NASSAU, Bahamas — The Bahamian government has formally proposed establishing a visa-free travel treaty with the United States, marking a significant diplomatic initiative amid changing U.S. migration policies. Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell presented the proposal during parliamentary debates on the Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025, highlighting its heightened importance given recent U.S. immigration enforcement measures.
Minister Mitchell revealed that preliminary discussions have already occurred with U.S. officials, emphasizing that visa-free access would represent a natural progression in bilateral relations. ‘Bahamians have consistently expressed desire for streamlined travel to the United States,’ Mitchell stated before Parliament. ‘In previous diplomatic engagements, I’ve suggested we formally propose a treaty establishing visa-free access for Bahamian citizens.’
The minister contextualized the proposal within contemporary challenges, noting that ‘in this era of climate emergencies and displacement, the movement of 400,000 Bahamians would have negligible demographic impact on the United States.’ However, he stressed that any migration must occur through legal channels, stating firmly that ‘lawful entry remains paramount—no nation should condone unlawful border crossings.’
Current protocols allow Bahamians to enter the U.S. without visas when departing directly from The Bahamas, provided they possess clean criminal records. However, those transiting through third countries still require formal visa documentation.
The simultaneous advancement of the Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025 demonstrates The Bahamas’ commitment to aligning its legislation with international standards. Mitchell characterized the bill as essential for ensuring The Bahamas isn’t perceived as facilitating unlawful migration to other nations, particularly as the United States intensifies enforcement under President Trump’s administration, which recently pledged to restrict migration from numerous developing nations.