Under customs regulation, captains sailing pleasure vessels not carrying cargo and operated for pleasure and recreation only, who are not sailing for reward or remuneration or for business purposes, must provide an inward declaration and apply for a cruising permit in order to sail from island to island within The Bahamas.
Captains sailing pleasure vessels operated for pleasure and recreation only.
- Apply online at GoOutdoorsBahamas.com (complete checkout process including paying with credit card and downloading official completed documents) or download the paper form, fill out by hand, and bring cash.
- Present forms or completed documents to the Customers Officer at the point of arrival at your port of entry in The Bahamas.
- Once the form is processed, a copy of the processed form will be given to you and will serve as your Cruising Permit.
Apply Online
- Inward Declaration and Application for Cruising Permit ( Form C2A)
- Maritime Declaration of Health Form
- Proof of citizenship/Identification for the captain (Passport) and other crew and passengers.
At the time of application once all documents are approved. This process must be completed within 24 hours after arrival into Bahamian waters. No passengers or crew are to disembark until the process is completed.
There are customs charges based on the size of the pleasure vessel.
- Up to 35 ft in length - BS$150.00
- Over 35 ft in length - BS$300.00
In addition, there is a BS$20.00 per head passenger tax with the first 3 crew / passengers exempt.
The Bahamas Customs Department
Headquarters
P. O. Box N 155
Thompson Boulevard
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 325-6551 – 9
Fax. (242 )325-7409
Email: customs@bahamas.gov.bs
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays
Customs House
Thompson Blvd.
P.O. Box N-155
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
customs@bahamas.gov.bs
Phone: (242) 604-3124 or 604-3125
Fax: (242) 322-6223
Bahamas Customs Ports of Entry