When do you have to clear customs?

[JLivingston]

While we are not new to sailing, we are new to cruising and hope someone can answer this question for us. We're looking at leaving Florida and heading towards the Turks and Caicos. As we don't really have the time we don't want to check into the Bahamas but we would like to pull into a cove here and there for overnight anchorage as one of the boats going with us only has one soul aboard. The question is....When do you HAVE to check into customs? Can you anchor wherever, in whatever country, as long as you never go ashore? How do I find these things out?

Any information you could give us, as new cruisers, would be greatly appreciated.

John & Dar
s/v Free Spirit

 

[Patrick S/V Shangra-La]

I can't say for sure...

But I'll bet a phone call to the Bahama Consulate will answer your question. Have a great trip

 

[Winkfish]

I'm pretty sure once you get into their waters, you need to check in with customs by going to the nearest port. You may get a grace period, but whether you go on land or not is not the controlling factor. I'd hope you have a cruising guide or two - they should have that info. Otherwise, "Google is your friend." Have a great time!!

 

[Ross]

It depends on whether or not you actually land on their shore. If you don't land I don't believe that you need to report to customs. But the first time that you tie up to a pier you must contact customs.

 

[RichH]

If you dont LAND, are flying the "Q" flag, no one will bother you in the Bahamas, especially in the 'out islands'. Just dont fly the Q when in/near the official Bahamian 'ports of entry' or avoid them altogether, as in Nassau or Lucaya customs 'may' come to you or the marina may handle the customs duties. http://www.bahamas-travel.info/ports_of_entry.htm
The Bahamas are VERY laid-back and easy going outside of the 2 'cities', so many cruisers dont even fly the "Q" (wink-wink).

With tourism in 'de islands' at an all time low, in many ports there are now 'packages' that essentially 'rebate' all the customs and immigration entry fees; but, just have heavy fishing gear onboard, etc. etc. and carefully do your research and *verify* via Bahamian Govt. websites: bahamas + "customs rebate" + tournament

Other "entry" requirements per country are available on noonsite.com

 

[higgs]

Don't know about the Bahamas, but Canadian law requires to to clear customs even if you are anchoring and don't go ashore. I would contact the Bahamian customs as each country may handle it differently. One thing you don't want is to run afoul of another country's laws.

 

[JLivingston]

Thank you all for your input.