The Bahamas Seaman's Visa is a specialized visa for crewmen on ships, yachts, or shipping lines operating in Bahamian waters. The visa allows seamen to enter and exit the Bahamas without a normal tourist or business visa for work. Whether you are a commercial mariner, yacht crew, or shipping crew, a Seaman's Visa is needed to work legally in the Bahamas.

Who Needs a Bahamas Seaman’s Visa?

A Bahamas Seaman’s Visa is required for:

• Crew members of commercial ships – Cargo ships, oil tankers, and passenger vessels.
• Yacht crew members – Those working on private or charter yachts.
• Fishermen and maritime workers – Engaged in offshore or deep-sea fishing activities.
• Offshore oil and gas workers – Technicians and engineers working on rigs.
• Maritime security personnel – Security officers assigned to vessels.

Types of Bahamas Seaman’s Visas

The Bahamas offers different types of Seaman’s Visas based on the duration and nature of employment:

Eligibility Requirements for the Bahamas Seaman’s Visa

To qualify for a Bahamas Seaman’s Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be employed as a seafarer or maritime worker.
• Must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity.
• Must provide a letter from the shipping company, yacht owner, or employer confirming employment.
• Must have a valid Seaman’s Book or Crew Identification Card.
• Must submit proof of travel arrangements or ship itinerary.

Required Documents for the Bahamas Seamans Visa

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents to ensure a smooth visa application process:

• Valid passport – The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay to meet immigration requirements.
• Passport-sized photo – The photo must meet Bahamas visa specifications (2×2 inches, neutral expression, white background) to be accepted.
• Passport bio-data and signature pages – Copies of the pages showing personal details and signature, proving identity and nationality. These pages must be clear and legible.
• Police Report (less than 6 months old) – Confirms the applicant has no serious criminal record, ensuring they meet the security requirements for entry. Reports older than six months may not be accepted.
• Medical Certificate (less than 6 months old) – Proves the applicant is fit for work at sea and does not have any health conditions that could pose a risk. This is crucial for those working in maritime roles.
• Previous Bahamas visas (if applicable) – At least three past visas are needed for multiple-entry consideration, showing the applicant’s history of compliance with Bahamian visa rules.
• Ship or Boat registration – Confirms the vessel is legally registered and authorized for operation, ensuring it meets the necessary maritime regulations.
• Proof of Ship or Boat ownership – Required if the applicant owns the vessel, demonstrating that the applicant has legitimate ownership and responsibility for the ship.
• Temporary cruising permit – Issued by Bahamas Customs for vessels visiting Bahamian waters, allowing the vessel to operate legally within the country.
• Dockage fee receipt – Proof of payment to the Bahamas Port Department for docking, verifying that all port fees have been settled before entry.

Application Process for a Bahamas Seaman’s Visa

The process of obtaining a Bahamas Seaman’s Visa includes the following steps:

1. Prepare the Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including employment proof and travel itinerary.
2. Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted online through the Bahamas eVisa portal, uploading digital copies of required documents.
3. Pay the Visa Fee: Applicants must pay the required fee based on the type of visa selected (single or multiple entry).
4. Wait for Processing and Receive the Visa: Once approved, the visa will be issued either electronically (for eVisa applicants) or as a stamped visa in the passport.

Validity and Duration of the Bahamas Seaman’s Visa

The validity of a Bahamas Seaman’s Visa depends on whether it is a Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry visa. Each type serves different maritime employment needs and travel frequencies.

Single-Entry Seaman’s Visa

The Single-Entry Seaman’s Visa is valid for a one-time entry into the Bahamas. It is issued for the duration of the seafarer’s assignment, typically up to 90 days. This visa is ideal for short-term contracts or one-time crew transfers. Once the seafarer departs from the Bahamas, the visa becomes invalid, and a new application is required for future entry.

3-Month Multiple-Entry Seaman’s Visa

The 3-Month Multiple-Entry Seaman’s Visa allows seafarers to enter and exit the Bahamas multiple times within a three-month period. This option is suitable for those with short-term maritime contracts requiring frequent travel to and from the country. Crew members working on vessels that make repeated stops in Bahamian waters may find this visa beneficial.

6-Month Multiple-Entry Seaman’s Visa

The 6-Month Multiple-Entry Seaman’s Visa grants seafarers the flexibility to travel in and out of the Bahamas for six months. This visa is useful for mid-term assignments where crew members need regular access to Bahamian ports. It reduces the need for frequent visa applications, making it a convenient choice for maritime workers with extended yet temporary work schedules.

1-Year Multiple-Entry Seaman’s Visa

The 1-Year Multiple-Entry Seaman’s Visa is designed for seafarers on long-term maritime contracts who need frequent access to the Bahamas. It allows multiple entries over a one-year period, making it ideal for crew members working on cruise ships, cargo vessels, or offshore assignments that require repeated travel to Bahamian waters. This visa provides maximum flexibility for seafarers with continuous work engagements in the Bahamas.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection of the Bahamas Seaman’s Visa

The process of Applying for a Bahamas Seaman's Visa is a meticulous one. One mistake or missing information can cause the visa to be rejected. Some of the reasons listed below are among the most usual and common reasons for applications being denied:

• Incomplete or Incorrect Application – If one fails to complete all of the fields asked or gives inaccurate information, they will be rejected. Double-check all information before making an application.
• Insufficient Supporting Documents – Missing a mandatory document like a valid passport, work agreement, or seafarer document can lead to rejection.
• Failure to Meet Eligibility Requirements – If the applicant is unable to meet a Seaman's Visa eligibility, for instance, by not being a crew or mariner, the visa will be rejected.
• Expired or Invalid Passport – The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the planned duration of stay. An expired or soon-to-be-expired passport may result in rejection.
• Photograph Requirements Mistakes – The photograph enclosed with the application for a visa must meet certain size, background, and facial expression requirements. Poor-quality photographs or photos not meeting the standards may lead to delays or denial.
• Previous Overstaying Visa – A track record of overstay of previous visas in the Bahamas by the applicant may result in denial of subsequent applications.
• Provision of False or Fictitious Documents – Provision of any false information or fictitious documents will result in absolute rejection and future travel prohibition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bahamas Seaman’s Visa? Who needs a Bahamas Seaman’s Visa? Do I need a medical certificate for this visa? Can I work in the Bahamas with a Seaman’s Visa? Can I extend my Bahamas Seaman’s Visa? What happens if my Seaman’s Visa expires? Do I need to show proof of ship or boat ownership? What should I do if my Bahamas Seaman’s Visa application is denied?

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in April 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.