Sailing to the Bahamas from the U.S. in 2026 requires a specific set of documents for both the vessel and the crew. Every person on board must have a valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay). For the boat, you need the original vessel registration or Coast Guard documentation and a Bahamas Customs Clearance Form (which can be submitted digitally via the "Click 2 Clear" portal). As of mid-2025, new regulations require all vessels over 50 feet to have an operational Automatic Identification System (AIS). Upon arrival, you must fly a yellow "Q" (Quarantine) flag until you have cleared customs and paid the Cruising Permit fee ($500 for vessels under 50ft). You will also need to fill out an Immigration Arrival Card for each passenger. For the return to the U.S., the captain must have a U.S. Customs Decal (DTS) and should use the CBP ROAM app for a more efficient re-entry process. If you have pets on board, an International Pet Import Permit is strictly required and should be applied for several months in advance.