1. Types of Visa and Related Regulations
There are two types of visas issued by The Bahamas, namely, Tourist Visa and Seaman Visa. Depending on the request of the applicant, one or multiple entries may be granted. The visa is generally valid for three months, and the period of stay is determined by the Bahamian immigration officer at the port of entry on the basis of the applicant's request.
Private individuals coming to the Bahamas may apply at the Bahamian Embassy in China, the Bahamian Embassy and Consulates in the United States (located in Washington, D.C., New York, Miami, etc.), or the British Embassy in China. Applicants must pass an interview with a visa officer to obtain a visa to travel to Pakistan.
In general, to apply for a visa to the Bahamas, you will need to bring your passport, travel itinerary, 3 photos, and proof of employment. In addition, Bahamian diplomatic offices (e.g., the U.S. Embassy and Consulates) and the British Embassy in China may have additional requirements.
Generally, the fee to apply for a single entry is $20-$25 per person, and multiple entries are $30-$35 per person. Please check with the relevant agency authorized to issue visas to Pakistan for specific fee requirements.
The visa officer will decide when to issue the visa based on your travel schedule and actual requirements.
2. ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS
To enter the Bahamas for tourism purposes, citizens, other than those of the United States and Canada, are required to hold a passport for a period of six (6) months or (at the same time) a visa for The Bahamas, as well as a return or onward air ticket plus proof of funds to pay for the trip. For Chinese travelers, both a valid passport and an entry visa are required. If using an e-ticket, a copy of the trip origin and ticket code will need to be presented to the Bahamas Immigration Department.
After the arrival of an aircraft or vessel in The Bahamas, if any passenger is stranded in The Bahamas due to various reasons for not being able to continue on the same mode of transportation to a destination outside The Bahamas (a third country), the person in charge of the aircraft or vessel or its agent is required to notify the nearest officer of The Bahamas Immigration Department immediately to inform him/her of the details. If the person in charge or agent fails to notify the Immigration Officer either by willful failure to report or by negligence without just cause, he/she will be deemed to have committed an offense under the Immigration Act.
3. Customs Regulations
Under what circumstances are travelers required to make entry and exit declarations?
Travelers entering The Bahamas are required to make a verbal declaration of all items carried and placed in their baggage, and if any items are subject to duty, they must complete a Carry-on Baggage Declaration (Form No. C-17). Blank Carry-on Baggage Declaration forms are available at the Customs Control Area. Travelers from the same family arriving together may complete one declaration. (A photocopy of the Carry-on Baggage Declaration can be obtained during your visit to the Bahamas)
What is the procedure for a traveler to make a declaration?
On arrival at the Customs Control Area, each traveler is required to present all personal baggage to the Customs Officer on site for inspection. The customs officer will ask brief questions and the traveler will be given ample opportunity to declare his/her belongings. The customs officer will handle the entire process in a very professional manner and will try to avoid any altercations.
For ease of identification, customs officers wear uniforms. Male officers wear black pants and a white shirt (long or short sleeved) with a black or gold epaulette bearing the words "Bahamas Customs", while female officers wear a black skirt or pants with the same epaulette as the male officers.
What are the main items prohibited by Bahamas Customs?
There are a number of items the import and export of which are restricted or prohibited under the relevant Bahamian Customs legislation. The Islands of The Bahamas
The main items in the restricted category are:
Fireworks, firecrackers, except those deemed by the auditor to be non-dangerous;
Whisky, brandy, except those which are accompanied by a certificate of origin and where there is evidence which leads the auditor to believe that the goods have been placed in casks for a period of at least three years since the date of shipment from the factory;
Trailers used for residential, office, workshop or similar purposes, caravans, unless approved by special authorization from the relevant PA authorities.
Other articles which, in the opinion of the Customs Officer, require restrictive measures.
The prohibited categories of articles are, inter alia:
All articles the import or export of which is currently prohibited under the laws of The Bahamas;
Any article engraved with a design similar to that of currency (bills, coins) being circulated in The Bahamas or elsewhere;
Reproductions of authors' personal works of which the author has notified the auditors under Section 22 of the Copyright Act;
obscene prints, paintings, photographs, books, cards, lithographs or other engravings, or any other objectionable articles;
meat, grains, fruits, vegetables, or other articles unfit for human consumption;
margarine cheese, margarine, or other similar substitutes for cream, even if invoiced as "cream";
martine cheese, margarine, or other similar substitutes for cream, even if invoiced as "cream"; and "
Items of Kuwaiti or Iraqi origin, or items exported from Kuwait prior to August 2, 1990, even if not of Kuwaiti origin;
Exports of sponges, fish, conch, and other marine species, flora and fauna, are subject to the approval of the Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Local Government (Tel: 325-7502, 325-7537; Fax: 322-7537; Fax: 322-7537; Tel: 322-7537; Tel: 322-7537; Fax: 322-7537); and -7537; fax: 322-1767) for special licenses and permits. To avoid delays, official licenses should be obtained prior to the actual date of export.
