Bahamas Chatter: New Customs fees question
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Bahamas Chatter: New Customs fees question
New Customs fees question
Posted: 07 Nov 2019 02:09 PM PST
I see the new fees for a 35 foot boat are $300 for three months and $600 for a year. What are the fees for 4 months?? Is it that you have three months at $300, then after that you have to pay for the entire year at $600 more or is it $300 more making it $600 for the year? If you are checking in and want to stay 4-5 months do you just pay the $600 for the year then?? Please only reply if you are sure of your answer. Thanks.
PS I like the idea of reciprocating the US entry fee for Bahamian boats coming to the USA.
Comments from Cruisers (3)
I have confirmation from boaters that have recently arrived in the Bahamas that there are no changes to the cruising fees. No one knows what will happen in 2020. The Bahamian government has a history of announcing changes effective immediately.
Stephanie Martino DiBelardino
Although none of this has been tested yet as I understand the new fees do not go into effect until January 2020 I would imagine that it would work much like before. When you check in you buy a cruising permit. In the past, that was good for a year and cost $xx. Now you only get 3 months for $xx or a year for twice that amount. So when you check in you should know which you want to purchase. Do not confuse the cruising permit which is "attached" to the vessel with a visa which is "attached" to the individual person(s). In the past we have been granted 150 day visas and other times the max that they would give was 90 days. The visa can be renewed by appearing in person at the appropriate place. For us this was in the Marsh Harbor government building. I don't know how that is working mow. It would be best to request as much time as you can get the first time so as not to need it renewed.
I am a seasonal resident of Grand Bahama. I am making contacts now to get you the correct answer.