed to bring in no more than 1 quart (approximately 0.95 liters in the US) of spirits, no more than 1 pound of tobacco, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and other items worth no more than $100 duty-free. All imported beer will be taxed at $10 per gallon or $18 per box.

Passengers are required to declare all items in their carry on and checked baggage. If there are items that require tax payment, they must fill out the 'Carry on baggage declaration form'. If prohibited items are found, they will be confiscated. Carrying cash exceeding $10000 for entry and exit must be declared in advance.

Residency and Naturalization

Foreigners applying for Bahamian citizenship shall meet the following conditions:

1、 Living in the Bahamas for 12 consecutive months or providing services to the Bahamian government;

2、 During the 9 years prior to the aforementioned 12 months, the applicant has resided in or served the Bahamian government for a total of no less than 6 years;

3、 Good conduct;

4、 Proficient in English and able to shoulder the responsibilities of being a citizen of the Bahamas.

The Director of Immigration of the Bahamas decides whether foreigners can become Bahamian nationals, and if approved, issues a Certificate of Naturalization.

Foreigners can also apply for permanent residence or work permits in the Bahamas.

The above content is for reference only. The Bahamas Immigration Law has clear and detailed provisions on the residence, work and naturalization of foreigners. For details, please refer to the website of the Bahamas Government: https://bahamas.gov.bs .

Bahamas Immigration Department phone+1 (242) 322-7530/9, email: immigration@bahamas. gov.bs

The risk level of the Bahamas is blue (low risk)

public security

The social security in the Bahamas is unstable. Malignant public security cases such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, armed robbery, and murder continue to occur. Robbery, theft, and other cases against tourists also occasionally occur.

Tourists visiting Pakistan should be vigilant and travel together. The period from 9pm to 5am the next day is the peak time for local crime. Tourists should try to avoid going out alone or to places with few people during this period. In addition, please do not carry large amounts of cash with you, do not ride in vehicles of strangers, or accept drinks from strangers.

In addition, theft and robbery cases against Chinese people and Chinese restaurants occur from time to time. Personnel and merchants in the Bahamas should pay attention to strengthening security measures and, if necessary, hire professional security personnel.

natural disaster

The main natural disasters in the Bahamas are hurricanes, other tropical storms, and floods caused by them. The hurricane season is from June to November every year.

Tourists should pay attention to news about hurricanes. Once a hurricane arrives, they should cancel their vacation and leave early depending on the situation.

FDA

The water quality in the Bahamas is poor, and it is recommended to drink bottled purified water or mineral water instead of drinking tap water directly.

The food provided by local hotels is generally safer. People who are allergic to seafood or certain tropical fruits should consume them with caution. In addition, excessive consumption of rum drinks, unpasteurized milk, or fresh salads may lead to diarrhea.

Urgent Help

Alarm hotline: 919, 911+ 1 (242) 322-4444

Fire alarm: 919

First aid: 919, 911+ 1 (242) 323-2586

Emergency contact information for consular protection of the embassy or consulate in the country:+1 (242) 467-2969

air traffic

The Bahamas has two large international airports, Nassau and Freeport, which can accommodate large passenger planes for takeoff and landing. There are also 55 domestic airports with flights operating between major islands. There are direct flights from Miami, USA to the islands where famous tourist attractions such as Eleuthera Island and Exuma Island are located.

The routes from China to the Bahamas include transit through New York, Toronto, London, or Beijing Havana Nassau, Beijing Paris Havana, or Panama Nassau.

There are no public buses to and from the airport, so you can choose to take a taxi or rent a car for self driving. When taking a taxi, please negotiate the price with the driver before boarding to avoid disputes.

land transport

The road transportation in the Bahamas is relatively developed, with a dense network of roads on New Providence Island, where the capital is located, and the economic island of Grand Bahama. Transportation on the main outer islands is also relatively convenient.

Tourists in the Bahamas most commonly take taxis or rent cars for self driving. There are several car rental companies in the airport arrival hall, such as Hertz Avis, Thrifty Car Rental, Dollar Rent A Car, etc. can be pre booked through the website.