Other articles the import or export of which is prohibited in the opinion of the Customs official as to reason.
What happens to travelers carrying prohibited items?
Once an incoming traveler is deemed to be carrying prohibited goods, the Customs officer present will explain the relevant laws and take him/her to the appropriate authorities. Under no circumstances will the contraband be allowed into The Bahamas for domestic sale or use.
What are the rules regarding duty-free allowances?
A. For returning residents entering The Bahamas (defined as residents returning from a trip somewhere outside The Bahamas who have stayed for more than one year prior to their departure from The Bahamas):
All household goods, clothing, personal adornment, toilet hygiene products and similar items that need to be proven to have been taken out of The Bahamas by the person.
Alcoholic beverages limited to no more than one quart of spirits and one quart of wine (adults only).
Tobacco not exceeding two pounds in weight, or not more than 200 cigarettes, or not more than 50 cigars (adults only).
The duty-free limit for any other item is $100, or $500 if you have been out of the Bahamas for one year or more.
B. For non-returning residents entering The Bahamas:
All articles of baggage not intended for sale (including articles owned by an individual and used abroad).
Alcoholic beverages, limited to no more than one quart of spirits and one quart of wine (adults only).
Tobacco weighing no more than two pounds, or no more than 200 cigarettes, or no more than 50 cigars (adults only).
Other items not exceeding $100 in value.
C. Items imported by a charitable organization for charitable purposes only, as approved by the appropriate authorities.
D. Items given as gifts to the Government of Pakistan.
E, Collections and works of art of collectors delivered to public **** galleries, museums and other public **** venues for the purpose of exhibition and not for re-sale.
F. Patterns, models, wallpapers and other visual aids used solely for exhibition and teaching purposes in public or private educational, scientific and cultural institutions (subject to the approval of the relevant authorities); and scientific research instruments, apparatus, equipment, etc. imported solely for scientific research purposes or for use in schools and other educational and cultural institutions (subject to the approval of the relevant authorities). Bahamas
What are the special restrictions on ordering and exporting small quantities of tourist souvenirs?
Currently there are no restrictions under Bahamian Customs regulations on the export of small quantities of manufactured tourist souvenirs. However, due to the presence of U.S. Customs checkpoints at Nassau International Airport and Freeport International Airport, travelers transiting through the U.S. are required to provide an explanation to U.S. authorities as to the condition or origin of the souvenirs in their possession.
When and where are travelers subject to inspection?
Travelers entering The Bahamas are subject to customs inspection. Normally, travelers are required to present their carry-on baggage for inspection by a Customs officer present in person or with the assistance of a porter. The entire process will be conducted in a dignified, professional and transparent manner. If there is correct information, conclusive evidence and reliable sources to prove that a traveler is in possession of items that cannot be cleared through customs, the customs officer may conduct a physical inspection, at which point the traveler will be temporarily taken to a secure, secluded area for inspection.
What are the rights of a traveler undergoing an inspection? What if I am not satisfied with the service provided by the customs officer?
Under Section 101 of The Bahamas Customs Administration Act, firstly, only female Customs Officers may physically search a female traveler; secondly, a traveler being inspected may request an immediate audience with a Justice of the Peace or a Customs Officer of a rank not below that of Inspector of Customs, who will consider the reasons for the previous suspicion of the traveler before deciding whether or not to proceed with the inspection. If an article contrary to customs regulations is found on the traveler's person or in his luggage, the article must be confiscated immediately.
Residence PolicyWorking and Studying
1. What kind of work do Chinese people mainly do locally: Chinese people mainly work in the service industry such as catering, laundry, hairdressing and maintenance.
2. Procedures for applying for a work permit and what to do:
What is a work permit and a residence permit?
A work permit is a license issued to a foreigner who intends to engage in a profit-making activity in The Bahamas and is eligible to apply for one. A Residence Permit is a permit issued to a qualified foreigner who intends to reside temporarily in The Bahamas without engaging in a profit-making activity, usually a family member of the foreigner holding the Work Permit. Both work and residence permits are issued by the Immigration Department, which also has the right to revoke them.
