The Constitution and the Bahamas Nationality Act 1973 contain the detailed provisions affecting the acquisition or loss of Bahamian citizenship. If you are a Bahamian citizen, you may apply for a Bahamas Passport. Instructions and documents needed are listed here if born before 10 July 1973 or here if born on or after 10 July 1973.
Appointments can be made for Passport enrollment at the Consulate General Monday through Friday between 10 AM and 2 PM.
First time applicants and applicants for renewal of Passports may submit their applications through the Consulate General of New York. The Consulate General of New York is now accepting applications for biometric passports. The application, instructions, and passport brochure may be downloaded here.
Electronic passports can now be renewed online at https://mofa.gov.bs/epassport-online-services/.
First time epassport applicants must email Consulate(at)Bahamasny(dotted)com for guidelines on completing the application.
PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
1. A scanned copy of the personal data and signature pages of the applicant’s most recent ePassport
2. Passport Photograph Specifications:
- Photograph should be no more than six (6) months old at the time of the application
- Photograph should be 2×2 inches at 600 dpi
- Photograph should be in color with a plain white or an off-white background
- No Selfies.
- Must have a neutral facial expression, not smiling and mouth must be closed.
- Makeup should be neutral and jewelry modest.
- Photograph must have a full face view; the applicant must be facing the camera directly.
- Hairline and ears must be visible and not covered.
- Covering of the head is prohibited unless for medical or religious purposes and a formal written request is presented and, approved by the Passport Department. Request for approval should be sent via email to: epassportoffice@bahamas.gov.bs
- The applicant’s clothing should be in dark color with his/her shoulders covered
- The applicant’s clothing must not bear any form of military or civil servant badges or ornaments.
- Applicants may request Photo labs to provide a digital copy of photograph using one of the following options: e-mail or usb.
Please note that all passport photographs are subject to the approval of the Passport Office in The Bahamas.
ONLINE APPLICANTS PICKING UP IN NEW YORK:
When the website portal informs that your passport is “Ready for Pick-up” please, contact The Bahamas Consulate General informing of your Application ID number as it may not be ready for pick-up in New York City.
BIOMETRIC PASSPORTS
What is an Electronic Passport?
An Electronic Passport is the same as a traditional passport with the addition of a small integrated circuit (or Chip) embedded in the back cover. The chip will store the same data visually displayed on the data page of the passport, a biometric identifier in the form of a digital image of the passport photograph, which will facilitate the use of face recognition technology at ports-of-entry, the unique chip identification number and a digital signature to protect the stored data from alteration.
What is a Biometric? Which one does the new passport use?
A biometric or biometric identifier is a measurable physical or behavioural characteristic of an individual, which can be used to verify the identity of that individual or to compare against other entries when stored in a database. Biometrics includes face recognition, fingerprints and iris scans. The Bahamas Electronic Passport will use the digital image of the passport photograph as the biometric identifier that will be used with face recognition technology and fingerprinting, to verify the identity of the passport bearer.
What countries will be issuing Electronic Passports?
Governments of other nations have begun or will begin to issue passports that have a biometric as soon as they are able to integrate the technology into their countries passports.
What happens if an Electronic Passport is lost or stolen?
Any passport that is lost or stolen should be reported to the police immediately.
What does an Electronic Passport logo look like and what does it mean?
The Electronic Passport logo is the international symbol for an electronic passport. It signifies that the passport contains an integrated circuit or chip on which data about the passport and passport bearer is stored. The logo will be displayed at border inspection lanes at all airports and transit ports equipped with special data readers for Electronic Passports.
2024 Passport Act Amendment Rules
Click here to read the 2024 Passport Act Amendment Rules
PASSPORT FEES
USD $25.00 Child’s Passport
USD $50.00 Adult Passport
USD $50.00 Emergency Passport
Replacement fee for two (2) or more passports: USD $100 (in addition to the cost of the passport)
NOTICE: As of 1st November, 2024, a subsidized courier fee of $35.00 will be applied to applicants picking up their passports at locations outside of The Bahamas.
The Bahamas Consulate accepts payment made in cash, credit, debit cards and money orders.
Click here for Downloadable Forms
