Clearing Into The USA and The Bahamas - People and Pets

​If you are arriving from Canada, your vessel, crew and any pets need to be cleared into the USA and into the Bahamas. If you are Canadian, you DO NOT need to clear out of either country. As well, there are also no clear out procedures for pets.

NOTE: Starting August 1, 2024, the USA has new and very detailed pet import requirements. 

Documentation Needed

For People
  • Boat Registration
  • Passports for each crew member

For a Dog
    * For Both Countries *
  • International Health Certificate. May need to be endorsed. See requirements for the USA below.
  • Proof of Rabies Vaccination (1 year or 3 year are acceptable)
  • Proof of DHPPC + L Vaccinations (updated annually)
  • Proof of Parasite Control (Heartworm + Tick medications/vaccines) or results of a SNAP test
 
   * Country Specific *
  • SNAP Test (includes Lyme and Heartworm test results), helpful for Bahamas
  • Pet photo, for Bahamas only
  • Titer Results if arriving in the USA from a High-Risk country (e.g. the DR). The US only considers titer results valid for 1 year (i.e. expires after 1 year)

The Process

United States

*** NEW DOG IMPORT REQUIREMENTS AS OF AUGUST 1, 2024 ***

People
  • Clear in: Upon arrival in US waters, via the CBP Roam app on your mobile phone
  • Clear out: Not required if going to Bahamas or Canada

Dog
  • Pre-arrival, ensure the dog will meet the following requirements at the border:
    • Appear healthy upon arrival;
    • Be at least six months of age;
    • Be microchipped; and
    • Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt (Form can be located on the CDC site)
  • Pre-arrival, if dog was only in low-risk countries in the last 6 months, ensure you are able to provide one of the following at the border: 
    • Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, including the endorsement by an official veterinarian of the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog has been located; AND EITHER (1) a valid rabies serology titer OR (2) veterinary records (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months. The form must be completed within 30 days before arrival to the United States.
    • Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States
    • Valid USDA-endorsed export health certificate listing the destination as the dog rabies-free or low-risk country from which the dog is returning
    • Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country; AND veterinary records (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the 6 months before traveling to the U.S. The form must be completed within the 30 days before arriving to the United States.
    • Foreign export certificate that documents the dog is at least 6 months of age, lists the dog’s International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip number, and has been endorsed by an official veterinarian of the exporting country; AND veterinary records (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months
  • Pre-arrival, if dog WAS IN A HIGH-RISK COUNTRY in the last 6 months, ensure you have recent (less than 1 year) rabies titer test results
  • Clear in at a port of entry (you are on your vessel): Computer check in only.  Answer “yes” to question about pets in CBP Roam app, OR
  • Clear in at a land border: Advise of dog in vehicle. Present documents if requested by Customs official.
  • Have on Hand: “Both Countries” documentation
​Bahamas

​People
  • Pre-arrival: Before arrival in Bahamian waters, via the Click2Clear on your mobile phone or computer, payment for cruising permit should be made in advance as well, also through Click2Clear.  Make sure to save your Rotation # provided to use via Click2Clear.
  • Clear in: In person at the local Customs office.  Provide agents with your Rotation # so that they can confirm your documents and payment.
  • Clear out: In person at the local Customs Office but only required if your next destination needs proof that you have cleared out of your previous destination (DR and USA do not)
​
Dog
  • Pre-arrival: Use Wellington’s service (bahamaspetpermit.com) to obtain the Pet Import Permit. Submit “both countries” documentation + SNAP test results + Dog photo, also need IMP1(B) form filled out by licensed vet 48 hours before arrival
  • Clear in: Agent will ask to see Import permit and IMP1(B) form. 
  • Have on Hand: “Both Countries” documentation + Import Permit + IMP1(B)