BOATING RESOURCES
CRUISING PERMITS - updates for July 1, 2025
ARRIVING BY BOAT
To enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, private vessels need digital submission of forms and on-line pleasure vessel clearance from Click 2 Clear. For detailed information and instructions, visit Click 2 Clear information page.
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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 - US citizens must present a passport.
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
New Fee Structure as of July 1, 2025:
Temporary Cruising Permits for Pleasure Vessels
Regulation 91 of the principal Regulation is amended in the new bill, with changes to temporary cruising permit fees. The fee for pleasure crafts for a period not exceeding 12 months are as follows:
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For vessels under 50 feet in length - $500.
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For vessels 50 to 99 feet in length - $1,000.
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For vessels over 100 feet in length - $3,000.
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These fees cover:
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Cruising permit under regulation 90(a)
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Attendance fees by a customs officer for attendance and travel expenses
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Overtime and travel expenses in respect of the attendance of an immigration officer.
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Entrance into The Bahamas twice within a 30 day period.
These fees will not apply for ancillary equipment being towed or on board a pleasure vessel, excluding tenders exceeding 25 feet in length. The fee for a tender vessel exceeding 25 feet will be $500 for a period not exceeding 12 months.
When a pleasure vessel carries more than three passengers, every additional passenger of or above the age of six and who is not an ordinary resident of the Bahamas will be subjected to a tax of $30.
Temporary Fishing Permits for Pleasure Vessels
Fishing Permits are no longer included in the Cruising Permit fee. Foreign pleasure vessel fishing permits fees:
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For vessels under 50 feet in length - $100.
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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.
Frequent Digital Cruising Card for Pleasure Vessels (FDCC)
Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC) are now available allowing unlimited visits for up to two years.
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For vessels under 50 feet in length - $1,500.
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For vessels 50 to 99 feet in length - $2,500.
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For vessels over 100 feet in length - $8,000.
These fees do NOT cover
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Attendance fees by a customs officer for attendance and travel expenses
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Overtime and travel expenses in respect of the attendance of an immigration officer.
Anchorage Fees
Anchorage fees for foreign vessels, not mooring at a marina, have been amended in a new regulation 91B.
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For vessels under 50 feet in length - $200.
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For vessels 50 to 99 feet in length - $350.
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For vessels over 100 feet in length - $1,500.
AUTOMATED IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AIS)
A new regulation, 40B, has been inserted into the principal Act in the new bill. This new section states that every foreign vessel OVER 50 feet in length that is in Bahamian waters shall at all times:
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Be equipped with an automated identification system;
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Ensure that the automated identification system is properly functioning; and
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Ensure the automated identification system is turned on.
To avoid any doubt, the three points apply to foreign vessels that are docked in the Bahamas, traversing Bahamian waters, or passing through the Bahamas. The owner and master of a vessel that violates this new section commits an offense and is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of $1,000, according to the new bill.
ENTRY FORMALITIES
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.
US CITIZENS
A valid passport is required. A visa is required for stays exceeding eight months.
US 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, UK AND COMMONWEALTH 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 Bahamian 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.
BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, BAHAMAS EMBASSY, CONSULATE AND HIGH COMMISSION OFFICES
THE BAHAMAS
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Consular Section
Norfolk House, Frederick Street
P.O. Box N-3746
Nassau, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 323.5578/5565
Fax: (242) 326.6186
WASHINGTON, D.C. | USA
Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
2220 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202) 319.2660/7
Fax: (202) 319.2668
bahemb@aol.com
MIAMI | USA
Bahamas Consulate General
25 S.E. Second Avenue
Ingraham Bldg., Suite 600
Miami, FL 33131
Phone: (305) 373.6295
Fax: (305) 373.6312
bcgmia@bellsouth.net
NEW YORK | USA
Bahamas Consulate General
Bahama House
231 East 46th Street
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 688.5926
Fax: (212) 688.5926
bahamasconsulate@bahamasny.com
CANADA
Bahamas High Commission
Metropolitan Life Centre
50 O’Connor, Suite 1313
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1 6L2
Phone: (613) 232.1724
Fax: (613) 232.0097
ottawa-mission@bahighco.com
UNITED KINGDOM
Bahamas High Commission
10 Chesterfield Street
London, W1J 5JL
England
Phone: (011) 44 207.408.4488
Fax: (011) 44 207.499.9937
information@bahamashclondon.net