DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELING TO THE BAHAMAS

1. Current US customs decal must be visible on your aircraft. Decal forms (form 339A) can be obtained at:
• the front desk at Banyan Air Service
• customs at FXE, FLL or MIA
• www.CBP.gov

For decal questions call 317-298-1200 (extension 1245) or e-mail decals@customs.treas.gov

You may depart the United States without a decal, however upon your return to the United States you must have the decal or a fax or e-mail receipt confirmation that you have purchased one ( Decals cost $25.00 and are valid for one year.)

2. A current US passport is required.
   
3. Notify customs of your return back to the U.S. prior to departure if you will be returning within 24 hours. Otherwise, advise U.S. customs of your return before departing the Bahamas. Ensure flight service adds your return information to the "remarks" section on your flight plan. It can be difficult to contact U.S. customs from the Bahamas, however if you know your approximate time of return, Banyan can advise FXE customs for you.
   
4. File a flight plan going to and from the Bahamas. Any time there will be night flying, it must be IFR, and only Freeport and Nassau have airport lighting.

CUSTOMS PAPERWORK

Ask Banyan for the forms for both Bahamian and U.S. customs. Have your paperwork filled out prior to your arrival in either country. Necessary paperwork includes:

1. Private Aircraft Enforcement System Arrival Report
2. International Flight Plan
3. Annual User Fee Decal Request - Aircraft
4. General Declaration
5. Private aircraft entering the Bahamas will need two forms:
   • C7A - Inward Declaration & Cruising Permit - this form will also be carried with you to be stamped at whichever island you choose to "jump" while in the Bahamas.
   • Bahamas Declaration Card (pink & white card) - keep the bottom copy after you give it to the agent, as you will need this when you depart.

DEPARTING THE UNITED STATES

Banyan Air Service is ready to help you with all of your needs for flying to the Bahamas - from renting survival equipment, purchasing charts, guides, GPSs, etc. to assistance with U.S. and the Bahamian customs paperwork. Contact our FBO Customer Support or Pilot Shop .

NECESSARY ITEMS

• A life vest is mandatory for each person on board. Life vests and rafts are available for rent at Banyan. Do not open the life vest package unless you have to. If the life vests have been opened they must be re-certified resulting in an additional cost to you. A life raft is optional for private aircraft.
• Applicable navigation charts (MIA sectional & WAC CH 25-26).

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE MATERIAL

• GPSs are one of the most useful tools a pilot can have.
• Visit the official homepage of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
• Below are some excellent resources available for purchase in our shop or on-line.

	Caribbean Flying Adventures DVD - This DVD includes front seat approaches to 16 different Caribbean airports, list of the documentation required for flying in and around the islands, and a complete pre-departure checklist.
	Caribbean Flying Adventures - This is an internet based website with a "member's only section" that provides up-to-date fuel prices, free - current approach plates, charts, forms, airport-by-airport, step-by-step arrival & departure procedures, including fees.
	The Bahamas and Caribbean Pilot's - This manual is updated annually, the Pilots Guide includes runway and navigation information, customs & immigration, maps, hotel and travel info, and more.

AFTER TAKEOFF

• You can use the Bimini VOR in the air or on the ground at 122.1 to receive 116.7.
• These frequencies can be utilized at 3,000 ft. AGL to open or close flight plans:
  MIA     126.7/126.9/118.4
  Nassau     128.0/124.2
  Freeport     122.3

ON THE GROUND

• There are no landing fees for single engine recreational aircraft (except at a few private airports) and there are no overtime charges for non-commercial aircraft
• There may be a $10 US landing fee for commerical aircraft during regular hours.
• After 5 PM on a weekday, any time during the weekend or on a holiday, the overtime landing fee for commerical aircraft is $50 - $100.00US .

DEPARTING THE BAHAMAS

• A flight plan must be filed. When departing Freeport or Nassau you must file with the FBO, or the tower will not let you leave, even if you have a pre-existing flight plan. Freeport will automatically open or close your flight plan. In Nassau, you must personally call FSS.
• Paperwork
  Fill out two General Declarations.
• Submit the bottom half of your immigration card that you retained when you arrived in the Bahamas.
• Fees
  The departure tax is $15.00US for everyone over 6 years of age. Exact change helps!
• In flight
  If you are flying VFR, you must obtain a transponder code from MIA radio prior to Bimini or the ADIZ.
  If you are flying IFR, the squak code ATC gives you is valid.

US Customs, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

• We advise that you arrive at FXE customs no later than 8:30 PM so that you can be processed by 9:00 PM. FXE customs will not accept you after 9 PM.
• You must take all baggage off the aircraft. Fruits and vegetables are not permitted to come back into the U.S. You are permitted to bring back 6 lobsters (over 5½ inches) per person.
• Banyan Air Service can fuel your aircraft on the customs ramp, deliver catering, tow you from customs, etc. Just radio Banyan on Arinc 130.8.

1. General Declaration form completed.
2. US Customs Declaration form completed for each family.
3. I-94 W for citizens from VISA-waivered countries (i.e.: United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, France).
4. I-94 for citizens from countries that require a VISA (i.e.: Mexico, Columbia, Bahamas).
5. PAES (Private Aircraft Enforcement Arrival Report ).