Customs Information


Bahamas - All

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED  Bahamas

  • Valid passport/driver's license
  • Home Consumption Entry Form
  • Declaration of Value form
  • Invoices for new items
  • Shipping documents, including Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
  • Valid business license (for businesses)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

  • CUSTOMER'S PRESENCE AT CUSTOMS EXAMINATION IS RECOMMENDED
  • All items dutiable, except used personal effects (clothing and toilet articles)
  • Antiques with a certificate of authenticity from an authorized dealer or expert
  • Duty may become payable on an assessed value at the Customs Officer's discretion

PETS

If you plan on bringing your pet with you to the Bahamas, you'll have to abide by certain rules. First, you must obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry for any animals coming into the commonwealth. The permit will be valid for one pet and must be used within a year of the issue date. For travelers importing a pet from the United States or Canada, here is some more important information:

  • Your animal must be at least 6 months old
  • You must have a recent rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian
  • You must also have a Veterinary Health Certificate and present it to a licensed veterinarian within 48 hours of arriving in the Bahamas.

MOTOR VEHICLES

  • Copy of auto title is required
  • An invoice is required for recently purchased autos
    • Value of $10,000 or less-45% duty + 7% stamp tax
    • Value of $10,000-$20,000-50% duty + 7% stamp tax
    • Value over $20,000-65% + 7% stamp tax

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

While there are items that are not subject to duties-personal effects, for example-the Bahamas enforces duties on specific types of items during importation. Here are some of the dutiable items that are restricted in some way:

  • Goods imported for business purposes (unless importer has current Business License)
  • Firecrackers, fireworks and impact flash facilities not deemed dangerous
  • Firearms (only permitted with special authorization from Commissioner of Police)
  • Trailers, unless specifically permitted by Minister
  • Mechanical games and devices

The Bahamas allows new residents to bring limited amounts of particular items into the commonwealth. These regulations include:

  • 200 cigarettes
  • 50 cigars
  • 1lb of tobacco
  • 1qt of spirits
  • No limit on cash or personal effects

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The following is a list of items that are by no means permitted for import into the Bahamas. Please avoid shipping any of these goods to your destination:

  • Counterfeit currency
  • Underwater guns and devices ("Hawaiian Slings” are not permitted under any circumstances-these are devices known to deploy underwater missiles)
  • Meats, fruits and vegetables unfit for human consumption
  • Pornographic prints, paintings, photographs, books or any other obscene article/material
  • Political materials