Private AviationRegulations & FAQ
Find everything you need to know about flying your private aircraft to The Bahamas, including planning resources and FBO's. Recent protocols and travel requirements have been put in place in response to Covid-19.
What are the closest islands to Florida?
From Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, Bimini is only 50 nautical miles. Grand Bahama is only 60 nm.
Is flight following required?
No, but you will be able to stay in contact with the Miami centre until they hand you off to Nassau Approach.
Is fuel readily available, and how expensive is it?
Avgas is currently available at nine airports in the islands and you are never more than 20 minutes flying time away from fuel. The average price of Avgas is currently $5.25 a gallon.
Can I land at any airport?
You must land at an Airport of Entry (AOE) the first time you enter the country of The Bahamas. Normal hours for Customs are 9:00am–5:30pm daily, check with the airport for specific hours.
Can I arrive at night?
Instrument-rated pilots can fly IFR into Nassau or Freeport after sunset. These are the only airports with instrument approaches at this time.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, you will need an Import Permit.
How can I get more complete information on all the airports and procedures?
The Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Guide is the complete source for all the information you will need. It can be purchased at many Florida FBOs, or directly from AOPA Pilot Publishing at 1.800.USA.AOPA (800) 872-2627, 301.695.2000.
You can also download our Bahamas Private Pilot Guide.
What numbers must you call for weather information?
Both in the U.S. and The Bahamas 1 (800) WX BRIEF /242-377-7178 /242-377-7116.
What equipment is required to fly to the islands?
- You must have a Mode C transponder
- 12" tail numbers
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. A life raft is not required but is suggested.
What kind of flight plan do I file when returning to the U.S.?
You will file an International Flight Plan with 800-WX-BRIEF or Nassau Radio 124.2, 128.0. Once in the air, you must contact Miami Radio 15 minutes before penetrating the ADIZ, just past Bimini. Contact Flight Service on 126.7. They will give you a discrete transponder code. Do not penetrate the ADIZ without this code.
Is ADCUS on the flight plan adequate notice for U.S. Customs?
No, you are required to contact them at least 1 hour before arrival. A phone call is the only way to comply.
Private pilots will need:
- Three (3) copies of the C7A Bahamas Cruising Permit form
- One (1) Bahamas Immigration Card per person
- Proof of Citizenship—Passport
- Clearance from last port if not arriving from the U.S.A.
Leaving the US for The Bahamas:
File a Flight Plan (DVFR or IFR).
File a eAPIS manifest outbound (We recommend doing the inbound at the same time)
Must have a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board.
- Activate Flight Plan before leaving Florida. Radio frequencies:
- Palm Beach 122.40
- Miami/Fort Lauderdale 122.20
- Fort Pierce 122.55
- Prior to landing, close your flight plan with Nassau radio on 124.2 or 128.00. In order to close you may call 1-800-WXBRIEF or Nassau 1-242-377-7176. You can also use the blue phone at your disposal at your airport of entry free of charge.
- Must land at an airport of entry (AOE) to clear customs and immigration.
- Need to turn in 3 copies of the C7A general declaration form as well as a Bahamas immigration card—1 per person.
- Customs Processing Fee: $50.00 per Aircraft, Inward only. (Please ensure all pilots complete a C7A form. This is the fee for Private aircrafts defined by Bahamas Customs.)
- If you fly VFR, you can contact Miami Flight Service for flight following and issuing a discrete squawk code. Frequencies are:
- Fort Pierce 132.25
- Palm Beach area 124.6
- Fort Lauderdale Executive 128.6
- Fort Lauderdale International 125.7, 133.85, 134.6
- Close VFR Flight Plan.
Procedures
- Flight plan filing: Call 1-800-WXBRIEF and file your flight plan over the phone. Computer-based systems are also valid such as www.fltplan.com.
- File the eAPIS manifest. Before filing the eAPIS manifest, you need to enroll in the eAPIS manifest programme.
