Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions of Use (referred to as “Terms of Use”) apply to the MyGateway portal (referred to as the “Portal”) used by the Government of The Bahamas including its ministries, departments, and agencies (referred to as the “GoBh”) to deliver its services. The Portal is owned by the GoBh and is managed, controlled and/or operated by the GoBh and/or its authorized contractors. Data and information exchanged and/or stored on the Portal resides within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. You must be at least 18 years old to use the Portal.


BY USING THE PORTAL, YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF USE.

The GoBh reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to change, modify, add, or remove portions of these Terms of Use, at any time. It is your responsibility to check these Terms of Use periodically for changes. As a participant you must read the information below and agree to the terms and conditions. Should you choose to use the Portal after a change is made this signifies to the GoBh that yo\u agree the changes and indemnify the GoBh against any cause of action that may arise. GoBh may modify the services on the Portal from time to time, including by adding or deleting features and functions, as we continually improve our services, the Portal, and the experience we offer You.

  1. DEFINITIONS
    “Terms of Use” means these Terms and Conditions.
    “Confidential Information” means any information obtained from you, the disclosing party, which ought reasonably to be considered as confidential and cannot be divulged to a third party without your consent provided that this clause shall not extend to information (a) which is disclosed or obtained lawfully for the purposes of obtaining a service and/or completing the necessary process to receive a service provided by the GoBh, (b) which is already public knowledge or becomes so at a future date (otherwise than as a result of a breach of this clause) (c) which is expressly marked as confidential or which is manifestly of a confidential nature or which is confirmed in writing to be confidential within 7 days of its disclosure. “Data” means any data inputted by You into the Portal and the processed data that is made available to You as a direct result of Your use of the Portal.
    “Disclosing Party” means You, the participant.
    “Government Service” means (and/or includes) the execution of mandatory and procedural activities by internal human or system resources which provide valuable output requested or required by an individual whether personally or on behalf of another person and may also include circumstances where the output requested or required is relevant to an entity recognized by law.
    “Intellectual Property Right” means any patent, trademark, service mark, copyright, moral right, right in a design, know-how and any other intellectual or industrial property rights, anywhere in the world whether or not registered.
    “Loss” means all liabilities, expenses, losses, damages, and costs (including legal costs) and expenses, however arising.
    “Participant” means You.
    “Portal” means the Internet Portal at the domain https://mygateway.gov.bs.
  2. RIGHT OF ACCESS
    You have the right to access and use the Portal for the intended purpose of requesting Government Services and conduct any matters, functions, or processes related thereto. This right is exclusive only to you and does not allow for you to appoint an individual to act on your behalf as a user under your profile.
  3. USE OF THE PORTAL
    (i) You may use the portal to request and/or apply for a Government Service virtually.
    (ii) You may not use any automatic device, program, algorithm, or methodology, or any similar or equivalent manual process, to access, acquire, copy or monitor any portion of the Portal or any Content or in any way reproduce or circumvent the navigational structure or presentation of the Portal or any Content, to obtain or attempt to obtain any materials, documents or information through any means not purposely made available through the Portal. GoBh reserves the right to prohibit any such activity.
    (iii) You may not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion or feature of the Portal, or any other systems or networks connected to the Portal or to any server, or to any of the services offered on or through the Portal, by hacking, password “mining” or any other illegitimate means.
    (iv) You may not probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of the Portal or any network connected to the Portal, nor breach the security or authentication measures on the Portal or any network connected to the Portal.
    (v) You may not exploit the Portal, or any service or information made available or offered by or through the Portal, including but not limited to personal identification or information, other than your own information.
    (vi) You may not use the Portal or any related content for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these Terms of Use, or to solicit the performance of any illegal activity or other activity.
  4. ACCOUNTS, PASSWORDS, SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE, AND SECURITY
    (i) Certain features or services offered on or through the Portal will require you to set up an account (including receiving a secured email address) and provide your mobile phone number for the purpose of authenticating your identity by using a one-time password (“OTP”). The OTP will be transmitted through the short message service (“SMS”) by the GoBh to your mobile number and to your email address. You will be required to input the OTP (wherever and whenever applicable that you are informed and requested to do so) when you use the Portal to access any service.
    (ii) You may exercise the option to obtain status updates by SMS on applications for Government Services made on the Portal. You must provide an accurate mobile phone number and ensure that your mobile phone number is able to receive SMS text messages in order to receive the OTP or obtain status updates on applications for Government Services made on the Portal. You will be solely responsible for any fee imposed by your mobile phone service provider for the transmitting SMS text messages.
    (iii) You acknowledge that the time to deliver the SMS is dependent on several factors, such as the traffic on your mobile network. GoBh is not a mobile network operator and therefore does not guarantee the delivery of SMS text messages.
    (iv) You acknowledge that GoBh is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage or expenses incurred directly or indirectly by you as a result of any difficulties experienced by your mobile phone service provider.
    (v) You must not disclose to a third party the OTP or any status updates that are transmitted to your mobile phone number, and you must ensure that your mobile phone number is protected from unauthorized use by any third parties.(vi) You acknowledge that using another person’s mobile phone number or providing an inaccurate mobile phone number may entail disclosure of your confidential information. You accept sole liability for such disclosure and agree to indemnify, defend, and hold GoBh harmless from any third-party claims, liability, damages, or costs arising from your use of the SMS service or from you providing an inaccurate mobile phone number.
    (vii) You must not use the SMS service to send any text message or communication which is spam, illegal, offensive, abusive, indecent, obscene, or menacing or causes annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety or infringes on the rights of third parties. You acknowledge that GoBh reserves the right to withdraw the SMS service if you are in breach of these terms and conditions. GoBh may also withdraw the SMS service if GoBh in its sole discretion apprehends that the SMS service is being used for such aforementioned purposes.
    (viii) You must ensure that your username and passwords required to access the Portal are kept secure and confidential. Your username and password issued to you must not be shared. You are entirely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the information you hold for your account, including your password.
    (ix) You accept liability for any and all activity that occurs under your account as a result of your failing to keep this information secure and confidential. You agree to notify GoBh immediately where you suspect any unauthorized use of your account or password, or any other breach of security.
    (x) You must not attempt to undermine the security or integrity of the Portal; use, or misuse, the Portal in any way which may, impair the Portal or impair the ability of any other user to use the Portal, including using the Portal in a malicious, fraudulent or unlawful manner; attempt to gain unauthorized access; attempt to modify, copy, adapt, reproduce, disassemble, decompile or reverse engineer any aspect of the Portal.
  5. YOUR OBLIGATIONS
    (i) You should only access the Portal for your own lawful purposes connected with requesting and/or receiving Government Services or utilizing any of the functions provided by the Portal and intended for your use.
    (ii) You are required to take all necessary actions to protect the confidentiality of your login information.
    (iii) You agree that GoBh may review Your use of the Portal at any time, and You will provide any reasonable assistance to verify Your compliance with this Agreement.
    (iv) If You use any communication tools available through the Portal (such as a message board), You agree only to use such communication tools for lawful and legitimate purposes. You must not use any such communication tool for posting or disseminating any material unrelated to the use of the Portal, and in particular to use non-verbal language that may be seen as pervasive intimidating, hostile or offensive and/or unsolicited commercial e-mail, or files.
    (v) You agree and acknowledge that You are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of Data inputted into the Portal by You (including but not limited to your mobile phone number). GoBh is under no obligation to ensure that Your Data in the Portal is accurate.
    (vi) You agree and acknowledge that You are responsible for updating your information in the Portal where changes may occur. E.g., name change, change of mobile phone number, changes in address. GoBh is under no obligation to ensure that Your Data is updated when changes occur. Your failure to provide any required information may result in your inability to access any service on the Portal.
  6. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY
    (i) Unless the relevant party has the prior written consent of the other or unless required to do so by law each party will preserve the confidentiality of all Confidential Information obtained in connection with these Terms. Neither party will, without the prior written consent of the other, disclose or make any Confidential Information available to any person, or use the same for its own benefit, other than as expressly contemplated by these Terms and/or to provide the requested Government Service.
    (ii) GoBh will maintain a privacy policy that sets out what information will be collected and why, what GoBh does with that information, and how the information is handled. You should read the Privacy Policy posted on the Portal.
    (iii) For the purposes of abiding by the Data Protection (Privacy of Personal Information) Act, 2003 you agree that this Terms of Use and the accompanying Privacy Policy is understood as a determination between you and the GoBh for the manner in which any personal data will be processed.
    (iv) The GoBh, however, is authorized by you to use the data you provide for an additional Government Service. You grant GoBh the permission to use, copy, transmit, store, and back- up Your Data for the purposes of enabling You to access and use Government Services and for any other purpose related to the provision of Government Services to You, and matters ancillary thereto by prescribed technologies.
  7. DUTY TO DISCLOSE
    GoBh may disclose any information we have about you (including your identity) if we determine that such disclosure is necessary in connection with any investigation or complaint regarding your use of the Portal, or to identify, contact or bring legal action against someone who may be causing injury to or interference with (either intentionally or unintentionally) the rights or property of the GoBh. GoBh is under a statutory duty to disclose any information deemed necessary in order to comply with any applicable law, regulation, or court process.
  8. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
    (i) All text, graphics, user interfaces, visual interfaces, photographs, trademarks, logos, sounds, music, artwork and computer code (collectively, “Content”), including but not limited to the design, structure, selection, coordination, expression, “look and feel” and arrangement of such Content, contained on the Portal is owned and/or controlled by the GoBh, and is protected by intellectual property rights and laws.
    (ii) Except where expressly provided in these Terms of Use, no part of the Portal and no Content may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded, posted, publicly displayed, encoded, translated, transmitted or distributed in any way (including “mirroring”) to any other computer, server, Portal or other medium for publication or distribution without the express permission of the GoBh.
  9. DELETION OF DATAShould you choose to discontinue using the Portal or GoBh otherwise suspends and/or terminates Your access to the Portal, GoBh in its discretion reserves the right, to either (a) delete Your data or (b) archive Your data for a period of time as designated by the Public Records Act, 1971 or such legislation that may seek to repeal, amend or replace same.
  10. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS
    (i) You acknowledge and agree that GoBh gives no warranty about the Portal and, without limiting the foregoing, GoBh does not warrant that the use of the Portal will be uninterrupted or error free. Among other things, the operation and availability of the systems used for accessing the Portal, including telephone services, computer networks and the Internet, can be unpredictable and may from time to time interfere with or prevent access to the Portal. GoBh is not in any way responsible for any such interference or prevention of Your access or use of the Portal.(ii) All information provided on the portal is subject to change without notice.(iii) GoBh disclaims any and all liability for the acts, omissions and conduct of any third parties in connection with or related to your use of the Portal, including any loss, damages or expenses of any kind incurred or suffered by you arising from or in connection with any failure, delay or interruption in transmitting OTPs or any suspension or unavailability of the OTP due to any failure of your mobile service network or any other force majeure events such as matters which are beyond our reasonable control.(iv) GoBh is not liable for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive or exemplary loss or damages, including loss of profits, loss of business, loss due to business interruption or loss of any software programme or hardware equipment or data in your mobile device or computer equipment and their systems.(v) GoBh reserves the right to do any of the following, at any time: without notice to modify, suspend or terminate operation of or access to the Portal, or any portion of the Portal, for any reason and to interrupt the operation of the Portal, or any portion of the Portal, as necessary to perform routine or non-routine maintenance, error correction, or other changes.
  11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
    You agree to indemnify GoBh against all losses (direct or consequential) that may incur arising out of or in connection with Your breach of any of these Terms.
  12. HELP DESKYou are entitled to technical support. GoBh will endeavour to address all queries and requests for assistance received via email at mygateway@bahamas.gov.bs but does not warrant that support will be immediately available.
  13. GENERAL
    These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy constitute the entire agreement between You and GoBh relating to the use of the Web Portal and the other matters dealt with in these Terms.
  14. GOVERNING LAW
    You agree that all matters relating to your access to or use of the Portal, including all disputes, will be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Participants must read the information below and agree to the terms and conditions by clicking in the box provided. By clicking the box provided you are indicating that you understand the terms of this agreement and you have accepted those terms.

PRIVACY POLICY

The Government of The Bahamas aims to provide an efficient way to deliver services online. Delivery of these services requires interaction with personal data unique to the user of the website. The Government of The Bahamas maintains its commitment to ensure compliance with the Data Protection (Privacy of Personal Information) Act, 2003 (referred to as “the Act”).

Reference to the Government of The Bahamas in this document, includes reference to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies owned and operated, managed, and/or controlled by the Government of The Bahamas.

This Privacy Policy sets out how the Government of The Bahamas (GoBh) intends to use any personal data collected from you when you use our website. By law the GoBh is required to comply with the Act. You are encouraged to read the Data Protection (Privacy of Personal Information) Act, 2003 for a full understanding of your rights.

What do we collect?

  1. The GoBh may collect from you personal data and information. Personal data and/or information may include your name, address, email address, telephone numbers, and date of birth. GoBh may also collect information that you may provide in order to receive a government services, such as government issued identification numbers.

How do we collect your data?

  1. In order to effectively provide Government Services to you, your data may be collected from a number of sources. We may collect it directly from you through MyGateway or alternatively from one of our Ministries, Departments, and/or Agencies that you may have provided data to, or via a third party (with your consent).

When we collect your data, what do we use it for?

  1. When we collect your data we process it to:-
  • Register you online for the delivery of Government Services;
  • Send you notifications regarding Government Services, in particular, the services you may have requested;
  • Compare the information you have provided for the purposes of verification; or
  • Prevent, detect or investigate offences
  1. If you agree, we will share your data with private companies and quasi-government agencies in order to provide a more efficient way for you to access services in These companies and agencies may include:-
  • National Insurance Board
  • Bahamas Power and Light Company
  • Water and Sewerage Corporation
  • Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority
  • Registered Insurance Companies and their Intermediaries
  • Registered Financial Service Institutions
  1. When we process your data we will send it to our Ministries, Departments and/or Agencies so that they are able to provide you with a government service. This processing may include the GoBh creating a digital profile of you to avoid duplication.
  2. The data you provide to the GoBh will not be used for marketing unless we get your express authorization to do so. In circumstances, where you have provided your consent, you may request at any time that your data no longer be used for marketing.

What happens when you provide your data to us?

  1. The GoBh must process your data within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas unless express authorization is granted by the Data Protection Commissioner for the data to be processed otherwise.
  2. The GoBh must collect your data lawfully and ensure that the data provided is accurate and kept current.
  3. The GoBh cannot fulfill this obligation if the data you provide is not accurate and/or you fail or neglect to advise of changes to the data provided.
  4. The GoBh must inform you of the reasons why the data is collected and kept. This data cannot be used for a purpose that is not relevant to the purpose disclosed to you. GoBh cannot disclose your personal data to another individual without your consent, except where the data disclosed does not personally identify you or the data must be disclosed in accordance with the Act.
  5. The GoBh is under a duty to ensure that an accurate record is made of the data you provide and in certain circumstances provide a disclosure statement where the information is received from a third party.
  6. Notwithstanding, the GoBh may be under a legal duty to disclose the information provided and in those instances the GoBh must adhere to the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

What are your obligations concerning the data you provide?

  1. The data you provide to the GoBh must belong to you. In circumstances where you may be authorized by an individual to provide that data, you agree to follow the instructions of that individual and only use the data as instructed.
  2. The data you provide must be accurate, and provided to the best of your knowledge, information and belief. You are required to review the data to check for any errors or omissions.

What are your rights to your data?

  1. Your data rights are protected by the Act, which fully prescribes your rights as a data subject
  2. Right to access – You have the right to view your data at any time , provided that the website is functional and internet service is accessible. You have the right to issue a written request to the GoBh to determine whether the data kept includes personal data relating to you. You may also request a copy of the information and where necessary an explanation of the terms on which the data is kept.
  3. Right to Adjust the Data – Where applicable, you may access the system to correct or amend data previously provided. Alternatively, you may request that the GoBh make adjustments to the data provided by you to ensure that the data is accurate and up to date at all times.
  4. Right to Restrict Use – At anytime, you may notify the GoBh that you no longer wish to use the website or request to have your data erased from the website. The GobH is under a duty to comply with your request.
  5. Right to Data Transfer – You have the right to request that your data be transferred to another agency. There may be a fee associated with this transfer.

What are cookies and are they associated with the website?

