Question 1

What services carry the Value Added Tax?

Accepted Answer

Visitors and locals pay 10% Value-Added Tax on most products and services. However, at special VAT-free authorized stores in major tourist areas, visiting overseas citizens can buy VAT-free souvenirs, clothing and luxury items over $25.

Question 2

What documents do I need when I bring my boat to The Bahamas?

Accepted Answer

You need:
Vessel Registration documents.

Digital submission of forms and on-line pleasure vessel clearance from Click 2 Clear.

One Bahamas Immigration Card for each person of any age.

Proof of Citizenship Passport.

Question 3

What is the cost to clear Bahamas Customs & Immigration?

Accepted Answer

Cruising and Fishing Permit fees changed on July 1, 2025.  
For details see https://www.bahamasmarinas.com/enteringexiting-policies

Question 4

How long can I keep my boat in The Bahamas: what is the fee?

Accepted Answer

Owners of foreign registered boats (including the U.S.) may keep their vessels in The Bahamas for one year without paying duty and may extend this one-year stay to two years by paying a fee of $500. For further extensions, apply to Bahamas Customs.

Question 5

Can I bring my pet and if yes, what is required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pets are allowed to travel with you to The Bahamas. An Import Permit of $44 (with VAT) is required for each animal. Dogs and cats must be six months of age and older, have current proof of vaccination and a health certificate. Apply to the Director of Agriculture, Gladstone Rd, P.O. Box N-3704, Nassau, Bahamas. Tel: (242) 325-7413. Fax: (242) 325-3960. For full list of requirements, visit https://tinyurl.com/ydtfvxmp. For permit forms, see: https://tinyurl.com/4p35pc9h.

For additional assistance with Pet Permits, visit https://www.bahamaspetpermit.com.

Question 6

Can I bring firearms to The Bahamas on my boat?

Accepted Answer

Only three firearms (shotguns, rifles and handguns only) of not more than .308 caliber and only 250 rounds of ammo per firearm are allowed. All must be declared with Bahamas Customs. You must provide serial number, make and exact ammo count. You cannot remove the firearm from your boat. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. Any infraction of this law will be dealt with severely.

Question 7

Is there a fee to import parts to repair my vessel?

Accepted Answer

The new Tariff Act (2023) states that a vessel with a cruising permit can import boat parts and other non-consumable goods—i.e. parts related to the proper and safe functioning of the vessel—at the lower-than-usual duty rate of 20%. Note that 10% VAT will also be applied to the parts' value, freight, and duty. A Customs Processing Fee of 1% the parts value may apply (min. $10 and max. of $500).

Question 8

Do I need a Fishing Permit and, if yes, how can I obtain one?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. 
Temporary Fishing Permits for Pleasure Vessels
Fishing Permits are no longer included in the Cruising Permit fee.  Foreign pleasure vessel fishing permits fees:
 For vessels under 50 feet in length - $100.
For vessels 50 feet in length and over - $300.
Fishing permits are only valid for 30 days, even if you possess a 12-month cruising permit.  It is necessary to renew fishing permits every 30 days.
Please note that The Bahamas has introduced new regulations for fly fishing on flats from 1’ to 6’ deep for bonefish, tarpon, permit, cobia and snook, where each angler must buy a Personal Angler License. As of July 1st, 2023, for non-Bahamian citizens or permanent residents, Personal Angler License fees are: one day (valid for date of issue only) $15, weekly $50, monthly $100, annual $600.  For Bahamian citizens and permanent residents, all personal licenses are free.

Also, boats going to the flats or on the flats with two anglers or more, need to hire a Licensed Bahamian Flats Fishing Guide.

Please check https://www.bahamasmarinas.com/fishing-regulations for more information. License forms will be available at Customs at Ports of Entry or from the Department of Marine Resources & Fisheries in Nassau. Tel: (242) 397-7400 or email: fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs. See: http://goo.gl/XBENgZ

Question 9

How much fish am I allowed to keep on board?

Accepted Answer

The catch limits (fillets or whole fish) on board the vessel at any time are: 18 Pelagic fish (Dolphins, Wahoo, Kingfish or Tuna), not more than 60 lbs. or 20 Demersal fish (Grouper, Snapper, Yellowtail, etc.), 10 Crawfish (Lobsters), and 6 Conchs. Billfish must be returned unless caught under a Sports Fishing Event Permit. No turtles are allowed.

Question 10

How much fish can I take home when I leave The Bahamas?

Accepted Answer

Vessels leaving the country can take home the same limits as in point 8 above. Leaving by air, each person’s personal luggage can contain (fillets or whole fish): 6 Pelagic fish (Dolphin, Wahoo, Kingfish, or Tuna), 20 lbs of Demersal fish (Grouper, Snapper, Jacks, Porgy, Triggerfish, etc.), 10 lbs of Crawfish (Lobster), and 10 lbs of Conch.

Question 11

Am I allowed to use a spear gun?

Accepted Answer

The use of spear gun is not allowed in The Bahamas. Only Hawaiian sling or pole spear can be used and must be applied for at time of permit. No hooka, scuba, compressor gear can be used for fishing but for sightseeing they are permitted.

Question 12

When is Crawfish (Lobster) season?

Accepted Answer

Annual closed season is April 1 - July 31. Minimum size limits are: 3-1/4 inches carapace or 5 1/2" inches tail length.

Question 13

To fish from a shore or a dock, do I need a fishing permit?"

Accepted Answer

If you are fishing in the flats (which may include beaches and shallow docks adjoining flats) for bonefish, tarpon, snook, cobia or permit you will need a new Personal Flats Fishing Anglers License. See answer to the Fishing Permit FAQ above.

Question 14

To rent a boat in The Bahamas, do I need a Fishing Permit?"

Accepted Answer

You will only need a fishing permit if the boat you rent is not Bahamian-owned. Even when fishing from such a boat, a non-Bahamian or permanent resident must observe the per vessel fishing catch limits. See answer to the Fishing Permit FAQ above.

Question 15

Is Shark Fishing allowed in The Bahamas?

Accepted Answer

No.  Subject to Regulation 36D of the Fisheries Resources Regulations of 2001, no person shall possess fish for or land, any shark or shark parts with The Bahamas. For details see: http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/240f4bc0-ccd4-4ead-a21c-23e096eefac7/Shark+Fishing+Amendment+July+2011.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

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