Bahamas customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Bahamas customs are strict on firearms, ammunition, and spear guns — you need a police permit before arrival. Duty-free allowances are generous but any commercial goods or excessive quantities can trigger seizure. All travellers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (C7) on arrival, even if you have nothing to declare.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Over that, duty is 20% of value plus 7.5% VAT. Local: 1L spirits or 2L wine/beer.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
BSD 10,000 (USD 10,000) or equivalent in any currency. Declare on Customs Declaration Form (C7) and/or Financial Intelligence Unit form if over threshold.
Goods duty-free
$800
BSD 800 (USD 800) duty-free for personal goods/gifts. Above that, duty is 20% on the excess value plus 7.5% VAT. Commercial quantities subject to full duty.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and controlled drugs (cocaine, heroin, cannabis, ecstasy, etc.)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a police import permit (obtained before travel)
  • Spear guns and underwater fishing equipment without a permit
  • Counterfeit currency, goods, or intellectual property infringements
  • Obscene or seditious materials (including child pornography)
  • Endangered species products (ivory, turtle shell, coral) without CITES permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Firearms and ammunition (require police permit from Bahamas Commissioner of Police)
  • Medications containing controlled substances (require Ministry of Health permit)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary certificate and import permit from Ministry of Agriculture)
  • Drones (require prior approval from Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Commercial goods in excess of personal use (may require import license)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After baggage claim, you'll pass through Customs. If you have nothing to declare or are within allowances, use the Green Channel. If you have goods over the limit, restricted items, or cash over BSD 10,000, use the Red Channel. All travellers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (C7) handed out on the plane or at the airport.

Bringing medication

Personal medications in original packaging with a doctor's prescription are allowed for up to 30 days. Narcotics, controlled substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam) require a permit from the Bahamas Ministry of Health. Some common Western drugs like Adderall are illegal without prior approval.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and animal products must be declared. Banned: fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or avian flu. Processed and packaged foods are generally allowed if declared.

Rules worth knowing

Firearms and Ammunition

You must obtain a police import permit from the Bahamas Commissioner of Police BEFORE arrival. No exceptions. Firearms are not allowed in checked luggage without this permit. Violation leads to seizure, fine, and possible imprisonment.

Spear Guns and Underwater Fishing

Spear guns, harpoons, and underwater fishing equipment require a permit from the Bahamas Department of Marine Resources. They are strictly prohibited without it — even in checked baggage.

Customs Declaration Form C7

Every arriving passenger must complete a Customs Declaration Form (C7), even if you have nothing to declare. It is distributed on the aircraft or at the airport. Failure to submit can result in a fine.

Duty on Commercial Quantities

If you bring goods in quantities that suggest commercial intent (e.g., multiple cartons of cigarettes, cases of alcohol), Customs may seize them and impose full duty plus penalties. The duty-free allowance is strictly for personal use.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you need prior approval from the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA). Apply at least 30 days before travel. Drones must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form. Unauthorized drones are subject to confiscation.
You need a permit from the Bahamas Ministry of Health. Apply in advance with your prescription and doctor's letter. Codeine is a controlled substance here. Without the permit, it may be seized and you could face legal issues.
No, fresh fruits and vegetables are generally prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Processed or packaged foods (e.g., canned goods, sealed snacks) are allowed if declared. Always declare any food items to avoid fines.
You risk seizure of the cash and a fine of up to BSD 50,000 or imprisonment. Always declare on the C7 form and to the Financial Intelligence Unit if asked. The limit applies to combined currencies.
Yes, you need a police import permit from the Bahamas Commissioner of Police regardless of your nationality. Apply weeks in advance. The firearm must be declared on arrival and inspected by Customs. Ammunition is limited to 50 rounds.
Yes, Cuban cigars are legal in the Bahamas. They count toward your tobacco allowance (50 cigars duty-free). Over that, duty applies. No special restrictions beyond the general tobacco rules.
No, the Bahamas does not have a VAT or tourist tax refund scheme. The 7.5% VAT is included in prices and not refundable to visitors. Duty-free shopping at the airport is available for departing travellers.

Official source

Bahamas Customs and Excise Department

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Bahamas Customs and Excise Department before travelling.