UK ETA Requirements for Bahamas Citizens
Everything Bahamian travellers need to visit or transit the UK with an ETA in 2025.
Do Bahamas citizens need a UK ETA?
Citizens of The Bahamas are eligible to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits and airport transit. The ETA is a digital pre-travel authorisation linked to your passport and does not permit paid work.
Fee
£16 per person (paid online).
Validity
Up to 2 years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
Stay & entries
Multiple entries; up to 6 months per visit under visitor rules.
Processing time
Often within hours; allow up to 3 working days.
Requirements for Bahamas applicants
Valid Bahamian biometric passport
Travel with the same passport you used to apply.
Recent digital photo
Plain light background, neutral expression, no glare.
Email address
For confirmation and decision updates.
Payment method
Debit/credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay £16.
What Bahamas nationals can do on an ETA
| Allowed (examples) | Not allowed |
| Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending events as a visitor. | Paid work, self-employment, providing services to UK clients. |
| Business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations. | Long-term assignments, internships or training with pay. |
| Short study (≤ 6 months) at accredited providers; airport transit. | Activities outside visitor rules or overstaying the permitted duration. |
If your plans include paid employment or longer-term activity, apply for an appropriate UK visa instead of using an ETA.
How to apply (quick steps for Bahamas citizens)
Open the UK ETA app or web portal
Create an account or sign in.
Scan or enter passport; upload photo
Use NFC scanning in the app if available.
Answer eligibility questions
Choose your purpose: tourism, business or transit.
Pay the £16 fee & submit
You’ll receive a confirmation email.
Wait for approval
Many decisions arrive within hours; allow up to 3 working days.
UK ETA – FAQ for Bahamas Citizens
Yes, citizens of The Bahamas will need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK for short stays, including tourism, business, or transit. Without an approved ETA, entry will not be permitted. You will need a valid Bahamian passport, a recent digital photo, an email address for notifications, and a payment method such as a debit or credit card to pay the ETA fee. Yes, the UK ETA is typically valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple short visits during its validity. Yes, all Bahamian travelers, including infants and children, must have their own approved ETA before traveling to the UK. With a UK ETA, you can visit the UK for tourism, family visits, short business meetings, conferences, or transit. The ETA does not permit paid work or long-term stays. It is recommended to apply for your ETA before booking your travel to the UK. Most applications are processed quickly, but applying early helps avoid any travel disruptions. If your ETA application is refused, you may reapply or consider applying for a different type of UK visa, depending on your travel purpose. Your Bahamian passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK. It is best to renew your passport if it is close to expiring before applying for an ETA.Do Bahamas citizens need a UK ETA to visit the United Kingdom?
What documents do I need to apply for a UK ETA as a Bahamas citizen?
Can I use my UK ETA for multiple trips from The Bahamas?
Are children from The Bahamas also required to have a UK ETA?
What activities are allowed in the UK with an ETA for Bahamas citizens?
How soon should I apply for my UK ETA before traveling from The Bahamas?
What should I do if my ETA application is refused?
Can I enter the UK if my Bahamian passport is about to expire?
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