Beijing—On 19 December 2013, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China took another important step in strengthening already friendly relations between the two Countries by signing a Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement. This Agreement allows a person holding a valid Diplomatic, Official, Service, Public Affairs, or Ordinary passport from either Country to travel to the other, visa-free, for up to 30 days, but does not allow the holder to engage in gainful employment,  to study, or to reside in either country.

The Agreement will take effect in both Countries on 12 February 2014.

While this Agreement will allow visa-free travel, visitors are still expected to meet general entry requirements when being processed by immigration authorities. Travelers are required to present a passport with valid relevant visas for transit States, and a round-trip ticket for entry and exit.  Those that do not meet general entry requirements will be denied entry at any immigration check point.

If visitors intend to remain in The Bahamas for more than 30 days, they will still require a visa.  Applications may be made at any Bahamian Embassy or Consulate or at the Consular Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nassau."