What are the procedures to be followed if I wish to apply for a profitable job in The Bahamas?
Applicants are required to complete an Application for Residence or Profit Making Employment form.
Applicants are required to provide such evidence as the Immigration Committee may deem necessary to prove the moral fitness of themselves and their dependents, in particular a certificate from the Police Department stating that they have a clean record for the last five years.
Applicants are required to provide a health certificate for the last 30 days for themselves and their relatives issued by a medical institution and acceptable to the Immigration Board, as well as details of their health status if deemed necessary by the Board.
Written references from previous employers. Photocopies of any qualifications that will assist in the application.
Letter from new employer with:
a. Notice of job opening from the Department of Labor
b. Copy of newspaper job advertisement with responses and results of interviews, if any.
Applicants are required to provide two recent photographs with their signature on the back.
Provide such other details as the Immigration Committee may deem important The Bahamas Immigration Department, based on the application, decides whether or not to issue a Work Permit.
What are the procedures to be followed if I wish to reside in The Bahamas but do not intend to engage in any gainful employment?
Applicants are required to produce a declaration stating that they will not engage in any gainful employment while in The Bahamas.
Applicants are required to fill out questions 1-20, 30-35 of the "Application for Residence or Profitable Employment" form.
Certificate from the police department stating that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime in the last five years.
Applicants must provide a health certificate from a medical institution acceptable to the Immigration Board for the last 30 days for themselves and their relatives, and details of their health status if deemed necessary by the Board.
The applicant must provide two recent photographs with his/her signature on the back.
Applicants are required to provide two character certificates.
Based on the application, the Bahamas Immigration Department decides whether or not to issue a Permit to Remain.
How long does it normally take to apply for a Work/Residence Permit? What is the application fee?
Applying for a Work/Residence Permit generally takes about one month. The application fee is $29 (including a $4 stamp fee).
How much does it cost to get a work/residence permit?
For work permits, the fee varies depending on the level of the job (there are 12 levels of jobs in the Bahamas) and the duration. The first level of work is $5,000.00 and the twelfth level of work is $25.00. Residence permit fees also vary but are generally lower than work permit fees.
Can I work for profit in The Bahamas on a Residence Permit?
Foreigners with a Residence Permit without a Work Permit who wish to work for profit must first apply for a Work Permit from the Department of Immigration. Those who violate this requirement will be held legally liable.
What happens to my work permit if I no longer work for my employer?
If a work permit holder is no longer employed by an employer, the work permit must be returned to the Department of Immigration for cancellation within 7 days of the cessation of employment. Otherwise, the work permit will be deemed to be automatically canceled after 7 days. Work permit holders are required to report any change of address to the Immigration Department within 14 days after the cessation of the employment relationship. Failure to comply with the above requirements is subject to a fine not exceeding US$100.
Who cannot engage in for-profit activities in The Bahamas?
No one is allowed to engage in a for-profit activity in The Bahamas except for the following 6 persons: (1) A citizen of The Bahamas. (2) Permanent residents of The Bahamas whose permanent residency permits them to engage in for-profit activities. (3) Foreign diplomatic and consular personnel in The Bahamas. (4) Persons holding positions in the Government of The Bahamas. (5) Persons holding a valid work permit. (6) Persons other than those specifically approved by the Minister of Labor and Immigration.
3. Major Colleges and Universities and Their Websites
The College of the Bahamas is the only institution of higher learning in the country, and currently only grants undergraduate degrees. The College of The Bahamas is proposed to be upgraded to the University of The Bahamas in 2007.
Immigration and Nationality Policy
1. What are the requirements for permanent residence in The Bahamas? The Islands of The Bahamas
The applicant is not less than 18 years of age;
He is of good character;
At the time of application, he/she has stated why he/she wishes to reside permanently in The Bahamas.
On the basis of the application, the Immigration Committee decides whether or not to grant the applicant a Certificate of Permanent Residence. At the same time, the Board may impose the condition that the applicant shall not engage in any profit-making activity in The Bahamas without obtaining the relevant work permit.
2. What is the procedure to be followed if I wish to obtain Permanent Resident status in The Bahamas?
If your spouse is a non-Bahamian citizen, you will need to:
Complete the Permanent Resident Permit Application Form in duplicate;
Certified copy of birth certificate;
If the applicant is a married woman, a certified copy of the marriage certificate;
Certificate of No Criminal Record from the Police Department;
2 Signed passport photo on the back;
A one dollar stamp.
