Passport and Immigration Frequently asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for a Bahamian Passport?

The following persons are entitled to a Bahamian passport:

• Every person born in the former Colony of The Bahamas on or before 9th July, 1973;

• Every person born in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas after 9th July, 1973 whose parents are Bahamians;

• Every person born abroad legitimately after 9th July, 1973, whose father is a citizen of The Bahamas;

• Every person born abroad illegitimately to a Bahamian mother after 9th July, 1973;

• Every person born abroad (out of wedlock to a Bahamian mother) in the United Kingdom or a Colony prior to 9th July, 1973 and who was on the date a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies;

• Every person granted Bahamian citizenship

• Every person adopted by Bahamian parents after 9th July, 1973

Note: Overseas Missions are not authorized to issue passports to persons born in The Bahamas after 9th July, 1973 to non- Bahamian parents; persons who are making application for a new passport due to change of name by deed poll and children who have been abandoned.

I am a first Time Passport Applicant, what do I need to apply?

If you are a first time applicant click on the category that applies to your current status for the relevant information.

• Children under 12 yrs. old

  • 1 completed application form

  • 4 recent photographs. The size must be not more than 2½ inches by 2 inches or less than 2 inches by 1½ inches. One of which must be countersigned along with the application form

  • Child’s Birth Certificate/ Affidavit of birth

  • Mother’s Birth certificate and passport

  • Grandmother’s birth certificate (for parents born after July 10th, 1973)

  • If parents were married at time of applicant’s birth- Father’s birth certificate, parents registered marriage certificate and father’s passport. (Mother is required to be present along with child for interview)

• Applicants 12 yrs. – 17 yrs. (lawful parent must be present with the applicant for interview)

  • 1 completed application form

  • 4 recent photographs. The size must be not more than 2½ inches by 2 inches or less than 2 inches by 1½ inches. One of which must be countersigned along with the application form

  • Applicant’s Birth Certificate/ Affidavit of birth

  • Mother’s Birth certificate and passport

  • Primary school record

  • If parents were married at time of applicant’s birth- Father’s birth certificate, parents registered marriage certificate and father’s passport. (Mother is required to be present along with child for interview)

• Applicants 18 – 39 yrs

  • 1 completed application form

  • 4 recent photographs. The size must be not more than 2½ inches by 2 inches or less than 2 inches by 1½ inches. One of which must be countersigned along with the application form

  • Applicant’s Birth Certificate/ Affidavit of birth

  • Mother’s Birth certificate and passport (persons born before July 10, 1973 do not have to produce a mother’s birth certificate)

  • Primary school letter and any two of the following: Baptismal certificate, Hospital Record letter, Voter’s Registration card, Immunization card

  • If parents were married at time of applicant’s birth- Father’s birth certificate, parents registered marriage certificate and father’s passport. (Mother is required to be present along with child for interview)

  • National Insurance card

• Applicants 40 yrs and older

  • 1 completed application form

  • 4 recent photographs. The size must be not more than 2½ inches by 2 inches or less than 2 inches by 1½ inches. One of which must be countersigned along with the application form

  • Applicant’s Birth Certificate/ Affidavit of birth

  • Primary school letter and any two of the following: Baptismal certificate, Hospital Record letter, Voter’s Registration card, Immunization card, Clinic Records letter

  • National Insurance card

• Lost passports

  • Passports that have been misplaced, lost or stolen should be reported to the local police. A copy of the police report is required to obtain a replacement passport. Normal application requirements apply to those requesting a replacement passport.

• Emergency Passports

  • Emergency passports are issued to Bahamian nationals who have had their passports lost or stolen while outside The Bahamas and require a travel document to return to The Bahamas. Emergency passports are issued for a single journey. Normal application requirements apply to those requesting an emergency passport. Where [possible, the applicant should also submit a copy of a police report.

What are the fees associated with the application?

(All fees must be paid at the time of application in Cash or by money order)

• Passport fees:

  • Children’s Passport:- $25.00

  • Regular Passport:- $50.00

  • Certificate of Identity:- $20.00

  • Referral Fee (for each application):- $20.00

How long does it take to receive a new or replacement passport?

Generally its takes between 8 – 10 weeks, after receipt of all required documents, for a new application for a passport or a application for a renewal to be processed.

Immigration Matters

Persons who wish to attend school in The Bahamas must apply to the Department of Immigration.

• if unable to obtain a passport from country of birth, individuals are advised to contact the United States Department of Immigration to obtain a re- entry permit or travel document.

• US Immigration authorities require alien residents to have a valid national passport.

For applicants traveling to The Bahamas to apply for a “G” or “A” additional documents needed are listed under this heading.

• A copy of the letter to the American Embassy requesting Visa.

• A Note verbal from the Mission/Consulate or UN stating that the Office will be responsible for the party if the Visa is not granted.

• In the absence of a note verbal, the applicant should present letter to their respective country.