The Bahamas Boating and Sailing Regulations

Entry Requirements

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

1. One (1) copy of The Bahamas Customs Clearance Form
2. One (1) Bahamas Immigration Card per person
3. Proof of Citizenship—Passport

For digital submission of forms and online pleasure vessel clearance visit the Click 2 Clear information page.

When arriving in port, boaters should observe the following: visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. All visitors must meet The Bahamas entry requirements.  As you enter the port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Customs and Immigration will come to your vessel. No one other than the captain is permitted to leave the boat until your vessel has been cleared. Everyone on board must have proof of citizenship and fill out an Immigration Card. US citizens can present a passport or birth certificate (original or certified copy) and an official photo ID, such as a driving license or a voter registration card. You must declare all onboard firearms with Customs. You must provide the firearm serial number and manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. Though you are allowed to have a firearm on your vessel, you cannot take it off the vessel unless you obtain a permit from the Bahamian police ahead of time. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. Any infraction of this law is dealt with severely.

Entry Fees

The following fees will be applied to boats staying in The Bahamas for up to 3 months:

• Boats up to 34 feet: $150 (no change)
• Boats 35-99 feet: $300 (no change)
• Boats 100-149 feet: $500
• Boats 150-200 feet: $800
• Boats over 200 feet: $1,000

For stays longer than 3 months:

• Boats up to 34 feet: $300 annually
• Boats 35-99 feet: $600 annually
• Boats 100-149 feet: $1,000 annually
• Boats over 150 - 200 feet: $1,600 annually
• Boats over 200 feet: $2,000 annually

For a stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration.

Please note that Attendance Fees, Fishing Permits, Transportation, and Overtime fees are all included in the price of the cruising permit. 

*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 $20 departure tax. This fee is good for a second re-entry within a 90-day period.

4)Normal Customs and Immigration clearance fees.

Regular hours for Bahamas Customs and Immigration Officers are 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays. Officers are on call during holidays and weekends. There is no overtime charge.

For more information on entering The Bahamas by private boat, click here.