# The Bahamas passport to United States: Visa required

Current access classification: **Visa required** — Traditional visa required before travel.

Access data checked August 24, 2026. Evidence status: **official evidence collected**.

This page concerns ordinary short visits unless an official source states otherwise. Authorities apply the current rule, and individual circumstances can change the applicable treatment.

## Evidence timeline

- **Current official route — Bahamian visitors generally need a visa, with a narrow preclearance exception** (Visa required)
  A Bahamian national generally needs a visitor visa unless a U.S. immigration officer in the Bahamas finds the traveller clearly admissible before embarkation.
  - The exception applies only after the required examination in the Bahamas before or at embarkation by vessel or aircraft.
  - A passport is required, and travel outside the narrow examination route remains visa-required.
  Official source:
  - [U.S. Government Publishing Office: 8 CFR 212.1: documentary requirements for nonimmigrants](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/cfr/8/212?link-type=pdf&sectionnum=1&year=mostrecent)

## How to apply

Follow the current instructions on the official portal.

1. Complete the DS-160 online application and retain its confirmation page.
2. Follow the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate instructions, pay the required fee, and schedule an interview when required.
3. Provide the passport and evidence requested to establish the trip purpose, funds, and intention to depart.

[Start the official DS-160 visitor-visa application](https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/)

## Useful links

- [HTML evidence page](https://multipassrank.com/the-bahamas-united-states-visa)
- [The Bahamas passport access](https://multipassrank.com/passport/the-bahamas)
- [All passport requirements for United States](https://multipassrank.com/destination/united-states)
- [Dataset license](https://multipassrank.com/data-license)