🇫🇷FRANCE

🏳BSFR-BS

Do France passport holders need a visa to visit BS?

Q: How long can I stay in the Bahamas without a visa?

Up to three (3) months. To stay longer you must apply for an extension at the Bahamas Department of Immigration before your authorized period expires.

Q: How much passport validity do I need?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry. Passport cards are not accepted — you need a passport book.

Q: Is there a Travel Health Visa or online form to complete before arrival?

No. The COVID-era Bahamas Travel Health Visa was eliminated in June 2022. You only complete a paper Immigration Disembarkation/Embarkation card on arrival.

Q: What documents should I have ready at immigration?

A valid passport, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation or a local address, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.

Q: Does the Schengen 90/180 rule or ETIAS apply here?

No. The Bahamas is not in the Schengen area, so the Schengen short-stay rule and ETIAS are irrelevant for this route.

French ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa to visit the Bahamas for tourism. France is on the Bahamas' visa-exempt list and citizens may stay up to 3 months visa-free. A passport valid at least 6 months at entry, a return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation and funds are required. As of 30 May 2026, France (FR) ordinary passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for tourism and short visits. France appears explicitly on the Bahamas Department of Immigration visa-exempt list, allowing stays of up to three (3) months without a visa. There is no eVisa, ETA, or visa-on-arrival to obtain in advance for a short tourist trip. The former Bahamas Travel Health Visa (a COVID-era pre-arrival requirement) was abolished in June 2022, so no electronic pre-clearance is needed. At entry, travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months, present a return or onward ticket, and be prepared to show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds; a paper Immigration Disembarkation/Embarkation card is completed on arrival. Admittance remains at the discretion of the immigration officer. Stays beyond three months require an extension applied for through the Bahamas Department of Immigration. Note: the Bahamas is NOT in the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply to this route.

VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

France (PR)Living in France as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Visa-free (visa exemption)

Maximum stay

Up to 3 months

per entry

Entries

Multiple (per visit, subject to officer discretion)

from issue date

Visa fee

None (USD 0)

consular fee only

Processing time

None — no advance application required

standard track

Validity

Passport valid at least 6 months at entry

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport validity

Check that your French passport is valid for at least six months at the time of entry into The Bahamas. Passport cards are not accepted — a full passport book is required.

· 6 months validity· Passport book only

/02

Book return or onward travel

Have a confirmed return or onward ticket out of The Bahamas. Immigration officers can require proof of departure on arrival.

· Return/onward ticket

/03

Prepare supporting documents

Carry your hotel/accommodation confirmation or a local residence address, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

· Accommodation proof· Proof of funds

/04

Complete the immigration card

Fill in the Bahamas Immigration Disembarkation/Embarkation card given on the flight or at arrival. No online pre-registration is needed for short tourist stays.

· Arrival card· No eVisa needed

/05

Clear immigration on arrival

Present your passport, ticket and documents. As a visa-exempt French national you are admitted for up to 3 months; the actual period is set by the officer.

· Up to 3 months· Officer discretion

/06

Extend if staying longer

To remain beyond the period granted (max 3 months visa-free), apply for an extension at the Bahamas Department of Immigration before your authorized stay expires.

· Extension via Immigration Dept

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

8 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 8 complete

French passport valid 6+ months at entry

required

Passport book (passport cards not accepted)

required

Return or onward ticket

required

Proof of accommodation or local address

required

Proof of sufficient funds for the stay

recommended

Completed Immigration Disembarkation/Embarkation card

required

Travel/medical insurance

recommended

Contact details of host or hotel

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Tourist visa feeUSD 0No visa required — France is visa-exempt

Pre-arrival / Travel Health VisaUSD 0Abolished June 2022; no longer required

Departure taxIncludedTypically bundled into airline ticket price

Total estimate0 — 0incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visa-free entry at port of arrival

Immediate on arrival

No advance application; admission decided by immigration officer at entry.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Visa exemption listing

France is explicitly named on the Bahamas Department of Immigration visa-exempt list, permitting visa-free tourist entry.

High

/02

Short tourist stay within 3 months

Visa-free treatment covers stays not exceeding three months — sufficient for typical tourism.

High

/03

Valid French ordinary passport

Standard ordinary passport valid 6+ months qualifies for visa-free entry.

High

/04

No advance electronic permit

No eVisa, ETA, or health pre-registration applies to the Bahamas for French travelers.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30 · major

France to Bahamas route verified

Verified against the Bahamas Department of Immigration and official Bahamas tourism site: France remains visa-exempt for stays up to 3 months. Confirmed the Travel Health Visa was abolished in 2022. No eVisa/ETA required.

/09 — The questions