O. R. SalahudeenTravel to the Bahamas from Nigeria step by step guide intended to show an intending traveller to the Island country of The Bahamas of what the trip entails in preparations, the ways to travel and what is obtainable over there in order to have a hitch-free trip and enjoy your stay.
WHERE IS THE BAHAMAS LOCATED
The Islands of the Bahamas are located North of the Greater Antilles and southeast of Florida realistically in the North Atlantic Ocean.
The Bahamas comprises of 700 islands, 30 of them inhabited.
This Island country is one of the most developed in the region, arguably one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean, according to experts.
NASSAU – is the capital city and the seat of government, it is the largest city and the most populous with residents of about 250,000 inhabitants, which is 70% of the country’s population.
WHY BAHAMAS?
Regardless of your reasons for choosing this Islands country, be it touring, holiday, sojourning, business, relocating, working, studies or researching, The Bahamas is a fantastic place to explore. You cannot regret coming here. The downside of visiting the Bahamas is the weather condition which could be very terrible once a while. Therefore, it is advisable to check the time of the year fine or weather trouble free to visit the Island country.
DO YOU NEED ENTRY VISA TO BAHAMAS
Unfortunately, while so many countries are visa-free to The Bahamas, Nigerians need a visa to enter the country currently. However, if you meet their requirements the short term visas such as Visiting visa, Tourist visa and Business visa are not difficult to obtain.
Furthermore, sadly, there is no Bahamian high commission in Nigeria, therefore if you need the Bahamas’ visa you have to head straight to the British High Commission in Abuja or Lagos for the processing of your choice visa.
HOW TO APPLY FOR BAHAMAS SHORT TERM VISA IN NIGERIA
1. Obtain a Bahamian visa application form.
2. Carefully fill in your details in capital letters and personally append your signature.
3. Be sure you did not make up any information to impress the visa officer, hence be truthful.
4. Attach the following requirements:
1. Your International passport with at least 6 months validity and unused visa pages.
2. Your two recently acquired passport sized photographs with white background.
3. Photocopy of the data page of your passport.
4. Police clearance certificate.
5. Evidence of letter stating the main reason for your travel to the Islands country.
6. Proof of hotel reservation or accommodation arrangement by your person on the Islands.
7. Evidence of a confirmed booking of electronic ticket and flight itinerary, or cruise itinerary.
8. Evidence of a duly authorised and signed letter from your employer or enrolment in College or University.
9. Evidence of Bank account details for the past six months, showing sufficient funds and duly signed by the Bank authority.
10. Photocopies of all previous visas held (if any)
11. Your health clearance certificate.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS
1. Evidence of original letter of invitation from the organisation or business partner in The Bahamas.
2. Photocopy of the company’s certificate of incorporation duly endorsed by a Notary Public.
3. Letter of introduction from your company on an official letter headed paper.
Photocopy of your tax return.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANT TRAVELLING ON INVITATION
1. Original letter of invitation from the person inviting you.
2. A written declaration of his relationship with you
3. If the person is accommodating you, he must submit the evidence.
4. Evidence of his financial capabilities to take care of you.
5. Your tax clearance certificate.
SUBMISSION OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
After the compilation of all the required documents, you have to submit them personally at the British High Commission in Abuja or Lagos.
Please note the following before submission:
1. Pay a non-refundable visa application processing fee at the High Commission.
2. Be sure you go with the exact Pound Sterling in that no other currency will be accepted.
3. Be sure you submit your application well ahead of your travel because the Commission will have to get in touch with the Bahamas authority in Nassau, before issuance of the visa. Allow at least four working weeks for visa application processing. Although the visa takes two weeks to issue.
4. All the documents you’re submitting must be legalized before submission.
5. Be sure you complete the biometric fingerprint scans and other formalities at the point of submission.
BAHAMAS VISA FEES IN NIGERIA (including Biometric Data features)
Single Entry Visa £160 = #75,360
Multiple Entry visa £250 = #117,750
Multiple Entry Visa 3 years £500 = #235,00
Seaman’s Visa £160 = #75,360
Diplomats – Gratis.
STILL ON TRAVEL TO BAHAMAS FROM NIGERIA STEP BY STEP GUIDE
TRY THE ONLINE SYSTEM
For those who cannot get Bahamian visa through the British High Commission in Nigeria, you may try the online Internet thing.
According to a source the online visa is possible only if you have someone residing in the Bahamas.
Please note that this is for an applicant going on invitation only. The person inviting you can apply for you to visit him. He will apply through the Bahamas Consulate Department in the Bahamas.
You may try this website address as follows: www.bahamas.gov.bs click on non-resident.
Find more information by contacting the following address:
The Bahamas Consulate Division,
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: 1 242 397 9300, 1 242 397 9237
Email address: [email protected]
STILL ON TRAVEL TO BAHAMAS FROM NIGERIA STEP BY STEP GUIDE – HOW TO GET THERE.
