Bahamas entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenyan passport holders can visit the Bahamas for up to 90 days without a visa. This visa-free arrangement is in place for 2026, making it straightforward for tourism or short business trips. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in the Bahamas. Immigration officers at Nassau and Freeport check this at the counter. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Bahamas | Immigration will ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines flying into Nassau check this at check-in too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers at the desk sometimes ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during the visit. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in the Bahamas, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
No extensions — plan your exit
The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
Most visitors fly into Nassau. After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. The queue moves quickly, but peak times (late afternoon) can be slower.
2
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport, boarding pass, and any supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking). The officer will check your passport validity and may ask about your plans. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a date showing how long you can stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter — if it's wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Customs is straightforward for most tourists — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Bahamas Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
No visa needed for tourism; this option is redundant.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
Visa-free entry already allows multiple entries within 90-day limit.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (apply through Bahamas Immigration)
For work or study, a separate permit is required; not a visa alternative.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (application fee varies)
For those with a job offer in Bahamas. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100–$200 USD (application fee)
For enrollment in an accredited Bahamian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor/Entrepreneur Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000–$5,000 USD (depending on investment)
For individuals investing a minimum of $500,000 in Bahamian business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers single entry; no separate visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within 90-day period. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not permitted for visa-free stays. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$50 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Bahamas
No transit visa needed
Kenya passport holders transiting through Bahamas do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsLynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), Nassau · Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO), Freeport
Health & vaccines for Bahamas
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk present year-round, especially in urban areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nassau
Bahamas Department of Immigration
P.O. Box N-831, Nassau, Bahamas
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa and permit inquiries; extensions not available for visa-free stays.
Freeport
Freeport Immigration Office
East Mall Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for Grand Bahama; no extensions for visa-free stays.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalNassau
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyBahamian dollar (BSD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 BSD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat pins) and Type B (two flat pins with grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled or filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. If you overstay, you risk fines or being banned from re-entry. Plan your trip accordingly.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a transit visa for certain nationalities. For most Kenyan passport holders, a short layover is fine without one.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Bahamian immigration. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before booking travel.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit before you travel.
There's no official requirement to show proof of funds, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is a good idea.
No, there's no arrival declaration required for Kenyan passport holders. You just fill out the standard immigration card on the plane or at the airport.
The official currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), which is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted everywhere, so you don't need to exchange money. ATMs dispense both.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.