Bahamas cruising permit should I extend?

[OldManMirage]

So do most people simply opt for the 12 month permit ?

If you're planning to stay for the season isn't this what you would do ?

[Cheyne]

I think it depends on how many times you want to pay $200 per person to renew your visa now. So far on the Bahamas Land Sea group on Facebook people are reporting the max stay being granted for the visa side is 90 days. So if you plan on staying past 90 days you will have to pay to renew your visa now at $200 per person.

Cheyne

[jcapo]

The last time I asked for 6 months and got 30 days. It depends on how the immigration officer feels that day.

This new pay to renew is a nice revenue stream for them.

[Pandor]

Originally Posted by jcapo

The last time I asked for 6 months and got 30 days. It depends on how the immigration officer feels that day.

This new pay to renew is a nice revenue stream for them.

I hope that “30” was a typo. I don’t think 30 is an option.

[jcapo]

Originally Posted by Pandor

I hope that “30” was a typo. I don’t think 30 is an option.

Sure it is. Its whatever the immigration officer wants to give you.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by jcapo

Sure it is. Its whatever the immigration officer wants to give you.

30 days is now the minimum. Cruisers with a cruising permit can count on 90 days when properly dressed, respectful etc.

[OldManMirage]

Maybe I am not understanding correctly...either the question or the answer.

Let me ask it this way. If I go to the click-to-clear website I see options for a 3 month or 12 month Temporary Cruising Permit.

So if/when I fill out the online form and PAY for it then can I choose the 12 month option ?

Or am I or did I miss something ?

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by OldManMirage

Maybe I am not understanding correctly...either the question or the answer.

Let me ask it this way. If I go to the click-to-clear website I see options for a 3 month or 12 month Temporary Cruising Permit.

So if/when I fill out the online form and PAY for it then can I choose the 12 month option ?

Or am I or did I miss something ?

The cruising permit is for the boat. For the crew you have to deal with immigration officers and anything beyond 99 days involves a lot of effort and extra cost ($200 per person per extra 90 days). Also you only get a maximum of 8 months before you have to leave. The boat can stay, but you must leave.

[Cheyne]

The visa is up to the immigration officer processing you on the spot. Like Jedi said. Be extra sweet. Dress nicely. Don't be a dick. You should get your 90 days. I have only heard of a few folks getting more than 90 days when they asked for more. In those cases a superior had to be called by the officer. I would argue with them. That seems to get visa's reduced in length. Shoot they could reject your request all together and send you back to the US.

Cheyne

[OldManMirage]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

The cruising permit is for the boat. For the crew you have to deal with immigration officers and anything beyond 99 days involves a lot of effort and extra cost ($200 per person per extra 90 days). Also you only get a maximum of 8 months before you have to leave. The boat can stay, but you must leave.

So apparently I have somewhat mis-understood this process up to now.

Essentially I do the Click-to-Clear and pay for the 12 month permit, and then when I get to the Bahamas and check in at the Customs office there will be additional fees to pay for myself ? I will be solo so just me.

At that point the boat might be good for 12 months but I am only good for (hopefully) 90 days. Then I'll need to find another Customs office to get an extension ? Which is how much ?

Where do I find this info ? I have browsed the Click-to-Clear website but I don't see this specific stuff...

Still confused ....

[Leadfree]

First: The cruising permit is for the boat, not for the individuals thereon. The length-of-stay which is for individuals, is not a visa although is similar in concept.

This thread's assertions wrt the immigration only giving 90d are not true. There are reports at BL&S of longer stays granted, which have included up to 180d. That said, if you only get a 90d cruising permit, they damn sure aren't going to give you longer than 90d length of stay, now would they?

The length of stay granted depends: If you happen to check in at a place which only has a customs officer, the customs officers are only allowed to give 30d, whether initial or extension. An immigration officer has discretion to give as long as the officer wants, and you should be prepared to demonstrate financial independence, and rationale for your intended length of stay.

Nothing has been specified as to whether any length-of-stay extensions will only be for 30d, and that will depend on the immigration officer's discretion as well. The only change is really that for a stay extension, you will be charged $200.

see below direct communication from Immigration (bold and italics mine):
On Nov 16, 2024, at 06:51, IMMIGRATION PUBLIC RELATIONS <[IMMIGRATIONPUBLICRELATIONSUNIT@bahamas.gov.bs](mailto:IMMIGRATIONPUBLICRELATIONSUNIT@bahamas.gov .bs)> wrote:
Hello ,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
We are happy to provide clarification. Upon arrival at the designated port of entry, please present all necessary entry documents to the Immigration Officer as usual. Specifically, in your case, a temporary cruising permit is required. Ensure that the Immigration Officer has all your details so they can determine the duration of your stay. All visitors are granted a minimum of thirty days upon arrival (no fewer than 30 days). This does not mean you will only receive thirty days, however; the length of stay is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer.
The Visitors’ Extension of Stay service is for those wishing to remain in The Bahamas beyond the period initially granted by the Immigration Officer. Visitors may apply for this extension in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and any Family Island where there is an Immigration Office. If there is no Immigration Office on a particular island, the Bahamas Customs & Excise Department or the local Family Island Administrator can assist with this service. For further information, please refer to the following link: [https://www.immigration.gov.bs/entry...sion-of-stay/]

[OldManMirage]

Ok, I'm starting to get a better handle on this.

A related question concerning filling out Click-to-Clear.

When declaring stores I have heard some people say you should declare alcohol, others say only if you have a significant amount.

What is considered a "significant amount" ? Or do I need to worry ?

FWIW I probably have a dozen different bottles of liquor on board.

[ashmun]

I cruised year-round in the Bahamas for 12-years (2012-2024), I paid the $500 to renew for 3-years and took my boat back to Florida at the end of the 3-years and repeated this.

Do not insult the Bahamas Customs by getting arrested (and your boat seized) for "just sail[ing] out 3 miles” - you don’t think they’ve seen that move. Any sr Customs person will know that a day sail (aka 3nm) does not get you to Florida and back unless you have a very fast motor boat (in which case they might search for drug &#128521.

Remember USA, Bahamas, USVI, BVI, etc all constantly monitoring boats for drug and trafficking (aka they are watching all boats).

And yes, I’m there are boaters out there that will say they "just sail out 3 miles” but do you really want to risk getting you and your crew arrested for the difference?

[Montanan]

A temporary importation status must be discharged by exporting the good before the date of provided by the temporary import permission. The discharge by export is achieved by transporting the good to a foreign place or port. Transporting a good to international waters does not invoke an importation of the good to a foreign place or port and thus does not fulfill the discharge of the temporary importation permit. If there is no importation there is no exportation from the temporary import status. If there is no discharge of the temporary importation stasus then the good must be converted in status to a permanent importation with duty and tariffs and VAT paid.

Keep it simple, cross and enter a border. Clear customs upon entry to the foreign place or port and then one can return and request a new temporary importation.

This is just routine international trade compliance, not rocket science.

[Montanan]

Declare any and all items that are required to be declared. Learn what items need to be declared before arrival. [i.e., before departure].

Do not confuse customs and immigration, they are two totally different matters with totally different time frames of permitted temporary importation and of personal visa free stay in country.

Nothing truly unique about the Bahamas as to importation or visa. Same issues apply whatever the country one enters.