The Bahamas

Scope

Foreign private, non-commercial pleasure craft and people aboard must clear Bahamas Customs and Immigration and obtain the Cruising Permit required to navigate Bahamian waters. Official rules cover yacht arrival documents, designated entry points, AIS, declarations, and permit fees. Commercial charter, fishing, and controlled goods are subject to additional rules.

Official source: Bahamas yacht regulations and FAQs

Designated ports of entry

Foreign pleasure craft must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry; do not first go ashore elsewhere without clearance. The official tourism board's online yacht page lists ports, marinas, and airports on each island and notes that some locations require appointments or have restrictions. Customs also publishes a Ports of Entry list that notes some locations have no resident officer; it may differ from the online directory. Before departure, contact the intended port or Bahamas Customs directly to confirm the specific location where clearance can be completed that day and the arrival hours.

Official sources: Official online port directory and boating rules · Bahamas Customs ports of entry list, including notes on unstaffed locations

Advance report and arrival

The official guidance recommends submitting the entry declaration through the electronic system before leaving the home port. A Cruising Permit may also be applied for in advance through the approved online provider process. Pre-arrival filing does not replace reporting to Customs and Immigration at a designated entry port after arrival. On entering the port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs. Until the vessel is cleared, only the master may leave the vessel to complete formalities. Use only government-approved online providers.

Official source: Official Bahamas yacht entry and pre-arrival rules

Foreign private yachts must complete immigration formalities at a designated Port of Entry. Each person aboard must have proof of nationality. The official yacht guide says to complete an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card on arrival, keep it until departure, and return it at the last Bahamian port. General travel-document and visa requirements for non-Bahamian citizens and lawful residents depend on nationality, residence status, and length of stay. The official tourism guidance generally requires a passport valid for at least six months on entry and advises checking the Immigration Department's latest requirements. Yacht pre-arrival filing does not replace reporting in person at the port.

Official sources: Yacht immigration clearance rules · Bahamas visa and immigration information · Bahamas Immigration Department: before your arrival

Vessel customs clearance

The official checklist asks private vessels to prepare: one Bahamas Customs clearance form; one immigration card per person; passports/proof of nationality; and vessel registration documents (title or proof of ownership). Electronic filing also requires vessel registration details and identity documents for passengers and crew. If there are pets or firearms and ammunition aboard, submit the required permits or lists. Advance filing does not waive Customs and Immigration formalities at the designated port after arrival.

Official source: Bahamas yacht clearance documents and arrival rules

Biosecurity, food, and pets

The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) handles import permits for plants, animals, and food. Its official system provides instructions for permits covering plants, agricultural products, and pets. Some plant-import applications require a pro forma invoice and information on origin; new trading partners may need a pest-risk analysis. Check applicable import permits and health documents for pets before departure.

These general import rules do not say whether food for use aboard private yachts, personal effects, or vessel rubbish are exempt. Before departure, confirm declaration, inspection, permit, and disposal requirements for food aboard, meat, dairy, eggs, plants, seeds, pets, and rubbish with Bahamas Customs and BAHFSA. Do not unload controlled items before receiving instructions.

Official sources: BAHFSA electronic import permits and guidance · Bahamas yacht regulations

The official yacht guide requires firearms aboard to be declared (it specifically lists shotguns and handguns), with serial numbers, manufacturers, and exact ammunition quantities provided. Firearms permitted to remain aboard must be kept locked at all times and must not be taken off the vessel. If an emergency requires departure by air, notify Bahamas Police or Customs. Electronic permit applications also require pet permits and a firearms-and-ammunition list. A declaration requirement does not itself mean an item may be carried or taken ashore. Confirm requirements for other firearms, medicines, food, plants, and controlled goods with Customs and the relevant authorities.

Official source: Bahamas yacht firearm and declaration rules

Arrival, AIS, and departure

On entering a designated port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs; until the vessel is cleared, only the master may leave to complete formalities. Foreign pleasure craft over 50 feet must keep AIS operating at all times in Bahamian waters. The official page lists a US$1,000 penalty for non-compliance. On departure, return the Immigration Arrival/Departure Card completed on arrival at the last Bahamian port. Confirm appointments, opening hours, and the availability of clearance officers at the port in advance.

Official source: Official Bahamas yacht arrival, AIS, and departure rules

Official online fee table (US-dollar symbols reproduced as shown on the official site; confirm payment currency and final invoice with Customs):

• The 30-day permit does not include free re-entry. The 6-month permit includes one free re-entry; the 12-month permit includes two.
• Pleasure craft not berthed at a marina also pay an anchoring fee: for 30 days, $50/$100/$200 for ≤30, >30 to ≤100, and >100 feet respectively; for 6 months, $150/$350/$1,000 for ≤50, >50 to ≤100, and >100 feet; for 12 months, $200/$350/$1,500 for the same length bands.
• Fishing permits cost extra: for 30 days, $100 for vessels ≤50 feet and $300 for vessels >50 feet. The Cruising Permit fee includes departure tax for up to three people; each additional person is charged $30 per departure.

Official source: Official Bahamas yacht regulations and fees