Passports
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.
Please note that when submitting an application via the Consulate General of New York, fees are payable in US dollars (USD) or Money-Order addressed to Consulate General of New York.
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.
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)
The Bahamas Consulate accepts payment made in cash, credit, debit cards and money orders.
Click here for Downloadable Forms
