CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION
CLEARING PROCEDURES
You can now clear Customs and Immigration at the Palm Cay Marina.
Boaters coming into the Bahamas need to clear custom and immigrations. As you enter port, fly the yellow quarantine flag. Once docked, the captain is permitted to leave the boat in order to clear the boat and crew with local customs and immigration. All crew are required to remain onboard until the captain returns with vessel clearance. All visitors entering The Bahamas must make a customs declaration upon arrival. Adult visitors are allowed to bring in 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or one pound of tobacco, one quart of spirits and personal effects.
Specifically, Bahamas Customs requires the following:
• Vessel’s Registration
• Completion of the Maritime Declaration Form
• Completion of the Inward Report Form
Everyone on board must have proof of citizenship and fill out an immigration card. U.S. citizens can present a passport. Before leaving, be sure to surrender your copy of the immigration card. Specifically, Bahamas Immigration requires the following:
• Completion of Inward Passenger & Crew Manifest form
• Completion of an Immigration Card for each person arriving on the vessel
FIREARMS
If you have a firearm on board, you must declare it with Customs. You must provide the serial number and manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. You are allowed to have a firearm on your boat, but you cannot take it off unless you have 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.
2025 ENTRY FEES
These fees contribute to the government’s efforts to secure the 100,000 square miles of ocean within The Bahamas and make them safer for boating. The efforts made to date have earned the archipelago an unrivalled record for boating safety.
The following fees will be applied to boats staying in The Bahamas for up to 12 months.
The fee permits the vessel to enter The Bahamas 2 times within a 30 day period.
CRUISING PERMIT FEES:
Boats under 50ft: $500
50-100ft: $1,000
Over 100ft: $3,000
PASSENGER FEES (First 3 free)
Boats under 50ft: $30
50-100ft: $30
Over 100ft: £30
FISHING PERMIT (30 DAYS)
Boats under 50ft: $100
50-100ft: $300
Over 100ft: $300
ANCHORAGE FEES
Boats under 50ft: $200
50-100ft: $350
Over 100ft: $1,500
The following fees will be applied to boats staying in The Bahamas for between 12 months and 2 years.
The fee permits unlimited visits.
CRUISING PERMIT FEES:
Boats under 50ft: $1,500
50-100ft: $2,500
Over 100ft: $8,000
Please note that Attendance Fees, Fishing Permit, Transportation and Overtime fees are all included in the price of the cruising permit. The only additional fees would be for additional departure tax if there are more than 3 persons at a cost of $30 per additional person. Please note that it is illegal to tip government employees.
Boaters are asked to report if they are ever asked for these types of payments to the local marina manger or dockmaster.
For questions, please feel free to contact the ABM Executive Director, Basil Smith, on execdirector@bahamasmarinas.com or visit The Bahamas official website https://www.bahamas.com/faq/enteringexiting-policies.
CRUISING AND FISHING PERMITS
Fishing gear is restricted to hook and line and you’re allowed to fish with no more than six rods at a time per boat. While enforcement is irregular, cruising or fishing without the proper permits or in violation of bag limits can result in severe penalties.
REQUIREMENTS FOR BOATERS AND BAHAMAS MARINAS