  1. Cookies are files placed on your computer to collect internet log information and visitor behaviour information. When you visit our website we may collect information from you through our cookies for statistical purposes.

Changes to our Privacy Policy

  1. The GoBh will continue to review and update this policy to ensure consistency with local legislation and established practices around data privacy, protection and sharing.

How to contact us if there is an issue or concern?

  1. If you have an issue or concern about this policy, the data we will receive, process and/or store, please do not hesitate to contact us. Where necessary you may also contact the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. Please see below for contact information:

Data Protection Commissioner
Poinciana House
North Building, First Floor
31A East Bay Street
Nassau, The Bahamas Tel: 242 – 604 – 1000

Passport Photograph Specifications:
  • The photograph should be no more than six (6) months old at the time of the application.
  • The photograph should be 2×2 inches at 600 dpi.
  • The photograph should be in colour with a plain white or an off-white background.
  • No selfies.
  • Photographs must show a neutral facial expression, the applicant must not be smiling and the        mouth must be closed.  
  • Makeup should be neutral and jewelry modest.
  • The photograph must show a full face view; the applicant must be facing the camera directly.
  • Hairline and ears must be visible and not covered.
  • Covering of the head is prohibited unless for medical or religious purposes and a formal written request is presented to and approved by the Passport Office.
  • The applicant’s clothing should be in colour with his/her shoulders covered.
  • The applicant’s clothing must not bear any form of military or civil servant badges or ornaments.
  • Applicants may request photo labs to provide a digital copy of the photograph using one of the following options: e-mail, CD or USB.
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Initially, the Centralized Collection Centre will enable the collection of documents from the Road Traffic Department and the Registrar General’s Office for the services of renewing or replacing a driver’s licence, renewing a learner’s permit, and requesting certified copies of birth, death and marriage certificates. Additional documents for collection will be included in the coming weeks. All documents must be collected in person and one form of a government-issued identification must be provided for verification. 
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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older, residing in The Bahamas or abroad

Business Licence
  • The applicant must currently possess a business licence

Sales Turnover
  • Must have a turnover of less than 5 million dollars per annum
  • Should applicant be a limited company, please give the name(s) of beneficial shareholders

Application and Approval Period
  • The applicant is allowed exemption within a one year period.
  • Applicants approved for the exemption on items within the period of one year may not apply for the same items until the following year. i.e. One-time approval within a one year period.

Supporting Documents 
  • Applicants must provide the following support documents: business national insurance number, tax compliance certificate, business licence number, invoice, income statements
  • Once approved, the applicant can then use the exemption document (certificate) to present to customs.
  • If rejected, the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the Customs Department.
  • Documents and items are also subject to physical inspections and review by the Revenue Section.

Start-up Business Exemptions
  • First Time Inventory - There is a limit on a first time inventory. Only startup businesses are eligible for exemption.
  • Inventory may be granted to existing businesses if opening a new or secondary location
  • Equipment/Machinery must to relate to the business

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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older, residing in The Bahamas or abroad

Exemption Period
  • Applicants have up to two years to claim approved concessions. This exemption is available for two years, ending in December 2023.

Location & Prerequisites
  • Applicants must be approved for government service lots throughout The Bahamas.

Frequency of Application
  • Applicants may apply only once for building supplies and furniture on the initial application. Furniture concessions will be approved subject to receipt of the occupancy certificate.

Supporting Documents
  • Applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Passport 
  • NIB card 
  • Government land approval letter 
  • Stamp or certification from the Department of Housing 
  • Architectural plan 
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote 
  • Copy of location/site plan from the Department of Housing

Terms and Conditions
  • The value of furniture and appliances will be equal to the amount of rooms in the house, likewise for appliances per room/per household. They are subject to inspection and review.
  • Applications without the required attachments will be considered incomplete. 
  • Applicants have up to 30 days after submission to provide the relevant information. 
  • If rejected, the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the Customs Department.
 

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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older.
Location
The business must operate in qualifying locations and on a qualifying island. 
Qualifying islands are:  
Ragged Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Cat Island, Long Island, Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay and Andros.
The applicant does not have to be a resident to apply but exemption items must remain in the islands specified or in the approved zone. 

