This guide is based on the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) pages and the Bahamas High Commission in Ottawa. Fees and timelines differ between those sources and change over time, so confirm the current figures at mofa.gov.bs or with the Passport Office before you pay or book travel.
What Is a Bahamian Passport?
A Bahamian passport is the travel and identity document the Bahamas government issues to its citizens. Current passports are biometric ePassports, and the Passport Office processes them through its ePassport system.
Who Can Apply for a Bahamian Passport?
You must be a citizen of The Bahamas to apply. The ministry lists the routes to citizenship, such as legal adoption by a Bahamian citizen in The Bahamas. If you are unsure whether you qualify, ask the Passport Office before you apply.
Documents Required
Exact lists depend on whether you are applying for the first time, renewing, or replacing a passport, and on your age. Common items include:
- A completed application form, plus a parent’s passport for a child’s application
- A child’s birth certificate or affidavit of birth for applicants from infancy to 18, and any affidavits of birth or name change must be registered with the Registrar General’s Office
- A passport photo taken no more than six months before you apply, and head coverings are not allowed unless for medical or religious reasons with a written request approved by the Passport Office
- Your NIB number, for online renewals
- A police report if the passport was lost or stolen
First-time applicants should check the exact documents for their situation with the Passport Office, particularly anyone born before 10 July 1973, as that group has its own list.
Why Accurate Personal Information Matters?
The Passport Office can ask other government agencies, or you, for more information to complete your application. Name and date-of-birth mismatches between your documents are a common cause of delay. Name change and birth affidavits must be registered with the Registrar General’s Office, so sort those out first. Replacing a damaged passport also means completing all the usual application requirements again.
How to Apply for a Passport?
For a first-time passport, expect to apply in person.
- Prepare documents and photo. Gather the items above.
- Complete the form. You can fill it out online or submit it at the Passport Office with your supporting documents.
- Attend enrollment. All applicants must appear in person at the Passport Office for enrollment. First-time applicants are interviewed by a passport interviewing officer.
- Pay the fee. The listed fees are $25 for applicants 15 and under and $50 for those 15½ and over. The Ottawa High Commission lists $25 for under 16 and $50 for 16 and over, so confirm the age cut-off with your office.
- Collect your passport. Return with your receipt to collect the new passport.
How to Renew?
An online portal handles ePassport renewals only. First-time applications, lost, stolen or damaged passports, and name changes must be done in person at an enrollment location.
For an online renewal:
- Complete the online form and pay the fees by credit or debit card.
- You will receive an email with your electronic receipt.
- The standard processing time is seven working days, and you must collect the passport in person at your chosen Passport Office or overseas office.
- For two-working-day processing at the New Providence office, an extra $200 is required.
- Passport processing fees are nonrefundable.
Someone who turns 18 holding a child’s ePassport can renew it as an adult.
Passport for a Child
- First passport: Bring the child’s birth certificate or registered affidavit of birth and a parent’s passport, along with the completed form (see Documents Required).
- Online renewal for a minor: The minor’s portal asks for the child’s existing passport data page, plus the mother’s or legal guardian’s valid passport data page, or the father’s passport data page with the marriage certificate if he is married to the mother.
- When collecting a minor’s passport, bring the old passport and the electronic application confirmation or receipt.
- The child fee is $25, as above.
What to Do If Your Bahamian Passport Is Lost or Stolen?
- Report it to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The Ottawa office says a formal police report and police certificate are needed to get a replacement.
- Apply in person at a Passport Office or overseas mission, because the online portal won’t handle lost, stolen or damaged passports.
- Fees are $50 for an adult and $25 for a minor, with $100 for a frequent traveller passport for those 16 and over.
- If the passport is damaged, the office verifies the original, copies it, and returns it to you before you complete the standard requirements.
- For emergency or compassionate cases needing an expedited passport, visit the nearest passport office.
If you are abroad and need to get home, the Bahamas High Commission in Ottawa says an Emergency Travel Document is valid for one-way travel into The Bahamas, and you must then apply for an ePassport on arrival. Other missions may have different rules.
How to Apply for a Bahamian Passport While Living Abroad?
Applications can be submitted at Bahamian embassies or consulates in Canada, China, London or the USA. Rules vary by mission:
- Ottawa: Applications are accepted only in person at the High Commission.
- Washington, D.C.: All services are by appointment only, and the Embassy points to the MOFA portal for ePassport renewals.
- Overseas collection: Renewals can be collected from an overseas office, and a subsidized courier fee of $35 has applied since 1 November 2024 for pickup outside The Bahamas.
- It is also worth registering with your nearest Bahamian overseas mission, so consular staff can find and help you in an emergency.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bahamian Passport?
Sources give different times:
- Online renewal: Seven working days is the standard.
- General processing in the Bahamas: Usually three to five weeks.
- Via the Ottawa High Commission: One page says 14 to 20 business days for lost, stolen, damaged, first-time adult and similar cases, while another says 12 weeks from enrollment, not counting courier time.
Allow generous time before travel and check the figure for your specific office.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
- Using the online portal for a lost, stolen, damaged or first-time application, which must be done in person.
- Submitting an old or non-compliant photo, such as one over six months old.
- Unregistered birth or name-change affidavits.
- Missing a parent’s passport or the marriage certificate on a minor’s application.
- Not getting a police report before a replacement application.
- Leaving too little time before travel.
- Paying by an unaccepted method, such as Ottawa’s bank-draft-only rule for emergency documents.
Bahamian Passport Application Checklist
- [ ] Confirm which application you need (first-time, renewal, replacement, minor)
- [ ] Completed application form
- [ ] Recent passport photo that meets the specifications
- [ ] Birth certificate or registered affidavit, plus any name-change papers
- [ ] Parent or guardian passport (and marriage certificate where required)
- [ ] NIB number for online renewal
- [ ] Police report if lost or stolen
- [ ] Old passport, to hand in or present
- [ ] Fee in an accepted payment method
- [ ] Appointment or enrollment booked, if needed
- [ ] Receipt kept for collection
FAQ
Can I renew online?
Yes, for ePassport renewals only. First-time, lost, stolen, damaged and name-change cases are in person.
How much does a passport cost?
The listed fees are $25 for a child and $50 for an adult, with $100 for a frequent traveller passport. Check the age cut-off and any extra fees.
Can I get it faster?
There is an expedite option. The renewal page lists $200 extra for two working days at the New Providence office.
Do I have to collect it in person?
For online renewals, yes, at your chosen Passport Office or overseas office.
Who can I contact?
The Passport Office lists +1 242 397 2300 and epassportoffice@bahamas.gov.bs. The ministry has also listed another number, 1 (242) 397 2388, on some pages.
Can I apply from India?
The listed missions are in Canada, China, London and the USA, so check with MOFA for the nearest option.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not an official source. Passport requirements, fees, processing times and procedures set by the Government of The Bahamas can change without notice, and they can differ between the Passport Office and individual overseas missions. Always confirm current details with the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.gov.bs), the Passport Office, or your nearest Bahamian embassy, high commission or consulate before you apply or pay any fees. We are not affiliated with the Government of The Bahamas, and we are not responsible for delays, rejected applications or losses that result from relying on this article.
