Canada Visa from Bahamas

Canada Visa for Bahamian Citizens

Apply for Canada Visa from Bahamas

eTA for Bahamian citizens

Canada eTA Eligibility

  • Bahamian passport holders are eligible to apply for Canada eTA
  • Bahamas was one of the original member of the Canada eTA program
  • Bahamian passport holders enjoy a quick and hassle free entry into Canada using the Canada eTA program

Other Canada eTA features

  • A Biometric Passport or an e-Passport is required.
  • Canada eTA is only required for arrival by air
  • Canada eTA is required for short business, tourist and transit visits
  • All passport holders are required to apply for Canada eTA including infants and minors

What is Canada eTA for Bahamian citizens?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an automated system introduced by the Government of Canada to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries like Bahamas into Canada. Instead of obtaining a traditional visa, eligible travelers can apply for the ETA online, making the process quick and straightforward. The Canada eTA is linked electronically to the traveler's passport and remains valid for a specific period, allowing them to enter Canada multiple times during its validity.

Do Bahamian citizens need to apply for eTA Canada Visa?

Bahamian citizens are required to apply for a Canada eTA to enter Canada for visits upto 90 days for tourism, business, transit or medical purposes. Canada eTA from Bahamas is not optional, but a mandatory requirement for all Bahamian citizens traveling to the country for short stays. Before travelling to Canada, a traveller needs to ensure that the validity of the passport is at least three months past the expected departure date.

The main purpose of the Canada eTA is to enhance the security and efficiency of the Canadian immigration system. By pre-screening travelers before they arrive in the country, Canadian authorities can identify potential risks and ensure the safety of their borders.

How can I apply for Canada Visa from Bahamas?

The Canada Visa for Bahamian citizens comprises an online application form that can be completed in as little as five (5) minutes. It is necessary for applicants to enter information on their passport page, personal details, their contact details, like email and address, and employment details. Applicant must be in good health and should not have a criminal history.

Canada Visa for Bahamian citizens can be applied online on this website and can receive the Canada Visa Online by Email. The process is extremely simplified for the Bahamian citizens. The only requirement is to have an Email Id and a Credit or Debit card.

After you have paid the fees, the eTA application processing commences. Canada eTA is delivered via email. Canada Visa for Bahamian citizens will be sent via email, after they have completed the online application form with the necessary information and once the online credit card payment has been verified. In very rare circumstance, if additional documentation is required, the the applicant will be contact prior to approval of Canada eTA.


What are requirements of eTA Canada Visa for Bahamian citizens?

To enter Canada, Bahamian citizens will require a valid Travel Document or Passport in order to apply for Canada eTA. Bahamian citizens who have a Passport of an additional nationality need to make sure they apply with the same passport that they will travel with, as the Canada eTA will be associated with the passport that was mentioned at the time of application. There is no need to print or present any documents at the airport, as the eTA is stored electronically against the passport in the Canada Immigration system.

Dual Canadian citizens and Canadian Permanent Residents are not eligible for Canada eTA. If you have dual citizenship from Bahamas as well as Canada, then you must use your Canadian passport to enter Canada. You are not eligible to apply for Canada eTA on your Bahamas Passport.

Applicants will also require a valid credit or debit card to pay for the Canada eTA. Bahamian citizens are also required to provide a valid email address, to receive the Canada eTA in their inbox. It will be your responsibility to carefully double-check all the data entered so there are no issues with the Canada Electronic Travel Authority (eTA), otherwise you may have to apply for another Canada eTA.

How long can Bahamian citizen stay on Canada Visa Online?

Bahamian citizen's departure date must be within 90 days of arrival. Bahamian passport holders are required to obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authority (Canada eTA) even for a short duration of 1 day up to 90 days. If the Bahamian citizens intend to stay for a longer duration, then they should apply for a relevant Visa depending on their circumstances. Canada eTA is valid for 5 years. Bahamian citizens can enter multiple times during the five (5) year validity of the Canada eTA.

Frequently Asked Questions about eTA Canada Visa

How early can Bahamian citizens apply for eTA Canada Visa?

While most Canada eTAs are issued within 24 hours, it is advisable to apply at least 72 hours (or 3 days) prior to your flight. Since Canada eTA is valid for upto 5 (five years), you can apply Canada eTA even before you have booked your flights as in rare circumstances, Canada eTA can take up to a month to be issued and you may be requested to provide additional documents. Additional documents could be:

  • A Medical Examination - Sometimes a medical examination is required to be carried out to visit Canada.
  • Criminal record check - If you have a previous conviction, the Canadian Visa office will intimate you if a police certificate is required or not.

What are some common mistakes to avoid on Canada eTA Application Form?

While Canada eTA Application process is extremely straightforward, it is worthwhile to understand the essential requirements and avoid common mistakes listed below.

  • Passport numbers are almost always 8 to 11 characters. If you are entering a number that is too short or too long or outside of this range, it is pretty like that you are entering a wrong number.
  • Another common error is swapping letter O and number 0 or letter I and the number 1.
  • Name related issue like
    • Full name: Name put in Canada eTA application must match the name exactly as given in the Passport. You can look at MRZ strip in your Passport information page to make sure you have entered the full name, including any middle-names.
    • Do not include previous names: Do not include any part of that name in brackets or previous names. Again, consult the MRZ strip.
    • Non-english name: Your name must be in English characters. Do not use non-English characters like Chinese/Hebrew/Greek alphabets to spell your name.
Passport with MRZ strip

Activities to do and places to visit in Canada for Bahamian Citizens

  • Yoho National Park, Field, British Columbia
  • Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation & Fantasy, Toronto, Ontario
  • Redpath Museum, Montreal, Québec
  • Playground of the Gods, Burnaby, British Columbia
  • Niagara Falls, Ontario
  • Giant Trail in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario
  • Tour Canada’s Parliament Buildings, Ottawa
  • Drive the Lighthouse Route, Nova Scotia
  • Drink Wine in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Grizzly Bear Watch in the Great Bear Rainforest, Vancouver Island
  • Cruise the Inside Passage, Vancouver Island

Bahamas High Commission Canada

Address

50 O'Connor Street, Suite 1313 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6A3 Canada

Phone

+1-613-789-3709

Fax

+1-613-789-4365

Please apply for a Canada eTA 72 hours in advance of your flight.