Bringing a Motorcycle to the Bahamas

[SBaircraft]

I normally carry a US-registered motorcycle and I'm wondering if it will be possible for me to legally ride it while visiting the Bahamas. I imagine that I will need temporary registration and insurance. Does anyone have any experience with this?

I fully understand that renting a motorcycle is the best solution for most people. Long story short... my particular application requires my exact motorcycle. Therefore, I'm willing to deal with significant cost and hassles.

[skipmac]

Haven't tried with a motorcycle but I called once to see if there were rules or requirements for bringing a bicycle to the Bahamas. The regulations and paperwork were so so cumbersome I didn't bother (but I did take the bike and was never asked for paperwork). I would imagine that bringing a motorcycle would be even more cumbersome.

[Stumble]

See http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/image...ulations_1.pdf for the specific regulations starting at part XIV, section 86 (e).


Basically you have to put up a bond for what the import duty would be, but so long as the motorcycle leaves the country within a year you get the bond back. I wasn't able to find the regulations on getting a local license, but since these provisions allow for the use of the vehicle while it is in country I would assume it wouldn't be too bad.

[SBaircraft]

Greg, thanks a million! That got me in the right direction. I believe the duty on motorcycles is 35% so I'll have to post a bond or deposit for that amount. I'm going to make some calls to the road traffic department to see if I can learn more about the next steps.

I did see a clause that says, "one temporary import permit only will be issued in each year in respect to the same imported article." That might prevent the possibility of making routine visits.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, SBaircraft.

[dianaofburlingt]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Haven't tried with a motorcycle but I called once to see if there were rules or requirements for bringing a bicycle to the Bahamas. The regulations and paperwork were so so cumbersome I didn't bother (but I did take the bike and was never asked for paperwork). I would imagine that bringing a motorcycle would be even more cumbersome.

What is the trouble with having a bicycle? Is their point that it is a (motor) vehicle and will be operated (perhaps without benefit of license) on public ways? Or is it that it is a valuable object which could be sold without taxes by the one who brings it into the country?

I carry a folding bike and have the Bahamas in my sights for 2014.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by dianaofburlingt

What is the trouble with having a bicycle? Is their point that it is a (motor) vehicle and will be operated (perhaps without benefit of license) on public ways? Or is it that it is a valuable object which could be sold without taxes by the one who brings it into the country?

I carry a folding bike and have the Bahamas in my sights for 2014.

You know I was never quite sure why the big deal. Maybe concern about importing a bike and selling it and not paying duty? Since all the government revenue comes from import duties (no income tax) they are pretty sensitive about the subject.

However took our folding bikes and rode them everywhere we went, even all over downtown Nassau and no one noticed or cared. I also looked carefully at the bikes the locals were riding and didn't see any tags or markings to show they were registered or permitted in any way so how would anyone know if the one I was riding was "official" or not?

I would take them, ride them, don't ask and don't tell. Might keep them below folded up when you clear just in case one of the officials got curious.

[ArtM]

Originally Posted by SBaircraft

Greg, thanks a million! That got me in the right direction. I believe the duty on motorcycles is 35% so I'll have to post a bond or deposit for that amount. I'm going to make some calls to the road traffic department to see if I can learn more about the next steps.

I did see a clause that says, "one temporary import permit only will be issued in each year in respect to the same imported article." That might prevent the possibility of making routine visits.

I think it means that you're supposed to hang onto your permit until it expires, or you're sure you won't need it again.

It sounds like the purpose is to avoid unnecessary paperwork for repeat visitors.