Exumas with dogs: the Bahamas pet import permit and Exuma Park rules for pets

A dog aboard needs an import permit from the Bahamas government, and inside the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park pets have their own rules. This page covers the permit application and the park rules. For the rest of your arrival paperwork, read the guide to clearing Customs by boat. The trip planning hub links to the other planning pages.

Can you bring a dog to the Bahamas by boat?

Yes, but you must prepare before you leave home³. The Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services Unit runs the application, called the Application for Permit to Import Domestic Animals¹. The form defines domestic animals as pets: dog, cat, bird, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit and fresh water turtle¹. If you are unsure whether an animal may be imported, contact the Department’s veterinary officers for clarification¹.

The conditions that apply to your dog’s permit, including vaccination and health-certificate requirements, are set by the Department. Get the current conditions from the Veterinary Services Unit before you pay for anything else. The telephone number on the form is 1(242)-397-7450/1¹. Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST), Monday to Friday, except public holidays¹.

What does the pet import permit application ask for?

Plan your route before you apply, because the form asks where the animal goes and for how long¹:

The form asks for	Detail
Initial port of entry into The Bahamas	Island, name and address1
Expected island(s) visiting	Which islands the animal will visit1
Duration of stay	In days1
Initial country of export	Including the country of origin if the animal was in transit1
Microchip type	Type, for the animal1
Physical address in the Bahamas	Where the animal will be kept1

Supporting documents are health records (vaccinations) or a sanitary certificate for the animal, and a color photograph of the animal¹. The authorized officers may ask for other supporting documentation¹. The application will not be processed without the importer’s declaration¹. By signing, the importer agrees to pay the processing fee regardless of issue status, and the government reserves the right to deny any application where reasonable grounds exist¹.

How much does the permit cost and how long does it take?

The form lists a processing fee of $40.00 for all animal permit applications¹. The Customs clearing guide has the pet permit fee breakdown. The form is dated July 2023, so confirm the current fee with the Department before you pay.

A complete application takes up to 48 business hours to process¹. Inspection of the animal may be required in The Bahamas by government-authorized veterinarians, with fees applied¹.

You can send the application by mail, by courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS), or by hand at the New Providence office or the Family Island administrator’s office¹. Do not mail personal cheques or cash, and a mailed payment must be an international money order only¹.

Clearing in with a dog aboard

The permit is separate from clearing the vessel. Inward clearance must be done at a designated Port of Entry, and until Customs and Immigration clear the vessel only the captain may disembark⁴. That means the dog stays aboard with the crew until the captain has cleared the boat. The ports of entry guide lists where to clear on the way to the Exumas.

Where can your dog go in Exuma Park?

The Bahamas National Trust restricts pets in the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park to the beaches:

Pets are restricted to beaches only – No pets permitted on trails or in the brush².

Leash length is limited:

Pet leashes may be no longer than six (6) feet in length².

Pets may not be tied to trees, bushes, tables, or shelter facilities even when the owners are present².

The Trust gives its reason: over the years pets have resulted in the destruction of bird nesting sites and the loss of rare or endangered species, including Rock Iguanas and Hutia². Captive wild species and barnyard animals are prohibited from park property². Read the wildlife guide for the animals your dog should never chase, and the full park rules before you land.