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 the United States. Clearing out of the Bahamas is required, depending on your destination country. The DR and the United States will not ask to see clearing out documents from the Bahamas. Note: There are also no clear out procedures for pets.
NOTE: Starting August 1, 2024, the USA has new pet import requirements.
NOTE: Starting August 1, 2024, the USA has new pet import requirements.
Documentation Needed
For People
For a Dog
* For Both Countries *
* Country Specific *
- 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) and your dog was NOT vaccinated for Rabies in the United States. Note: 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
Dog
*** 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, only the above requirements are applied.
- Pre-arrival, if your dog WAS IN A HIGH-RISK COUNTRY in the last 6 months and HAS BEEN vaccinated for Rabies IN THE UNITED STATES,
- In addition to all the requirements for low risk dogs, you will also need a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form or a USDA-endorsed export health certificate: These forms are filled out by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA.
- Pre-arrival, if dog WAS IN A HIGH-RISK COUNTRY in the last 6 months and was not vaccinated for Rabies in the United States, ensure you have recent (less than 1 year) rabies titer test results, otherwise your dog will need a reservation at a CDC registered animal care facility for 28 days.
- In addition to all the requirements for low risk dogs, you will also need a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form. This form is filled out by your veterinarian and endorsed by an official government veterinarian.
- 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
Dog
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)