What documents do you need to enter The Bahamas by boat?

U.S. citizens must present a passport. Upon your arrival in The Bahamas, you will be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which you will keep until your departure.



To enter The Bahamas by private vessel, the captain must provide several critical documents upon arrival at a designated Port of Entry. These include one copy of The Bahamas Customs Clearance Form, an Immigration Card for every person on board, and valid passports for all passengers (U.S. citizens must have a passport, as birth certificates are not accepted for sea entry). You also need the vessel's registration documents (title or proof of ownership). As of 2025/2026, vessels over 50 feet must have a functional Automated Identification System (AIS). Captains are also required to pay for a Cruising Permit (fees range from $500 to $3,000 depending on vessel size) and a Fishing Permit if planning to fish. If you have firearms on board, they must be declared with serial numbers and ammunition counts; they must remain locked on the boat at all times.

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All visitors must have a return or onward ticket, and a valid travel document (such as a passport and visa) to allow entry into another country as applicable. Visitors may also be asked to produce evidence of sufficient funds to allow them to be self-sustaining whilst in the Bahamas.

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Things every first-time tourist needs to know:
  • English is actually the official language of the Bahamas, so it'll be spoken everywhere you go.
  • There's no need to get your currency exchanged, US currency is accepted. ...
  • Tips are king. ...
  • Cars don't drive on the right side of the road, they drive on the left.


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Anything except fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products can be brought into The Bahamas. All meats must be canned or frozen.

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You will need a passport, and proof of ownership of your boat, if you go ashore in a foreign country. Until you have presented your documents to the officials at a port of entry and “checked in” you may not go ashore anywhere else in that country.

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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. Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry.

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Closed-Loop Cruises If you are a U.S. citizen planning a closed-loop cruise, you can travel without a passport. A closed-loop cruise means that you board a cruise ship in a U.S. port, only travel in the Western Hemisphere and then return to the same U.S. port where you started your journey.

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Checklist to Leave All persons six years and older leaving The Islands of The Bahamas must pay a Government Departure Tax of $29.00.

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In addition to eliminating the mandatory Bahamas Travel Health Visa, the Government of The Bahamas announced that pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirement have been eliminated. All visitors, regardless of their vaccination status, are welcome to travel freely to and throughout The Islands of The Bahamas.

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Water -- Technically, tap water is drinkable throughout The Bahamas. Still, we almost always opt for bottled. Resorts tend to filter and chlorinate tap water more aggressively than other establishments; elsewhere, bottled water is available at stores and supermarkets, and tastes better than that from a tap.

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Protect your health in the Bahamas Several mosquito-borne illnesses are prevalent in the Bahamas, including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya, so avoid getting bitten. Choose clothing with that covers your arms and legs and neck well, and always use a reliable insect repellent.

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Officials will review your required passenger travel documents, such as passport, visa, green card, disembarkation card (provided by flight attendant during flight), immunization documentation, letters of confirmation or support, etc.

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INTERNATIONAL VISITORS All valid receipts for declared items are required. All visitors to the Bahamas are entitled to an exemption of $100.00 on any dutiable article being brought into the Bahamas. Any value in excess of this, the necessary custom duties and taxes will be applicable.

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