Eligibility of ETIAS

  • As a launch member, the Bahamas will be included in the ETIAS.
  • Citizens of the Bahamas will have the ability to apply for ETIAS starting in 2025.
  • An online application system for ETIAS will bring convenience to Bahaman citizens.

Other Requirements for ETIAS

  • Applying for ETIAS can be done online by Bahaman citizens.
  • ETIAS is valid for arrival to Europe by air, sea, or land.
  • A machine readable e-passport is required for tourists.
  • ETIAS is intended for travellers who plan to stay in Europe for a short period of time for tourism, business, transit, or medical reasons.
  • For applicants over the age of 70 or under 18, ETIAS will be provided at no cost.

From 2025, Bahaman citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS to be able to come into participating European countries for short-term stays of less than 90 days.

The ETIAS program has been implemented as a means of screening travellers arriving from abroad in response to the increasing threat of terrorist activity around the world.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is different from a traditional visa. A visa is a document that is issued by a country’s government and is required to be physically stamped or glued into a passport before a person can enter that country. 

ETIAS, on the other hand, is an electronic authorisation that allows travellers to enter the European Union for a short period of time for specific purposes, such as general tourism, business, transit or medical purposes. The ETIAS authorisation is electronically-linked to the  tourist’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport has expired.

In 2016, the ETIAS program was given the green light and it has taken four years to create the necessary infrastructure and systems that will be able to access existing immigration databases and security data to provide a smooth new screening process across the participating European countries.

As of 2025, Bahaman citizens must complete this electronic visa application before travelling to Europe by air, sea, or coach. This includes travellers who will only be passing through Europe on their way to other destinations.

Bahaman citizens who wish to enter Europe for more than 90 days, or for reasons other than those permitted under the ETIAS program, will need to apply for a Schengen visa. Additional information on this process can be found by visiting https://etias.co.uk/ and using the homepage assessment tool.

To ensure a smooth and efficient application process, it is recommended that Bahaman citizens complete their ETIAS application well in advance of their planned departure date, ideally at least 96 hours before. This will give travellers sufficient time to review the requirements and process of the ETIAS and make any necessary corrections or provide any additional information needed before the final submission. 

The application process can be done online, and it’s important to provide accurate and complete information to avoid any delays or rejection of the application. The ETIAS requirements page and ETIAS FAQ’s are excellent resources that provide detailed information on the application process, including the required documents, fees, and any other information that is needed. By reviewing these resources before starting the application process, travellers can be better prepared and increase their chances of a successful application.

As of 2025, it will be mandatory to hold full Bahaman citizenship in order to apply for an ETIAS. Therefore, travellers who possess a passport or travel document with a different status may need to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa instead of an ETIAS.

It’s important to note that ETIAS is only for travellers who want to stay in the European Union for a short period of time and for specific reasons, if you’re planning to stay longer or for other reasons you will have to apply for a Schengen Visa.

The ETIAS application process for Bahaman citizens is typically quick and efficient, with most applications being approved in a matter of minutes. Authorisations are sent via email in the form of a PDF document. Travellers won’t need to present any physical documents as the ETIAS authorisation is stored electronically and linked to the passport information stored in European Immigration databases.

Benefits of ETIAS

  • The ETIAS is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance.
  • Travellers can enter and exit the European Union multiple times within the 3 years of validity of the ETIAS, as long as they stay no longer than 90 days per entry and the passport remains valid and the ETIAS hasn’t been revoked.
  • The ETIAS authorisation process is fast and efficient. The authorisation will be delivered electronically, in the form of a PDF document, once the application is approved.
  • The ETIAS application can be completed on a variety of devices. It can be done on a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile device.

Application Advice for ETIAS

  • It is recommended that travelers submit their ETIAS application at least 4 days before their planned departure. This will ensure that the application is processed in time and the authorisation is received before the planned departure date.
  • If an ETIAS application is denied, travellers still have the option to apply for a full visitor visa. This will allow them to enter the European Union for a longer period of time or for other reasons, however, it may take longer to process and it’s a different process.
  • An ETIAS authorisation does not guarantee entry into Europe. The final decision on entry is made by the border security personnel of the European country of arrival and they may have the right to refuse entry even if the traveller has an ETIAS.