Above: the Bahamas

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The new mutual visa exemption agreement between the Bahamas and China has officially taken effect.

The agreement, which was signed in December 2013, allows Bahamian and Chinese citizens to travel to one another’s country visa-free for up to 30 days. It does not allow the holder to engage in gainful employment, to study or reside in that country, however.

The move could be a boost for Chinese tourism to the Bahamas, particularly in light of the imminent opening of the China-funded Baha Mar resort project in New Providence at the end of this year.

“While this Agreement will allow visa-free travel, visitors are still expected to meet general entry requirements when being processed by immigration authorities,” the Bahamian government said in a release. “Travellers 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.”

Those who wish to remain in the Bahamas for more than 30 days will still need a visa.