Bahamas eVisa Photo Requirements 2026: Official 2x2 Size, Formats, and Clothing Rules
In short. The Bahamas strictly enforces a 2x2 inch digital photo requirement for eVisas, mandating covered shoulders, visible ears, and no military uniforms.
- Photo Size: Must be exactly 2x2 inches at 600 dpi.
- Clothing Rules: Shoulders must be covered; military or civil servant badges are strictly prohibited.
- Facial Visibility: Hairline and both ears must be clearly visible, with no selfies allowed.
- File Format: Upload the photo as JPEG, PNG, or BMP (15 KB to 7.5 MB), despite checklists mentioning PDF.
- Head Coverings: Banned unless for medical or religious reasons, which require prior written approval.
Effective immediately for 2026 applications, the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strictly enforces its digital photograph specifications for all eVisa applications. Whether you are applying for a Sponsored Visitor Visa, a Self-Sponsored Visa, or a Seaman's Visa, failing to meet the exact 2x2 inch size, clothing mandates, or file format rules will result in application delays or rejection.
What Are the Official Photo Requirements?
The Bahamas eVisa portal uses an automated "Check Your Photo" tool alongside manual consular review. Your digital photo must be no more than six months old and meet the following exact specifications:
| Requirement | Official Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2x2 inches at 600 dpi (Portal accepts 480x640 to 4800x6400 pixels) |
| File Size | 15 KB to 7.5 MB |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Facial Expression | Neutral, not smiling, mouth closed |
The "PDF Format" Discrepancy
Applicants often encounter confusing instructions regarding the file format. The official MOFA document checklist requests "1 digital passport sized photograph in pdf format." However, the March 2026 eVisa Portal FAQ clarifies that while all supporting documents (like bank letters and police records) must be in PDF format (under 450 KB), the digital photo itself must be uploaded in JPEG, PNG, or BMP format.
Strict Clothing and Appearance Rules
The Bahamas has specific rules regarding what you can wear in your visa photo:
- Shoulders Must Be Covered: Tank tops or bare shoulders are not permitted. Clothing must be in color.
- No Uniforms or Badges: Applicant clothing must not bear any form of military or civil servant badges or ornaments.
- Visible Features: Your hairline and both ears must be completely visible.
- Modest Styling: Makeup must be neutral, and jewelry must be modest.
- Head Coverings: Generally prohibited. If you wear a head covering for medical or religious purposes, you must submit a formal written request to the VISA Office (evisaoffice@bahamas.gov.bs) and receive approval before applying.
Who Does This Affect?
These rules apply to all foreign nationals who require a visa to enter the Bahamas, including Ukrainian citizens. This applies regardless of whether you are arriving by air, cruise ship, or private yacht.
What to Do Now: Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Your Outfit: Wear everyday, colored clothing that covers your shoulders. Remove any uniform badges, large jewelry, or headwear (unless pre-approved).
- Take the Photo: Stand in front of a plain white or off-white wall. Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Ensure your hair is tucked behind your ears. Do not take a selfie.
- Format the File: Save the image as a JPEG or PNG. Ensure the file size is between 15 KB and 7.5 MB.
- Use the Checker Tool: Before submitting your full application, use the "Check Your Photo" tool on the MOFA eVisa portal to verify system compatibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading a Selfie: Selfies are explicitly banned in the official guidelines.
- Smiling: Your mouth must be closed with a neutral expression.
- Incorrect File Types: Trying to upload a PDF into the photo field will cause a system error; use JPEG/PNG for the photo and PDF for your passport bio-page and other documents.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always verify the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Official sources
Questions
- Can I wear a uniform in my Bahamas eVisa photo?
- No. The official guidelines strictly prohibit clothing that bears any form of military or civil servant badges or ornaments.
- Does the photo need to be in PDF or JPEG format?
- While the Ministry's document checklist mentions a 'digital passport sized photograph in pdf format', the 2026 eVisa portal FAQ clarifies that the photo upload must be in JPEG, PNG, or BMP format (15 KB to 7.5 MB). All other supporting documents must be PDFs.
- Can I wear a head covering for religious reasons?
- Yes, but it requires prior approval. You must submit a formal written request to the VISA Office at evisaoffice@bahamas.gov.bs.