PROCEDURES TO ENTER AND EXIT BIMINI, THE BAHAMAS

CLEARING PROCEDURES

Visiting boaters must clear Customs & Immigration in Alice Town or nearby Cat Cay. As you enter port, fly the yellow quarantine flag. Once docked, the captain is permitted to leave the boat in order to clear the boat and crew with local Customs & Immigration. The crew is required to remain onboard until the captain returns with vessel clearance. All visitors entering the Bahamas must make a Customs declaration upon arrival.

Adult visitors are allowed to bring in:

50 cigars
200 cigarettes or 1 pound of tobacco
1 quart of spirits and personal effects

Bahamas Customs requires the following:

Vessel's Registration
Completion of the Maritime Declaration Form
Completion of the Inward Report Form

Everyone on board must have proof of citizenship and complete an immigration card. U.S. citizens must present a passport or birth certificate (original or certified copy) along with an official photo I.D., such as a driver's license or voter's card. Before leaving, be sure to surrender your copy of the immigration card. Specifically, Bahamas Immigration requires the following:

Vessel Registration
Completion of Inward Passenger & Crew Manifest form
Completion of an Immigration Card for each person arriving on the vessel

HOLIDAY CLEARING PROCEDURES

During holidays, special events and other high-demand periods, the resort can arrange for Customs & Immigrations officials to process entry on-site at Bimini Bay Resort's marina. Please contact the Dockmaster by phone at 786-322-4440 or by radio on VHF 16 or 68, prior to arrival to confirm the appropriate Customs & Immigration processing location.

Standard Holidays:
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day

ENTRY FEES

The current fee is $150 for boats up to 29' 11" in length and $300 for boats over 30 feet. This covers a vessel with four persons or less. The fees include: cruising permit, fishing permit, Customs & Immigration charges and the $15 per person departure tax (for up to four). The clearance fee entitles the vessel to two entries during a 90-day period.

Each additional person above four is charged a $15.00 departure tax (this tax is $18.00 for each additional person above four departing Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island). If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs & Immigration. Officers are on call during holidays and weekends, with no overtime charge.

Bahamas Customs & Immigration Office Hours:
Winter: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Summer: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.