How Nigerians Can Get a Visa to The Bahamas
About The Bahamas
The Bahamas is a coral-based archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, it is listed as an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Its capital is Nassau on the island of New Providence. The Bahamas were the site of Columbus' first landfall in the New World in 1492 and became a British Crown colony in 1718. It became an independent Commonwealth realm in 1973, retaining Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch.
In terms of gross domestic product per capita, the Bahamas is one of the richest countries in the Americas (following the United States and Canada), with an economy based on tourism and finance. Its 700-plus islands and cays range from uninhabited to packed with resorts. The northernmost, Grand Bahama, and Paradise Island, home to many large-scale hotels, are among the best known. The Bahamian dollar is its official currency and English the official language.
Types of Visa
The Bahamas is majorly a tourist and finance nation, as such there are two basic visa types.
1. Business visa
2. Tourism visa
Where to Go
It is important to note that there really isn’t a Bahamian embassy or consulate in Nigeria. This is probably due to the fact that there is very high traffic of tourists into the Bahamas. Therefore, being selective about what nation should host its embassy seems like a well thought out plan in restricting access into its borders.
To apply for a Bahamian visa there are two means through which this can be done.
The first and advisable (depending on the level of resources at your disposal though) is to apply directly through the British Embassy in Nigeria. It is one of the Bahamas representatives, providing assistance for those who want to travel to the Bahamas. So application for a Bahamian visa from Nigeria can be done at a British embassy, high commission or consulate in Abuja or Lagos.
The other means is to travel as a visitor to any country that has a Bahamas embassy stationed there such as New York USA, Ottawa Canada and major Western Countries.
British High Commission Abuja
19 Torrens Close, Mississippi, Abuja, Nigeria.
Phone: +234-9-4622200
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website:https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-high-commission-abuja
British Deputy High Commission Lagos
11 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
Phone: +234-1-2770780, +234-1-2770781, +234-1-2770782
Email: [email protected]
Requirements
Travelling to the Bahamas could prove to be so much fun, but of course like most travel trips it is dependent on how much preparation is made towards the journey. Below are some items you would need to provide if you intend putting in an application for a Bahamian business visa.
One Bahamian Visa application form should be completely filled and signed.
Original passport and one photocopy of information page. The passport should be valid for 6 months beyond stay and with at least one blank passport page available for visa stamp(s).
Passport photograph (2 x 2) with a plain/light background.
Letter from employer or sponsoring company written on company letterhead, introducing the applicant, indicating the applicant's employment status/position held in the company, and clearly stating the purpose of visit to Bahamas.
Trade register excerpt or the like (for self-employed).
Business bank statement for the latest 6 months
Original invitation letter, signed by the inviting company on the company letter paper, providing information about the nature of the business to be conducted, travel data, name, passport number of the invitee, specifying the type and desired validity of the visa (i.e. a one year multiple entry business visa)
Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Bahamas.
An official business letter to support your application.
Flight Itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and departure from Bahamas.
Accommodation/hotel reservation for the whole duration of the intended stay in Bahamas.
A proof of your civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse if applicable).
The application fee has to be the EXACT amount and only in U.S. dollars in the form of a bank draft, a bank money order or a postal money order made payable to The Bahamas High Commission.
For further information, please call or visit the official website of the British High Commission, or you could make a stop at the British embassy or consulate here in Nigeria.
