Entering the Bahamas on Your Boat (Tips on Bahamian Customs)

If you’re planning to venture to the Bahamas by boat this Summer, make sure you are prepared and have the necessary documents required to enter the islands. Below are some important tips to make your entry into the Bahamas a breeze.

To enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, private vessels need the following:

a) One copy of The Bahamas Customs Clearance Form 
b) One Bahamas Immigration Card per person
c) Proof of Citizenship (Passport)

Arriving By Boat

Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Only the captain is permitted to leave the boat until your vessel has been cleared.

Customs and Immigration officials will come to your vessel. Everyone on board must have proof of citizenship and fill out an immigration card. US citizens must present a passport. Before leaving The Islands Of The Bahamas, be sure to surrender your copy of the immigration card at the last Bahamian port you visit.

If you have a firearm on board (shotguns and handguns only) you must declare it with Bahamian Customs. You must provide the serial number, name of the manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. While you are allowed to have a firearm on your boat, you cannot remove it. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. In cases of emergencies, which require your departure by air, you must notify Bahamian Police or Customs. They will accompany you to retrieve the firearm and present you with a receipt. Upon your return to the island, Bahamian Police or Customs will escort you to your vessel and return your firearm. Any infraction of this law will be dealt with severely.

Entry Fees

All boaters entering The Bahamas are required to pay an entry fee.
a) For boats up to 30′, the fee is $150.00
b) For boats over 30′, the fee is $300.00
Fees Subject To Change

The fees will cover:
1) Cruising Permit
2) Fishing Permit
3) Departure Tax for up to three (3) persons. Each additional person above three will be charged a $25 departure tax. This fee is good for a second re-entry within a 90-day period.

If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration. Bahamas Customs and Immigration office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Officers are on call during holidays and weekends. There is no overtime charge.

Arriving by Air/Returning by Boat

Travelers are advised to purchase return tickets (and seek reimbursement upon returning home for the unused ticket) even when they are confirmed to return via private boat. However, if the traveler arrives at Bahamas Immigration on a single ticket, the owner/operator of the boat must present himself/herself and the vessel’s cruising permit. A copy of the cruising permit will be permitted for crew members who may be arriving by plane and returning by boat as their names will appear on the manifest. A letter will not suffice.

Upon your arrival to The Bahamas, you will be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which you will keep until your departure. All visitors are required to be in possession of a return ticket.

U.S. Citizens
A valid passport is required. A visa is required for stays exceeding eight months.

U.S. Residents (non-citizens)
An Alien Registration Card (Green Card) AND a valid passport from their country of citizenship are required. For visits EXCEEDING 30 days, a valid passport AND a Bahamas visa are required.

Canadian Citizens
A valid passport is required for proof of citizenship. Voter registration cards, birth certificates and photo identifications are no longer accepted as proof of citizenship. A Bahamas visa is required for stays exceeding three months.

United Kingdom Citizens
Citizens of the United Kingdom and colonies require a valid passport. A visa is required for stays exceeding eight months.

All Other Countries
For entry formalities, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Bahamas Embassy, Consulate or High Commission.