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Special Permit

BahamasShort stays and visits

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Explore pathways in Bahamas Read the five questions ↓

For the relevant traveller scope, is a visa, electronic authorisation, visa on arrival or no advance visa normally required?

This route applies only to people on the Department of Immigration's 'Restricted List', typically persons lawfully deported or removed from the country. They must apply in advance for special permission from the Director of Immigration, which if approved is granted as a Special Permit.

See recorded sources
  • Page introduction
    The Department of Immigration maintains a “Restricted List,” which contains the names of individuals who must obtain special permission to enter The Bahamas. Typically, this list comprises persons who have been lawfully deported or removed from the country.
  • Page introduction
    If someone on the “Restricted List” wishes to visit The Bahamas, they must apply for special permission from the Director of Immigration. If approved, this permission is granted in the form of a “Special Permit.” The permit is issued for a specific purpose and is valid for a maximum of 28 days, at the discretion of the Director.
  • Eligibility:
    Eligibility: Any non-Bahamian visitor whose name appears on the “Restricted List” is eligible to apply.

What short-visit purposes does this route cover?

The Special Permit is for a person on the Restricted List who wishes to visit The Bahamas, and it is issued for a specific purpose at the discretion of the Director.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The page does not list which purposes are accepted or refused.
  • The page does not say whether a Special Permit can cover work, study or any activity beyond a visit.
  • Page introduction
    If someone on the “Restricted List” wishes to visit The Bahamas, they must apply for special permission from the Director of Immigration. If approved, this permission is granted in the form of a “Special Permit.” The permit is issued for a specific purpose and is valid for a maximum of 28 days, at the discretion of the Director.

What maximum stay, rolling-period rule, validity and entry rules apply?

The Special Permit is valid for a maximum of 28 days, at the discretion of the Director. The official source does not state how many entries the permit allows.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The page does not say whether the permit allows one entry or several.
  • The page states no rolling-period rule and no limit on how often a Special Permit may be sought.
  • The page does not say what period is actually granted below the 28-day maximum.
  • Page introduction
    If someone on the “Restricted List” wishes to visit The Bahamas, they must apply for special permission from the Director of Immigration. If approved, this permission is granted in the form of a “Special Permit.” The permit is issued for a specific purpose and is valid for a maximum of 28 days, at the discretion of the Director.

What important funds, accommodation, invitation, insurance, onward-travel or passport evidence may be required?

The holder must carry the Special Permit at all times while in The Bahamas and surrender it on departure. The application requires a valid, signed and legible copy of the biographical passport page with at least six months of remaining validity, an original police certificate issued no earlier than six months before the application covering five years of residence, and two written references, one from the applicant's employer. The official source does not state any funds, accommodation, invitation, insurance or onward-travel requirement.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The page states no requirement for funds, accommodation, an invitation, insurance or onward travel.
  • The page does not say what the holder must show to immigration officers at the border beyond carrying the permit.
  • Page introduction
    Once issued, holders of a Special Permit must carry it with them at all times while in The Bahamas. The permit must also be surrendered upon departure from the country.
  • Special Entry Permit Application Requirements:
    Passport Copy: A valid, signed, and legible copy of the applicant’s biographical passport page, with at least six (6) months of remaining validity.
  • Special Entry Permit Application Requirements:
    Police Certificate: The applicant’s original police certificate, issued no earlier than six (6) months before the application date, covering five years of residence. This is required for individuals aged 14 and older.
  • Special Entry Permit Application Requirements:
    References: Two (2) written references, one of which must be from the applicant’s employer.

Where/how is permission obtained when required, and under what important circumstances can a stay be extended or changed?

The applicant submits a request letter with all required documents to the Customer Service & Enrollment Section of the Department of Immigration, together with a $200.00 non-refundable processing fee payable by credit or debit card, postal or money order, or bank-certified cheque. The official source does not state whether a Special Permit can be extended.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The page does not say whether a Special Permit can be extended or renewed beyond the 28-day maximum.
  • The page states no processing time and no deadline for applying before travel.
  • The page does not say whether the application can be made online or must be submitted in person.
  • Application Process:
    Application Process: Submit a request letter, along with all required documents, to the Customer Service & Enrollment Section of the Department of Immigration.
  • Special Entry Permit Application Requirements:
    Processing Fee: $200.00 (non-refundable), payable by credit/debit card, postal/money orders, or bank-certified cheque.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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