If your spouse is a citizen of The Bahamas, it is necessary to:
Complete an Application for Permanent Residence Permit in duplicate;
Certified copy of birth certificate;
Certified copy of spouse's birth certificate;
Certified copy of marriage certificate;
If the spouse has become a citizen of The Bahamas by virtue of Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution Bahamian citizen under Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution;
A certified copy of the spouse's father's birth certificate and a certified copy of the spouse's parents' marriage certificate;
If the spouse became a citizen of The Bahamas through naturalization, registration, etc., a certified copy of the spouse's certificate of naturalization, registration, citizenship;
Certificate of a clean record from a police station;
One-dollar Stamps.
3. What are the qualifications required to apply for the Certificate of Permanent Residence of the Spouse of a Palestinian Citizen?
Applicants must be:
Married to a citizen of The Bahamas from the date of application;
Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of The Bahamas;
Residing with their spouses by order of a court;
Male and have lived with their spouses for a continuous period of not less than five (5) years;
The Immigration Committee, based on the application, will decide whether or not to grant the applicant a Certificate of Permanent Residence to the spouse of a Bahamian citizen. Whether to grant the applicant a Certificate of Permanent Residence to the spouse of a Palestinian citizen. The Board may not impose any conditions that restrict the holder of the Certificate of Permanent Residence of the Spouse of a Palestinian Citizen from engaging in any profit-making activities in the country.
4. Can the wife or children of a permanent resident enjoy permanent residence in the country?
Once the Certificate of Permanent Residence has been issued to the applicant, the Board of Immigration may, at its sole discretion, decide whether the Certificate of Permanent Residence is applicable to the wife or dependent children of the applicant. At the same time, the Board may impose the condition that the applicant's wife or dependent children may not engage in any profit-making activity in the country without obtaining a relevant work permit.
5. How long is the Certificate of Permanent Residence valid?
The Certificate of Permanent Residence is valid for the lifetime of the holder unless it is revoked midway in accordance with the relevant laws.
6. What are the qualifications if I wish to become a citizen of The Bahamas?
The applicant must intend to reside permanently in The Bahamas and must satisfy both of the following conditions:
The applicant has either resided de facto in The Bahamas or has rendered services to the Government of The Bahamas, or both, for a total of not less than six (6) years in the preceding twelve (12) months; and
During the nine (9) years immediately preceding the twelve (12) month period referred to above the applicant either has resided in The Bahamas or has rendered services to the Government of The Bahamas for a total of not less than six (6) years. service for a total of not less than six (6) years;
be of good character;
be proficient in the English language and be able to assume the responsibilities of being a citizen of The Bahamas;
be determined to continue to reside in The Bahamas or to continue to serve the Government of The Bahamas, if the application is approved.
7. If I am eligible for naturalization, can I register as a Bahamian citizen?
When one is eligible for naturalization, he/she must also renounce his/her previous citizenship and, if he/she is a non-Commonwealth citizen, he/she must take the Oath of Allegiance. If the law of the applicant's country of residence precludes the renunciation of citizenship of origin, the applicant may make a declaration regarding the issue of citizenship of origin. The Minister of Labour and Immigration determines whether or not to grant Bahamian citizenship to a foreigner (other than a Commonwealth country) and, if so, a Certificate of Naturalization is issued and the applicant becomes a citizen of The Bahamas as of the date of issuance of the Certificate of Naturalization.
8. Can a minor be naturalized?
In exceptional cases, the Minister of Labour and Immigration of The Bahamas may, at his discretion, naturalize any minor.
9. On what grounds can the Bahamian Immigration Department refuse an applicant's request for naturalization?
The Bahamian Immigration Department will deny an applicant's request for naturalization if the applicant has any of the following circumstances:
If during the five years preceding the date of the application, the applicant has engaged in criminal activity in any country, for which he or she has been sentenced to the death penalty or to imprisonment for a term of not less than twelve (12) months and has not been granted an amnesty;
If he or she has engaged in activities, whether in the country or outside of it, that are detrimental to the security of the Bahamian State or to the laws and regulations, public **** order, or to the public interest.
Has been adjudicated bankrupt or declared bankrupt in accordance with the relevant laws and has not yet settled his/her debts;
Has no relatives among the citizens of the Republic of Pakistan and does not have sufficient means of subsistence that may become a burden to the public ****.
10. Are there any special provisions for Chinese in the various immigration laws and regulations in The Bahamas?
No.