- Navigate the eAPIS programme to enter pilot and crew information as well as airplane information. This needs to be done ahead of time, at least one hour prior to departure. You need to submit a notice of departure.
- You do NOT need to depart from a U.S. Airport of Entry (AOE).
- Close the flight plan.
- Clear Bahamian customs.
See also the U.S. Customs Requirements
Private pilots will need
- One (1) copy of The Bahamas Customs General Declaration Outward Form (C7)
- To turn in The Bahamas Immigration card copy
- To file a flight plan and eAPIS
- To call and advise U.S. Customs of your ETA via landline and get “code” from Custom Officer. U.S. Customs contact information >>
All persons six years and older leaving The Islands of The Bahamas must pay a Government Departure Tax of $29.00.
Inward Bound To United States
- File eAPIS manifest. You need to file the eAPIS manifest to return to the U.S. at least one hour prior to departure. This can be done one day or many weeks ahead of time.
- You must depart from an Airport of Entry (AOE).
- File one copy of The Bahamas Customs C7 PDF and turn in The Bahamas immigration carbon copy.
- Pay departure tax of $29 per person.
- Call and advise U.S. Customs of your ETA via a landline and get “code” from the Customs Officer.
- File an International Flight Plan (242-377-7116 or 1-800-WX-BRIEF). If in the air, call Nassau Radio on 124.2, 128.0.
- Activate your flight plan with Nassau on 124.2, 128.0 (Nassau Radio) or 122.3 (Freeport Radio). If you are unable to do this, activate with Miami Radio 126.7, 126.9 or 118.4. In Bimini, activate your flight plan on 122.1 (Miami Remote no voice) or listen to Bimini VOR 116.7.
- VFR flights must receive a discrete transponder code from FSS 126.7 (Miami Radio) before penetrating the ADIZ zone. Flight Service is responsible, not Approach Control.
- Prior to landing, close your flight plan on 126.7. If you are not able to, close at Customs office with 1-800-WX-BRIEF.
- You must land at an Airport of Entry on the East Coast.
- Take all baggage out of the airplane and proceed directly to Customs.
- Prepare the necessary documents, U.S. Arrival Report (pilots only) and Customs Declaration cards (1 per family). Please fill out in advance if possible.
When leaving the United States, pilots have the opportunity to use any of our Bahamas Gateway FBO’s along the East Coast of Florida. Additionally, you can also find our list of Bahamas Gateway FBO facilities while on island. Whether you are looking for information on services such as fueling, hangar, tie-down and parking, aircraft rental, aircraft maintenance, flight instruction, or need guidance to walk you through the procedures to enter The Bahamas. Our Gateway FBOs can assist you.
General Aviation
Nassau Airport Development Company
Lynden Pindling International Airport
Windsor Road
P.O. Box AP-59229
Nassau, Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 377-0209
Fax: (242) 377-0385
Email: feedback@nas.bs
Website: www.nas.bs
Freeport Flight Centre (MYGF)
Grand Bahama Airport
P.O. Box F-40359
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 352-7315
Fax: (242) 351-7303
Email: fposcto@asig.com
West End (MYGW)
The West End Airport
West End, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 727-1335
Email: AshleyJamesSmith1940@gmail.com
Bahamas FBOs
Odyssey Aviation (MYNN)
Lynden Pindling International Airport
Coral Harbour Road
P.O. Box AP-59248
Nassau, Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 702-0200
Alternate: (242) 362-2559
Fax: (242) 362-0006
Email: info.mynn@odysseyaviation.com
Website: www.odysseyaviation.com
Jet Nassau (MYNN)
Lynden Pindling International Airport
Coral Harbour Road
P.O. Box N-8174
Nassau, Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 377-3355
Fax: (242) 377-3470
Email: jnas@jetaviationnassau.com
Website: www.jetaviation.com
Cherokee Aviation (MYAM)
Leonard M. Thompson International Airport
Marsh Harbor, The Abacos, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 367-1900
Toll Free in USA: (866) 920-9970
Fax: (242) 367-1901
Email: fboinfo@cherokeeair.com
Website: www.cherokeeair.com
White Crown Aviation (MYEH)
