Diplomatic, Foreign and Government Staff Visa Requirements

Failure to submit all requested documents will result in the delay/return of application until all requirements are met. 

There are two types of visa which could be issued to the foreign officials and diplomatic staff of diplomatic/ consular missions and international organizations:

• Official/diplomatic visa – gratis
• Tourist visa – visa fee paid by the applicant

Original Passport must be submitted at the time of application to complete processing.

Official/Diplomatic Visa

Diplomatic staff members of diplomatic/consular missions and international organizations accredited to Canada, and Government officials are eligible for a gratis visa if they are attending an official event or travelling on a working visit to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Required Documents

• Diplomatic Note outlining:
  • The name(s) of the traveller(s)
  • The date of departure from Canada
  • The reason for the journey, a copy of the invitation letter is to be included
  • The date of return to Canada
• Letter of Invitation from Organizers of official event outlining:
  • The name of the travelling officer
  • The itinerary of the travelling officer
  • The date and location of event
    • Those travelling on working visit must submit a letter from host outlining work period in The Bahamas

Accompanying family members who are not formally invited to the event must apply for a tourist visa, if required.

• Proof of Return: Confirmed airline itinerary in the applicant’s name.
• Original Passport: Original Passport must be submitted at the time of application to complete processing.  The expiry date of the passport must be not be under 3 months after returning from The Bahamas if travelling direct from Canada; and 6 months after returning from The Bahamas if travelling in transit through United States.
• Proof of Canadian Status: Applicant must provide proof of  official status in Canada with an Official (Diplomatic) Acceptance letter from Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
• Other Visas: Applicant must verify if additional visas are required to enter or transit through countries en route to and from The Bahamas. All required visas must be obtained prior to the submission of application. The expiry date of the visas should be valid after return date from The Bahamas
• Colour Photograph: Two U.S. Visa-sized photographs, taken within 6 months of the application.
• Courier Envelope: A pre-paid courier envelope to return your document(s) to the applicant(s).

Once ALL of the requested items have been submitted, it will take the High Commission at least 14 working days to process a visa. Processing time does not include return courier delivery time.

Tourist Visa

Foreign officials, diplomatic staff members of diplomatic/consular missions and international organizations accredited to Canada, and government officials who are travelling for personal reasons MUST apply for a tourist visa.

For information and requirements for a tourist visa, please see the General Visa Requirements.