The local people in the Bahamas have a more civilized driving behavior and are more courteous when driving. Even when the traffic flow is very high, there are rarely situations where intersections or road sections are congested for a long time.

water communication

At present, there are 51 ports (docks) of various sizes in China, where supply ships, oil tankers, cruise ships, yachts, and other vessels dock. The main ports are Nassau Port and Freeport, both of which are deep-water ports. Nassau Port is 16 meters deep and is a natural harbor.

Urban transportation

The urban area of Nassau is relatively small, without a subway system. The bus routes are privately operated and the operating routes are not fixed. Tourists often choose to take taxis or rent cars for self driving. There are taxi waiting areas at airports and hotel entrances, and they should first negotiate the price with the driver before getting on the bus for travel.

major city

The largest city in the Bahamas is Nassau, which is also the capital of the Bahamas. It is located on New Providence Island, adjacent to Paradise Island.

The second largest city in the Bahamas is Freeport, located on Grand Bahama Island.

Commodity prices

The Bahamas mainly produces specialty products such as sea salt, rum, lobster, conch, and grouper.

The Bahamas is a world-renowned tourist destination that heavily relies on imports for consumption, and customs impose high tariffs on imported goods, resulting in high prices, about 4-6 times higher than domestic prices.

The currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar, with 1 Bahamian dollar exchanged for 1 US dollar. The US dollar is equivalent to the Bahamian dollar in circulation in the Bahamian market, and tourists can pay directly in US dollars.

Insurance Medical

Infectious diseases in the Bahamas mainly include AIDS, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, dengue fever, etc. Common diseases are diarrhea caused by consuming unclean or spoiled food and skin sunburn caused by excessive outdoor activities. The local climate is humid and hot, and there are many mosquitoes and insects. Attention should be paid to mosquito and insect prevention to avoid infection caused by mosquito bites.

The medical conditions in the Bahamas are generally average. The Bahamas Public Hospital Authority has Princess Margaret Hospital, SANDILANDS Rehabilitation Center, and Rand Memorial Hospital under its jurisdiction. In addition, there are some private hospitals (such as DOCTORS Hospital) and healthcare services provided by non-governmental organizations. Even on remote islands, private clinics can be found.

It is very convenient for foreigners to buy medical insurance, but the premium is high.

Customs taboos

The Bahamas is a Commonwealth country deeply influenced by Britain and the United States, and values traditional British etiquette. People shake hands when they meet, calling men 'sir' and women 'madam' or 'miss'. The vast majority of Bahamians believe in Christianity.

The Bahamas implements a five-day workweek. Supermarkets, shopping malls, etc. are open all day on Saturdays and half day on Sundays.

Main statutory holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), Black Majority Rule Day (second Monday of January), Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost, Labor Day (first Friday of June), National Day (July 10), Black Slave Liberation Day (first Monday of August), National Heroes' Day (second Monday of October), Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26).

Communications Power

The voltage in the Bahamas is 110V, with a frequency of 60Hz, and the power plug is in accordance with American standards.

The international area code for the Bahamas is 001, and the way to call the Bahamas from China is: 001+242+landline/mobile number.

Mobile Internet access service is provided by NEWCO, a subsidiary of BTC and Cable Bahamas, and wireless network is available in most hotels.

Local communication and internet fees are relatively expensive, and mobile phones are charged in both directions. China Mobile has a cooperation agreement with BTC Telecom, and domestic mobile phones (China Mobile users) can be used normally in the Bahamas.

contact information

The Bahamian government: www.bahamas.gov.bs。

Bahamas Immigration Department (Application for Extension of Residence Permit): http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/immigration

Address: Hawkins Hill，P. O. Box N-831，Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas

Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs

Phone: (242) - 322-8504/322-7530

Bahamas National Tourism Board: www.bahamas.com。

Bahamas Chamber of Commerce website: www.thebahamaschamber.com。

Royal Bahamas Police Force: www.royalbahamaspoliceforce.org。

Nassau International Airport: www.nassau-airport.com。

Doctors Hospital: www.doctorshosp.com。