North Eleuthera International Airport
North Eleuthera, Eleuthera & Harbour Island, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 335-1650
Fax: (242) 335-1653
Website: www.whitecrownaviation.com
Earco Elite Aviation (MYEM)
Governor’s Harbour International Airport
Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera & Harbour Island, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 332-3244
Phone: (242) 556-5208 (After Hours)
Toll Free in USA: 1(866) 950-8611
Email: Tripsupport@Earcoaviation.com
Website: www.earcoaviation.com
Hawkline Aviation (MYLS)
Stella Maris Airport
Stella Maris, Long Island, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 338-2006
Fax: (242) 338-2006
Email: smairport1@gmail.com
Odyssey Aviation (MYEF)
Exuma International Airport
Airport Road
P.O. Box EX-29289
Moss Town, Great Exuma, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 345-0308, (242) 702-0200
Mobile: (242) 357-0038
Fax: (242) 345-0309
Email: info.myef@odysseyaviation.com
Website: www.odysseyaviation.com
US-Based Bahamas Gateway FBOs
APP Jet Center Fort Pierce
Treasure Coast International Airport (KFPR)
2982 Curtis King Blvd.
Ft. Pierce, FL 34946
Phone: (772) 489-2285
Fax: (772) 468-0252
Email: fcsr@appjetcenter.com
Website: www.appjetcenter.com
Atlantic Aviation
Orlando Executive Airport (KORL)
400 Herndon Ave.
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 894-7331
Email: orlfrontdesk@atlanticaviation.com
Website: www.atlanticaviation.com
Atlantic Aviation of Palm Beach
Palm Beach Airport (KPBI)
3800 Southern Blvd.
P.O. Box 15975
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Phone: (561) 683-4121
Email: csrdeskpbi@atlanticaviation.com
Website: www.atlanticaviation.com
Atlantic Aviation of Stuart
Witham Field Airport (KSUA)
2240 SE Witham Field Drive
Stuart, FL 34996
Phone: (772) 781-4720
Email: csrdeskpbi@atlanticaviation.com
Website: www.atlanticaviation.com
Banyan Air Service
Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE)
5360 NW 20th Terrace
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 491-3170
Fax: (954) 771-0281
Email: bahamas@banyanair.com
Website: www.banyanair.com/bahamas
Base Operations at Page Field Fort Myers, FL (KFMY)
5200 Captain Channing Page Dr.
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Phone: (239) 590-6600
Phone: (800) 545-JETS (5387)
Email: pagefield@flylcpa.com
Website: www.baseoperationsfmy.com
Jetscape
Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport (KFLL)
240 SW 34th Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315
Phone: (954) 359-9991
Fax: (954) 359-8100
Email: customerservice@jetscapefbo.com
Website: www.jetscapefbo.com
Marathon Jet Center / Marathon General Aviation
Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (KMTH)
9850 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
Marathon Jet Center (jets and turboprops)
JetA full-serve
Phone: 305-743-1995
Email: jet@marathonavation.com
Website: www.marathonjetcenter.com
Marathon General Aviation (pistons)
100LL full and self-serve
Phone: 305-743-4222
Email: mga@marathonavation.com
Website: www.marathonga.com
North Perry Central
North Perry Airport (KHWO)
1620 SW 75th Avenue
Pembroke Pines, FL 33023
Phone: (954) 966-3335
Email: ataflightschool@gmail.com
Signature Flight Support
PALM BEACH AIRPORT (KPBI)
1500 Perimeter Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Phone: 561-478-8700
Email: pbi@signatureflight.com
Website: www.signatureflight.com
Signature Flight Service
Opa-Locka Airport (KOPF)
15001 NW 42nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33054
Phone: (305) 687-8410
Email: Sanchia.Rivera-Beckno@signatureflight.com
Website: www.signatureflight.com
Stuart Jet Center
Witham Field Airport (KSUA)
2501 SE Aviation Way
Stuart, FL 34996
Phone: (772) 288-6700
Email: cs@stuartjet.com
Website: www.stuartjet.com
Sheltair Aviation - Ft. Lauderdale
Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport (KFLL)
1100 Lee Wagner Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315
Phone: (954) 359-3200
Fax: (954) 359-3211
Email: info-fll@sheltairaviation.com
Website: www.sheltairaviation.com
What forms are required?
