Apr 26, 2026

New Bahamas Cruising Permits 2026: Updated Fee Schedule

A year-round paradise for boaters, The Bahamas is less than 50 miles from South Florida at its nearest point, putting it well within cruising range for many pleasure boats. Offering uncrowded anchorages, sparkling turquoise waters and fertile fishing grounds,

The Bahamas have been a top destination for U.S. boaters and anglers since long before Hemingway’s time. Starting in July 2025, however, a costlier and more rigid new cruising permit structure for foreign boats dissuaded many U.S. cruisers and anglers from visiting The Bahamas, even during the popular winter cruising season.

On April 1, 2026, The Bahamas government issued a revised cruising and anchoring permit fee schedule for foreign boats that is both more affordable – especially for vessels under 50 feet – and more flexible than the previous one, offering more tiers based on vessel size and permit duration.

If you are a U.S. boater planning a cruise to The Bahamas, be sure to check the new fee schedule in advance to determine which permit works best for you. Here’s the breakdown:

Temporary Cruising Permits (Reg. 91)

  • 30-Day Temporary Cruising Permit
    • Vessels up to but not exceeding 30 feet – $150
    • Exceeding 30 feet but not exceeding 50 feet – $250
    • Exceeding 50 feet but not exceeding 100 feet – $350
    • Exceeding 100 feet – $600
    • No free re-entry to Bahamian waters if vessel leaves during the validity period.
  • 6-Month Temporary Cruising Permit
    • Vessels up to but not exceeding 50 feet – $300
    • Exceeding 50 feet but not exceeding 100 feet – $750
    • Exceeding 100 feet – $2,000
    • One free re-entry within the validity period.
  • 12-Month Temporary Cruising Permit
    • Vessels up to but not exceeding 50 feet – $500
    • Exceeding 50 feet but not exceeding 100 feet – $1,000
    • Exceeding 100 feet – $3,000
    • Two free re-entries within the validity period.

Anchorage Permits* (Reg. 91B)

  • 30-Day Permit
    • Vessels up to but not exceeding 30 feet – $50
    • Exceeding 30 feet but not exceeding 100 feet – $100
    • Exceeding 100 feet – $200
  • 6-Month Permit
    • Vessels up to but not exceeding 50 feet – $150
    • Exceeding 50 feet but not exceeding 100 feet – $350
    • Exceeding 100 feet – $1,000
  • 12-Month Permit
    • Vessels up to but not exceeding 50 feet – $200
    • Exceeding 50 feet but not exceeding 100 feet – $350
    • Exceeding 100 feet – $1,500.

(*apply to pleasure vessels not docking at a marina)

Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC)*
If you plan to cruise to The Bahamas from the U.S. more than three times a year, consider purchasing The Bahamas’ Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC). FDCCs are now available allowing unlimited visits for up to two years. Here is the fee schedule:

  • Vessels under 50 feet – $1,500.
  • 50 to 99 feet – $2,500.
  • Over 100 feet – $8,000.

(*FDCC fees do no cover attendance fees by a customs officer for attendance and travel expenses or overtime and travel expenses in respect of the attendance of an immigration officer.)
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