Supporting Documents
Individuals
Individual applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid passport or voters card
  • NIB Card
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote
  • The value of furniture and appliances must be equal to the amount of rooms in the house, likewise for appliances per room/per household. They are subject to inspection and review.

Once approved, the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to customs.

Businesses 
Business applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid business licence 
  • Business NIB number 
  • Invoice(s) or quote

Terms and Conditions
  • There is no minimum turnover rate for businesses to qualify.
  • If rejected the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the customs department.  
 

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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older.
Location
Business must operate in the qualifying locations on qualifying islands. Qualifying islands include Abaco and Grand Bahama.
The applicant does not have to be a resident to apply but exemption items must remain in the islands specified or in the approved zone.
Supporting Documents
Individuals
Individual applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid passport or voters card
  • NIB Card
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote

Terms and Conditions
  • The value of furniture and appliances must be equal to the amount of rooms in the house, likewise for appliances per room/per household. They are subject to inspection and review.
  • Once approved the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to Customs.
Businesses 
Business applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid business licence 
  • Business NIB number 
  • Invoice(s) or quote

Terms and Conditions
  •  There is no minimum turnover rate for businesses to qualify
  • Businesses may subject to inspection and review
  • Once approved, the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to Customs.
  • If rejected the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the customs department.
 

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Nationality
• Applicants must be Bahamian citizens

Residency
  • • Applicants must be resident in The Bahamas.
  • Family Island residents can apply
  • This home must be your primary residence

Professional​
  • For the purposes of this project, a professional is “someone who is accomplished in his or her field, sufficient independently to sustain a mortgage or the financial responsibility for a residential dwelling in the community”.

First –time homeowner
  • The applicant must be a first-time homeowner.

Age Requirement
  • The applicant(s) must be 18 to 45 years old at the time of application.
Financial Suitability
  • The applicant (s) must show proof that he or she can qualify for a loan from a financial institution to purchase and build on their property if chosen; or,
  • The applicant (s) must provide a letter from a financial institution stating that they currently hold the required cash and have the regular income needed to purchase the property, build and maintain the building.
  • The government will not be providing guarantees for mortgages.

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Special Voter – Must Complete Form K
A person who is a registered voter may, subject to application, vote as a Special Voter where:
 
  • The person is 65 years old or older
  • The person is or is likely to be, on the day appointed for the taking of the poll, a patient in the hospital, nursing home, home for the aged or other institution for the treatment of any chronic illness or disability, except a person suffering from any mental disorder, psychopathic disorder or any subnormality of the mind, as defined by the Mental Health Act (Ch. 230), and such person is likely to be prevented by such illness, infirmity or disability from traveling to the polling place;
 
  • The person is or is likely to be, on the day appointed for the taking of the poll, a patient in the hospital, nursing home, home for the aged or other institution for the treatment of any chronic illness or disability, except a person suffering from any mental disorder, psychopathic disorder or any subnormality of the mind, as defined by the Mental Health Act (Ch. 230), and such person is likely to be prevented by such illness, infirmity or disability from traveling to the polling place;
     
  • The person is by reason of illness, infirmity, pregnancy or recent childbirth unable to vote in the constituency in which he or she is registered on the day appointed for the taking of the poll; the person, not being a person who qualifies to enroll as an overseas voter under section;
     
  • The person expects to be overseas on the day appointed for the taking of the poll;
     
  • The person is a candidate or the spouse of a candidate contesting the respective election;
     
  • The person is an election day worker, an election official or an employee of the Department of the Parliamentary Commissioner.

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Overseas Voter – Must Complete Form J
Persons applying to register overseas may do so at any embassy, high commission, or any other foreign mission of The Bahamas provided that he is otherwise qualified to register in accordance with the Law.

Overseas voter categories are: 
  • A student, or the spouse accompanying such student, pursuing a bona fide programme of study outside of The Bahamas;
  • A member of staff of any embassy, high commission or other foreign mission of The Bahamas who is posted overseas, or the spouse or any immediate member of the family living within the household of that member of staff;
  • A public officer or a member of staff of the Ministry of Tourism or any delegation of The Bahamas who is on official duty overseas or the spouse of such person or any immediate member of the family living within the household of that member of staff; 
  • A member of staff of The Bahamas Maritime Authority or any other agency of the Government of The Bahamas or the spouse of such person or any immediate member of the family living within the household of that member of staff;
  • Persons applying to register overseas may do so at any embassy, high commission, or any other foreign mission of The Bahamas provided that he is otherwise qualified to register in accordance with the Law.
 
