✈️ Summary of Bahamas Flight Requirements

Documents & Identification

• Valid passport for each person on board (check expiration dates!)

• Aircraft registration marks at least 12 inches high

• U.S. Customs user fee decal or proof of payment

• 3 copies of the C7A Cruising Permit (for multi-island travel)

• Bahamas Immigration Card – one per person

Flight Planning & Customs

• File eAPIS for both outbound and return legs

• File a flight plan to a Bahamas Port of Entry (Airport of Entry / AOE)

• Plan arrival and departure only at airports with Bahamas Customs

• If visiting multiple islands: obtain a Cruising Permit (C7A)

• If returning to your U.S. destination directly from the Bahamas, a C7 (General Declaration) is sufficient

Safety Equipment

• One life jacket per occupant (mandatory for overwater operations)

Communication & Flight Plans

• Fly IFR or VFR with flight following

• Close your flight plan—before or after landing—to avoid triggering a search

• Ways to close:

  • Nassau Radio: 124.2 MHz or 128.0 MHz

  • Phone: 1-800-WX-BRIEF or (242) 377-7176

Money & Supplies

• Bring cash, as some smaller airports may not accept credit cards

• Do not bring back meat, sandwiches, or fresh fruit (fish and conch are permitted)

Useful Contacts

• Out-of-Country Flight Service Station (FSS): 305-233-2600

• U.S. Customs (after hours): 800-973-2867