Latest News on Bahamian Cruising Fees

Created by doina. Last modified on 2003-12-09 15:28:55
Countries: Bahamas

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism recently released the following information:

“The Bahamas has given due consideration to the concerns of the boating community and has decided, as an interim measure, that, with effect from December 1, 2003, the current Fees of $150 for boats up to 35 feet in length and $300 for boats over 35 feet, shall be valid for two entries during any 90-day period.

“In the long-term, The Bahamas Government is considering an annual fee structure and will continue the dialogue with both the domestic and international boating community to determine how such a policy can best be implemented.”

Meanwhile, information we have received, in writing, from appropriate government offices, should be clearly understood:

A visiting pleasure vessel’s Temporary Cruising Permit, issued by Bahamas Customs on first entry clearance is for 12 months’ duration (even if an old form saying 6 months is used). A vessel’s Temporary Cruising Permit may be extended for an additional 2 years on application to Customs and payment of a fee of $500 per year’s extension. The clearance fees are “not applicable to dinghies and life rafts imported via such vessels”. The “two entries during any 90-day period”, quoted above, means that a vessel may leave The Bahamas and re-enter within the first 90 days of a Cruising Permit’s validity, without payment of any additional fee. No charges may be made for travel or overtime by clearing officers. Obtain an official receipt for all funds paid.

Immigration permission for persons arriving with the vessel may be granted for varying periods, but may be extended by Immigration, up to a maximum of 8 months.

A Fishing Permit issued on entry is valid until the expiry date shown thereon. The Permit is valid for hook and line fishing only (see regulations on its reverse). Persons wishing to engage in spear fishing (by Hawaiian sling only) should request that the vessel’s Fishing Permit be so endorsed, in writing, on issue.

Note that we do not think it unreasonable to charge $300 for (a) a 12 month cruising permit, (b) immigration approval up to 8 months and (c) a 3 month fishing permit - a separately purchased fishing permit for a year costs $150.

The Bahamas, as only one jurisdiction covering 150,000 sq miles of island-dotted, crystal clear waters, is still the best cruising ground in the world!

Carolyn & Nick Wardle, Coral Harbour, N.P., Bahamas

28th November, 2003