sandcraft

I'm planning a one week trip to bimini next summer and would like to know if there is a process I have to go through when I return to the good ol US. Do I just trailer my boat and go home or do I have to clear through customs/immigration? Thanks for any info.

Poorsche

This site has most of what you'll need... http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/about...ectionid=59196

Thunder1

Hey sandcraft...

Unfortunately, the process is still pretty difficult... If your boat is 30' or over you need to purchase a US Customs Decal, that $25, and can be done online but takes a week or so to get it... Nothing to do on the way out but when you return is the problem... Must call US Customs at 1-800-432-1216 and give them the decal number and all the detail of your crossing and also information on all passengers... Now it gets bad!!! Within 24 hours you have to check in with US Immigration, guess that's Homeland Security now, in person with all passengers which is a large pain to me... No money involved but it does take far too much time... I would imagine that the airports in FL would be the easiest and the one at PBI has enough room for a boat too since it's not at the airport proper... Hope this helps... On a side note, since the Complete Angler is gone you might want to think about Lucaya, Grand Bahama... If I can help at all just give a yell...

Thanks, Karl

Tony Montana

I just read this:

Entry Fees
The fee for boaters for boats up to 35 feet is $150.00 and the fee for boats over 35 feet is $300. These fees are inclusive of a cruising permit, fishing permit and departure tax for up to four persons with no overtime charges for Customs or Immigration. Each additional person above four will be charged additional departure tax.

So am I understanding this right you have to pay if you come over in your own boat?

Thunder1

Yup!!! That changed from $100 per visit, for up to four people, a few years ago and now it's just as you wrote it... The only good thing is that you can make another visit within 90 days and it does not cost you anything... The water is really nice but they seem to be getting really proud of it...

Thanks, Karl

Ing

Check out this link to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP is now the single border agency that handles both customs and immigration issues. It should answer all your questions.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/

el indio

Too much work!!!!!!!!!!!!Try the keys lots of things to do and American jails are more comfortable. so I hear.........mark............

Jupiter Sunsation

Everything written so far is 100% right. The check in process is not terrible. We left the 15th ST. ramp in Lauderdale and drove over to the port (across street) and checked in. Was a 15-20 minute process including parking truck/trailer and walking from far end of parking lot. I frustrates you though since if we were illegal/ smuggling etc then we could skip this step and since we are following the rules we have to be hassled. Leaving for Bimini and returning we saw/ spoke to no one from the US. Bimini was cool but not much to do there, no casinos etc.

sandcraft

Thanks guys, as usual my questions get fully answered along with helpful hints and suggestions. Membership to this site was certainly money well spent. Thanks again, Casey