Bahamas entry requirements for Canadian passport holders (2026): visa and passport validity
Visa (Government of Canada): Read the official visa text below
Passport validity (Government of Canada): Valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave The Bahamas. Official text
Official source: Government of Canada – Bahamas travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Entry and exit requirements” · page last updated 13 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
Whether Canadians need a visa for the Bahamas and how long a Canadian passport must be valid, as published by the Government of Canada, quoted word for word with the date of the official page.
Other passports: British passport · Australian passport
Do Canadians need a visa for the Bahamas?
We quote the official text word for word and do not summarise it. The official text also mentions an electronic travel authorization, e-visa, arrival card, online form or registration, tourist card or fee: read it in full.
Official text, “Visas”:
Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 8 months
Business visa: not required
Student visa: required
Also in the official “Entry and exit requirements” section:
Other entry requirements
You must complete and sign an immigration card upon entry to The Bahamas. This card will be stamped by officials at the point of entry.
Customs officials may ask you to show them:
- a return or onward ticket
- proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
If travelling by private vessel, certain documentation is required for entry into The Bahamas.
You can obtain a cruising permit online or in-person at The Bahamas Customs Department at your port of entry.
Useful links
- Department of Immigration – Government of The Bahamas
- Pleasure vessel clearance – The Bahamas Customs Department
- Boating regulations and FAQ – The Islands of The Bahamas
Departure tax
You must pay a departure tax when you leave The Bahamas. It is usually included in your fare if you travel by commercial means.
Departing – The Bahamas Customs Department
Official source: Government of Canada – Bahamas travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Visas” · page last updated 13 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
How long must my Canadian passport be valid for the Bahamas?
In short: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave The Bahamas.
Our one-line summary of the official sentence below, which matches a wording we recognise. Your airline may apply stricter rules.
Official text, “Regular Canadian passport”:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave The Bahamas.
Official source: Government of Canada – Bahamas travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Regular Canadian passport” · page last updated 13 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
For Canadian passport holders. These rules are published by the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada) for Canadian citizens travelling on a regular Canadian passport. Before You Fly is an independent site: it is not a Government of Canada site and is not endorsed by the Government of Canada. The airline and the border officials of the destination decide whether you can travel or enter: this site is information, not legal advice. British passport? See the UK (FCDO) rules.
Read the full official travel advice for the Bahamas (safety, health, local laws) before you travel.
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