Overseas Voter – Form J Required Supporting Documents 
  • Proof of employment or job letter 
  • Copy of transcript and or a letter from college or university
  • Student visa for students studying abroad

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ADVANCED POLL LOCATIONS
 
BARBADOS
St. James
Barbados University
of The West Indies, 
Arts Lecture Theatre, 
Cavehill Campus, Cavehill,
Barbados Honorary Consul's
Telephone: (246) 429-8285		 CANADA
Ottawa
The Bahamas High Commission, 
Metropolitan Life Centre, 
50 O'Connor Suite 1313, 
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 6L2 
Telephone: (613) 232-1724		 JAMAICA
Kingston
University of The West Indies, 
Mona Campus,
Kingston, Jamaica 
Honorary Consul's
Telephone: (876) 997-0249
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Port of Spain
Computer Loft, 
Eric Williams Sciences Complex, 
Trinidad and Tobago 
Honorary Consul's Telephone: (868) 680-3039		 UNITED KINGDOM
English
The Bahamas High Commission, 
10 Chesterfeld Street, 
London, England, W1J 5JL 
Telephone: 011-442-07-408-4488		 UNITED STATES
Atlanta, Georgia
The Bahamas Consulate, 
Park Central Building, 
2970 Clairmont Road, NE Suites 690, 
Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, 
Telephone: (404) 214-0492
UNITED STATES
Miami, Florida
The Bahamas Consulate,
Ingraham Building, 
Suite 818, 25 South East Second Avenue, 
Miami, Florida, 33131, 
Telephone: (305) 373-6295		 UNITED STATES
New York, NY 
The Bahamas Consulate, 
Bahamas House, 
231 East 46th Street, 
New York, NY 10017, 
Telephone: (212) 421-6420		 UNITED STATES
Washington, DC 
The Embassy of The Bahamas, 
2220 Massachusetts Avenue, North West 
Washington, DC, 20008 
Telephone: (202) 319-2660
UNITED STATES
Houston Texas
Wyndham Hotel
8686 Kirby Drive, 
Houston Texas, 77054, 
Telephone: (713) 748-3221
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New Firearm Licence Eligibility Criteria
 
  • Bahamian citizen, residing in The Bahamas
  • 18 years or older
  • Clean criminal record 
  • The intended use of the firearm must be hunting, security for a business, or employment purposes.
 

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Applicants are eligible to apply for Economic Empowerment Zone exemption if they meet the following requirements:
 
  • Bahamians citizens and legal residents, 18 years or older and residing in the specified zone for no fewer              than 12 years. 

Applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • First four pages of valid passport 
  • Voters card
  • Copy of National Insurance Card
  • Land approval letter 

These items from the Department of Housing must be provided:
  • Stamp or certification 
  • Architectural plan
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote(s)
  • Copy of location/site plan 

Important Information to Know Before You Apply
  • Exemptions can be applied to international purchases.
  • The approval must be stamped and signed by the Revenue Analyst.
  • If rejected, the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the customs department. 
  • Applicants are subject to physical inspections and review by the Revenue Section.
  • If the location of the business is rented, tenants must provide a letter of consent from the landlord, copy of       the landlord’s identification and proof of the landlord’s ownership of the property. *Tenants and landlords            may apply for the same property or building. 
  • Applicants have up to 30 days after submission to provide relevant information.
  • There is no minimum turnover rate for businesses to qualify.
  • Should the applicant be a limited company, the name(s) of beneficial shareholders must be provided.
  • Once approved, the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to customs.
 

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Applications for existing businesses must meet the criteria below and provide the following supporting documents:  
 
  • Businesses must have an annual sales turnover of five million dollars ($5,000,000) or less
  • The exemption is applied to the value of the items
  • Applications to support location expansion must provide proof of expansion: copy of the building permit/ government issued document, lease, business licence, certificate of deposit (receipt of first month rent), NIB contributions
  • Applications to support inventory expansion must provide the value of the inventory for one time use
 

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