Chatter

Click on the pull-down menu for a current list of "Ports of Entry."

(Originally posted March 14, 2025)

Please update your Near Bahamas Chartbook, 11th Edition...

Page IV, CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION

EXITING THE BAHAMAS/ENTERING TO U.S.

It is no longer necessary to APPEAR at a Customs Office to clear OUT of The Bahamas.

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Starting on August 1, 2024, the only required documentation for dogs entering or returning to the United States that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months is the CDC Dog Import Form.

*Note: The Bahamas is NOT on the list high-risk for dog rabies list. 

(Originally posted July 25, 2023)

I spoke with an official in Bahamas Customs to get clarification of the two apps for clearing Bahamas Customs. Here's the scoop:

(Originally posted August 31, 2018)

Effective September 5, 2018, the Small Vessel Reporting System will no longer be in service and float plans will no longer be accepted. Instead, pleasure boaters are encouraged to use the CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (ROAM) application when boating into the U.S. from a foreign port or place. Existing SVRS numbers will continue to remain valid and may be entered in the CBP ROAM app for expedited processing. Boaters may also continue to report their arrival via designated telephone reporting numbers or report to a port of entry, if desired.

The CBP ROAM app is a convenient and efficient way to report your U.S. entry from a smart device. Travelers can use the CBP ROAM app to input their biographic and trip information, followed by a video interview with a CBP Officer, to meet reporting requirements. While all travelers may use the CBP ROAM…

(Originally posted Feburary 22, 2021)

Customs goes electronic with new cruising permit submission

New module launched on Click2Clear for boating industry

Contact: MOFcomms@bahamas.gov.bs

The Bahamas Customs & Excise Department has officially launched its electronic submission portal for cruising permit applications on the Click2Clear platform. The Cruising Permit Module is expected to dramatically improve the processing time for boaters when clearing Customs at the various ports of entry across The Bahamas. Boaters can now complete and submit declaration forms and make payment in advance of arrival.

“This is another great milestone achieved by the Customs Department, which has been leading the way with the modernization of Government services. The new cruising module on the Click2Clear platform provides a seamless and cashless collection process for Cruising permit fees with online applications and payments by credit card,” said Minister Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State for Finance.

If you wish to bring a pet aboard when cruising the Bahamas, you must secure a permit before you leave home. There are two different paths to take: the Bahamas Department of Agriculture or a “pet concierge.”

The Bahamas has streamlined its process so that you can now register and pay online (fee $11.20). Their number is 242-603-3260.

First register at Click2Clear.gov.bs. (You will need this login and username before clearing into the Bahamas when you arrive.)

Then follow instructions at https://www.besw.gov.bs/TFBOGA/cusLogin/login.cl to fill out the pet permit form, submit the veterinarian's immunizations and a picture of your pet, and pay online.

For detailed instructions, go to https://bahfsabahamas.com/ePermitting/PETS-Import-Step-by-Step-User-Manual-update.pdf?v9324.

There have been updates to portions of the Cruising Permit Customs Fee structure that went into effect on July 1, 2025.

The concise changes:

• Cost covers return visit within 30 days (previously 90 days)

• Cruising permit good for 12 months provided the vessel remains in the Bahamas

• Pleasure vessels carrying more than three passengers must pay $30 each additional per passenger over six years old. (previously two adults plus children under three years old)

Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC)