The Bahamas Launches Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC) Pilot — Paper Cards Stay Until System Stabilises

On 5 May 2026, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (BOTIA) launched the pilot programme for the Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC). It is the first time in the country's history that an electronic immigration card has been used at any port of entry, replacing the long-standing paper-based form for selected travellers on designated flights.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Isaac Chester Cooper, framed the launch as a major modernisation step. He said the BDAC is "not simply a technological upgrade; it is a statement of commitment to innovation" in the Bahamian visitor experience.

The Bahamas Digital Arrival Card lets eligible travellers complete immigration and customs declarations online before flying — replacing the paper card normally distributed on board the aircraft and collected on arrival. During the pilot, the system is integrated with selected airlines and routes only, and is gradually being expanded based on operational performance.

1. 1During the pilot, eligible travellers are notified by their airline that the BDAC option is available for their flight.
2. 2The traveller completes the digital form online (identity, travel details, accommodation, customs declaration).
3. 3The completed BDAC is linked to the passenger record and reviewed digitally by Bahamian immigration on arrival.
4. 4Traditional paper cards continue to be distributed and accepted on all flights not yet covered by the BDAC pilot.
5. 5Authorities collect feedback from travellers, airlines, and ground staff during the pilot to refine the platform before full rollout.

The BDAC consolidates immigration and customs into a single workflow — previously two separate paper forms. The Bahamas Customs Department had earlier launched a separate digital declaration platform; the BDAC unifies these into one experience.

The BDAC is the result of coordination between three Bahamian government agencies: the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (responsible for the visitor-experience strategy), the Bahamas Department of Immigration (which retains border control authority), and the Bahamas Customs Department (which handles declarations on goods, currency, and dutiable items). This inter-agency framework is meant to ensure that the platform operates seamlessly across all relevant checkpoints without weakening border security.

The Bahamas joins a growing wave of Caribbean and Latin American destinations digitising arrival forms. Several regional neighbours have already moved to mandatory digital arrival systems in recent years, while others remain on paper.

Once the BDAC moves out of pilot status, the Bahamas will align with the regional norm of pre-arrival digital declaration — important for the country's tourism-led economy, which welcomes more than 7 million visitors annually.

The Bahamas is a niche but growing leisure destination for UAE residents, often combined with North American business or family trips, Caribbean cruise itineraries, or as a honeymoon/luxury escape. Most UAE-based travellers reach the Bahamas via United States or United Kingdom transit. UAE airlines do not operate direct services to Nassau.

For UAE residents requiring a US transit visa (B1/B2 or ESTA depending on nationality), the recent US visa changes — particularly the new asylum-risk questions for nonimmigrant applicants — are a more immediate consideration than the Bahamas BDAC pilot. See OraVisa's related visa update on US asylum questions for full context.

1. 1For travel to the Bahamas during the pilot phase: continue to expect a paper arrival card on board your flight unless your airline notifies you otherwise.
2. 2Carry a working pen for the paper card and complete it before landing in Nassau or Freeport.
3. 3If your airline offers the BDAC for your flight, complete it online before departure — usually via a link sent in your booking confirmation.
4. 4Have your accommodation address and length-of-stay details ready for either format (paper or digital).
5. 5Visa requirements remain unchanged — Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Bangladeshi, Egyptian, and Lebanese passport holders need a Bahamas visa; Emirati nationals enjoy visa-free entry for short visits, as do UK/US passport holders.
6. 6For US transit: ensure you have a valid US B1/B2 visa or ESTA before your Bahamas trip — most UAE-based travellers reach the Bahamas via Miami or New York.
7. 7Watch official Bahamian government channels (immigration.gov.bs, bahamas.gov.bs) for updates on full BDAC rollout.
8. 8Contact OraVisa for help with US transit visas, Bahamas visa applications (where required), and travel insurance for Caribbean trips.

This update is based on the announcement by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (BOTIA) and reporting by The Nassau Guardian, ZNS Bahamas, and the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). The BDAC remains in pilot status as of the publication date — full mandatory rollout has not yet been announced. Information is provided for general guidance to UAE residents. For the latest official information, visit immigration.gov.bs or bahamas.gov.bs.