1) I am visiting the Bahamas on my pleasure vessel, am I required to pay a fee?

Yes, there is a fee associated with clearance of a pleasure vessel into the Country from a foreign port.
Pleasure Vessels Not Exceeding 34 feet:
- $150.00 (3 months)
- $300.00 (12 months)
Pleasure Vessels Not Exceeding 34 feet but less than 100 feet:
- $300.00 (3 months)
- $600.00 (12 months)
Pleasure Vessels Not Exceeding 100 feet but less than 150 feet:
- $500.00 (3 months)
- $1,000.00 (12 months)
Pleasure Vessels Not Exceeding 150 feet but less than 200 feet:
- $800.00 (3 months)
- $1,600.00 (12 months)
Pleasure Vessels Exceeding 200 feet:
- $1,000.00 (3 months)
- $2,000.00 (12 months)
For vessels carrying more than three passengers, every additional passenger of or above the age of six years who is not a resident passenger must pay a passenger tax of $20.00.
A Temporary Cruising Permit & Fishing Permit is issued.

2) How many firearms and ammunition am I allowed to bring on my pleasure vessel?

A pleasure vessel entering The Bahamas is allowed to import the maximum of :
Three firearms inclusive of handguns, rifles, and shotguns, where the caliber of firearms shall not exceed 308 calibres.
250 rounds of ammunition per firearm.

3) How long is a Cruising Permit good for?

A Cruising Permit is good for one year as long as the vessel does not leave The Bahamas.
If the vessel leaves The Bahamas, the Cruising Permit can be used again if the vessel returns to The Bahamas within 90 days of the initial issuance of the Cruising Permit at no cost except where the passenger limit is exceeded. Even though the fee for the permit is waved, the pleasure vessel must still clear in at a port of entry upon arrival into the Country.

4) Can I take my vessel straight up to my dock in my yard and call Customs to clear me in?

No. Upon arrival to the Island of your destination, you must take your vessel to a port of entry for clearance. Failure to do so is a breach of the Customs Laws and could result in your vessel being forfeited and fines levied.

5) What can I bring with me on my pleasure vessel?

Exemption on a pleasure vessel are the same as if you were visiting by air/sea. Anything more than your entitlement must be duty paid.

6) As a Bahamian, can I own a pleasure vessel?

Yes. Unlike a foreign owned/registered vessel, a Bahamian owned pleasure vessel must be duty paid and must clear outbound when leaving The Bahamas for a foreign port and upon return to The Bahamas must clear inbound.

All News