Complete three (3) copies of the Inward Declaration and Cruising Permit form (C7A). You will keep one stamped copy with you for travelling to other islands and to show Customs at other airports. In addition, an Arrival Report is required at Nassau and Freeport, and at some other airports for twins. Each person will also complete a Bahamas Immigration Card.
What fees can I expect?
a) The following Landing fees should be expected at many of the Government airports.
| Aircraft Weight (lbs) | Fees |
|---|---|
| Up to 4,000 | $ 4.00 |
| 4,001 - 6,000 | $ 6.00 |
| 6,001 - 14,000 | $ 11.00 |
| 14,001 - 34,000 | $ 40.00 |
| 34,001 - 59,000 | $ 60.00 |
| 59,001 and more | $ 75.00 |
b) The FBOs in Nassau and Freeport may charge ramp fees as well.
c) Each aircraft is charged a $50 process fee to Bahamas Customs.
d) All persons pay a $29 departure tax, including pilot and co-pilot.
e) The following Parking Fees will apply:
| Take-off Weight (lbs) | Fees per day |
|---|---|
| 0-6,000 | $ 3.33 |
| 6,001 - 10,000 | $ 4.00 |
| 10,001 - 20,000 | $ 5.00 |
| 20,001-50,000 | $ 6.67 |
| 50,001-100,000 | $ 7.00 |
| 100,001-200,000 | $ 11.67 |
| 200,001-300,000 | $12.50 |
| 300,001 and more | $20.00 |
Are there any overtime fees?
There are no overtime Customs & Immigration fee for private aircrafts visiting The Islands of The Bahamas where the pilot declares that he/she does not receive any remuneration and the flight is for recreational purposes.
A Flight Plan must be filed- activate prior to entering The Islands Of The Bahamas and close after landing. When leaving The Islands of the Bahamas, it is mandatory to file a new flight plan. This does not exempt charges by FBO's if their facilities are being occupied.
No Transire (C38) is needed for private pilots crusing through The Islands of The Bahamas for pleasure (a copy of the C7A will suffice)
The Bahamas Welcomes FAA’s BasicMed
- Bahamas and FAA BasicMed Certification under 14 CFR Part 68 for pilots flying to/from and within The Bahamas, Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority has granted approval. The Bahamas continues its legacy of assuring easy access and a warm welcome for GA guests. Pilots flying with a BasicMed certificate are welcome in The Bahamas.
LSA - Light Sport Aircraft:
- As of 2013 LSAs may operate in The Bahamas. US Sport Pilots under US FAR 61, Subpart J must meet the following requirements to operate in The Islands of The Bahamas. Hold a current and valid US driver’s licence or a minimum of a third class medical certificate; operate within the requirements of the Sport Pilot privileges and limitations listed in US FAR 1.315. Logbook endorsements certifying: the pilot is proficient in accordance with US FAR 61.325 (a), (b), and (c); and authorized to perform cross country flight (US FAR 61.93).
Experimental Aircraft:
- A Standardized Validation was approved August 2nd, 2003 for Experimental, for the purpose of operating a US or Canadian registered amateur-built aircraft in Bahamian airspace.
Seaplane Operation:
- A request must be forward onto The Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority for approval.
MYNN Air Space Flight Plan Requirement:
- MYNN - Entering Nassau airspace you need a flight plan (even if island hopping).
- Call Nassau Radio on 128.0 if you have not previously filed. They will give you the squawk code as well even if you have filed the flight plan prior.
