Checking Out from the Bahamas?

[Roniszoro]

Do you have to? Clearly one must check in and pay the cruising fee. But when I was sailing there 15 years ago, one just left...no check out was required. Is that still the case?

Thank you for your responses.

[slug]

Hmmm

15 years

Next time you meet the Bahamian authorities they will demand import duty

The big reason you always check out and keep your papers clean I’d to keep the tax man away

[Navicula]

I never have........dont be there while your permit has expired

[Paul L]

http://www.noonsite.com is a good place to entry and exit formalities for any cruising destination. Below is what it says for Bahamas exit. The last time we were there a few years ago you did not need to clear out.

Clearing out:

Before leaving The Islands Of The Bahamas, surrender your copy of the immigration card at the last Bahamian port you visit. Departure formalities are simple and boats may leave without formally clearing out, although the cruising permit should be handed into a Customs officer on departure. If this is not possible, the permit should be returned by mail. However, as some countries, notably the Dominican Republic, require an exit document (Zarpe), this should be obtained on departure from the Bahamas.

In Nassau, there is a charge $75 for an exit zarpe.

[Woodland Hills]

If you have declared firearms and ammunition they will want to verify that they are still in your possession and recount your ammunition. This is what I was told when I checked in.

[billknny]

Originally Posted by slug

Next time you meet the Bahamian authorities they will demand import duty

NOT TRUE!!! Another case of someone on the internet wanting to feel important so they are making dramatic stuff up, or maybe just guessing what they think is right.

You will NOT be hit up for import duty. Checking out when leaving the Bahamas is optional. Even on the paperwork it tells you to mail the immigration card back if you leave without checking out.

Note: The Noonsite information is wrong too! You do not return the cruising permit, it is good for multiple entries! Although they might want to see it when you check out, it is only the immigration card that is returned.

We always check out for the Bahamas when we are headed to anyplace other than the USA so we have the Zarpa in hand. We try to when we return to the USA, but have not always done so. No issues.

None of this should be taken to imply that the Bahamians take their immigration paperwork lightly. The RBDF has boarded us twice, and checked with us on the radio once to confirm out paperwork status. Do not assume you can fly under the radar there.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by slug

Hmmm

15 years

Next time you meet the Bahamian authorities they will demand import duty

The big reason you always check out and keep your papers clean I’d to keep the tax man away

Like they are putting the info into a computer and keeping track pretty sure all they care about is you paid your fee

[Montanan]

Guidance:

https://bs.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen...n-the-bahamas/

"Before leaving the islands of The Bahamas, be sure to surrender your copy of the immigration card at the last Bahamian port you visit."

Note there is a $20 departure tax per person.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Montanan

Guidance:

https://bs.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen...n-the-bahamas/

"Before leaving the islands of The Bahamas, be sure to surrender your copy of the immigration card at the last Bahamian port you visit."

Note there is a $20 departure tax per person.

This is covered by the cruising permit, up to three persons. I think the normal departure tax is up to $29 now.

[jmschmidt]

Delivery gig, skipper in a hurry for a 6:00AM start out of Bimini, did not want to wait for Customs & Immigration to open, we left. I mailed in my card, no problem.

[Bean Counter]

There is no requirement to check out of the Bahamas, just like USA, no requirement to check out there either when leaving on your own boat. The only difficulty may be if the next country you are sailing to requires the exit paper work from the previous country, then you should get one. In the Bahamas getting an exit clearance can cost $75 at Marsh Harbour for example, but friends who checked out at Inagua to go to Cuba got one for free.