If you’re travelling from Nigeria the only option you have in getting to The Bahamas is by flight with compulsory stopovers.
The average cheaper flight price from Lagos to Nassau depends on the day you decided to travel, the airline you chose and importantly how early or well in advance you book your tickets.
From research, travelling on Tuesdays is cheaper than any other days, also going on certain airlines with 2 stopovers are relatively cheaper.
The average price for one way flight from Lagos to Nassau is about USD1605 and the price for a round trip flight from Lagos to Nassau is USD2691.
The cheapest way to get to The Bahamas from Lagos is to go through Miami, Florida and find your way to The Bahamas. While the most popular connecting city is New York City.
A traveller has options for choosing different airlines depends on your budget. Airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, British Airways, United and Air France are all plying Nassau. Emirates came out on top when choosing the airline that offers the best deal.
STILL ON TRAVEL TO BAHAMAS FROM NIGERIA STEP BY STEP GUIDE
DEPARTING FOR THE ISLANDS OF BAHAMAS
After securing your visa, be sure you get transit visa of all the countries you’re to make a stopover.
Furthermore, if you’re a first time visitor to the Island country, endeavour to travel light, do not pack unnecessary items and having a too-big suitcase, which may give room for security personnel at the entry point to doubts your real mission.
Be sure your passport and other documents are within your reach for presentation at the entry point and not in the packed luggage to avoid embarrassments.
The way you present your travel documents and answer questions matter a lot to airport security therefore, be confident in your approach, after all, you’re here voluntarily.
ACCOMMODATION ON THE ISLANDS
After your entry into the country, the next step is to secure accommodation, especially if you have no pre-arrival accommodation arrangement.
According to experienced accommodation professionals, the best time to visit The Bahamas is the rainy season which starts from May to November because some tourists stay away due to the weather. This will allows you to get reasonable accommodation, especially those on budget.
Importantly, if you want the best deals in accommodation stay far away from the beachside hotels.
CHECK OUT THE AIRBNB
When you’re on the Islands looking for cheaper accommodation, ask for Airbnb, they are definitely cheaper than hotels. They’re everywhere on the Islands and the best for a budget traveller, therefore go for it. You will definitely save money on a hotel room.
THE BAHAMIAN CURRENCY
The Bahamian dollars are almost at par with US Dollar, therefore if you have the dollars there is no need changing them, however, be ready to take your change in local currency.
BAHAMAS IS SAFE FOR YOU.
This Island country is generally safe for foreigners, however, be advised to avoid late-night outing, and travelling on a lonely road, it could be dangerous. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching does occur occasionally mostly in tourists dominated areas.
Furthermore, it is advisable for women visitors to dress decently to avoid exposing yourself to bad elements such as drunkards.
FOOD IN NASSAU
Eat like a Local in the Bahamas
Due to the fact that the Bahamas rely mainly on tourism, food is relatively expensive in most tourist-oriented hotels, it will do you a lot of good and save money if you find out how the local satisfy their food needs when eating out and when buying grocery.
STILL ON TRAVEL TO BAHAMAS FROM NIGERIA STEP BY STEP GUIDE
LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE BAHAMAS
If part of your visit is to stay for a while and possibly search for employment, it is possible but you should realise that you have limited options. Realistically, jobs are difficult to come by.
The Bahamian economy is largely tourism-based, therefore be expected to find a job in tourism-oriented sectors, such as Information Technology, international banking, construction, manufacturing, transportation and other professions related to tourism businesses.
GETTING WORK PERMIT.
It’s pertinent to note that if you intend staying and working here be ready to get a residence permit that lasts only one year.
The good news is that unlike in some other countries a non-indigene may enter The Bahamas as a visitor for two months and permitted to apply for residency.
A work permit is normally issued for one year and must be renewed yearly. However, after staying and working for five years, the permit may be very difficult to get an extension.
TYPES OF RESIDENCE PERMITS
There are 3 types of residence permit a foreigner can apply for in the Bahamas. Annual Residence Permit. Permanent Residence Permit. Home owner’s Card for those who have landed properties and it is issued on a yearly basis and allows the owner and their families to enter and stay for as long as the card is valid.
WEATHER IN BAHAMAS
This Islands country is generally weather friendly. Foreigners get used to the weather as quickly as possible. The country has warm weather year-round. It’s so good that often time visitors do forget their winter jackets tend to be useless.
For a lover of sunny weather, the best time to visit the country from December to April, the rainy season starts in May and lasts until November.
THE BAHAMAS AND HURRICANE
Finally, when travelling to the Bahamas endeavour to take into consideration the issue of Hurricane that frequented the area. Remember Hurricane Dorian of 2019 which came and destroyed everything. Very sad indeed. Please be reminded that devastating hurricanes do happen once a while and it could cause unimaginable destructions, therefore, before you set out for the Bahamas check out the prevalence of weather, and when you’re on the island it is advisable you take weather forecast seriously often time.
That’s all on Travel to the Bahamas from Nigeria step by step guide.
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