Customs Tariffs for Returning Residents

The general tariff on most imported goods is 35% advalorem (based on value). However, clothing attracts a 25% tariff and some items attract a higher tariff. Others such as staple foods and selected tourist shopping items have a low or no tariff. Practically all types of medicine are duty free. Cars are subject to a duty of 45% to 60%.

There is a 7% stamp tax on the C.I.F. value of imported goods. Articles imported by parcel post up to a value of $500 wouldn't not require an entry fee. Returning residents have $300 exemption twice a year.

Customs Import Duties

Customs Duty is an extremely important source of revenue to The Bahamas Government. Import duty tariffs vary according to the type and category of the commodity being imported.

Duty is assessed on the value of the imported goods landed in Freeport, including all freight and clearance charges prior to the calculation. Residents are allowed an exemption of $300 twice a year before calculation of duty on personal items purchased abroad.

Immigration Regulations Passport and Visas

The Bahama Islands are a major tourist resort and for this reason, every effort is made to keep visitors Immigration formalities to a minimum. Non-commonwealth citizens should inquire at the nearest British Consulate or Bahamian Embassy for entry requirements at they vary from country to country.

All visitors, however, are required to have a return or onward ticket and a document which will permit them to enter another country. They may also be asked to produce evidence of sufficient funds to allow them to sustain themselves whilst in The Bahamas.

A visitor may reside in The Bahamas for a maximum period of eight (8) months, provided that he can support himself or indicate means of support for this period. Visitors are not allowed to engage in any form of gainful occupation while in the commonwealth of The Bahamas.

PASSPORTS

Passports are required by all persons except:

1. citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies, and Canadian citizens on temporary visits not exceeding a stay of three (3) weeks. However, passports are required re-entry into the United Kingdom, British Visitor's Passports are accepted.
2. Citizens of the United States entering The Bahamas as bona fide visitors for a period not exceeding eight (8) months who are in possession of proof of nationality, ie. birth certificate or passport.

VISAS

Visas are required by all persons entering The Bahamas, except:

1. British Commonwealth citizens; and Landed Immigrants of Canada, for visits exceeding thirty (30) days if in possession of Form IMM 1000.
2. United States citizens entering as bona fide visitors for a stay not exceeding eight (8) months.
3. Alien residents of the United States, who, upon arrival, are in possession of United States Alien Registration Cards for visits not exceeding thirty (30) days. Also, Nationals of Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Russia, Ukraine.
4. Nationals of the following countries for visits not exceeding fourteen (14) days: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chili, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Surinam.
5. Nationals of the following countries for visits not exceeding three (3) months: Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Holland, Irish Republic, Israel, Japan, Martinique, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa, Korea and Sweden.
6. Nationals from the following countries: Belgium, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, San Marino, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey.
7. Nationals of the United Republic of Tanzania for a period of three (3) weeks.
8. Persons in possession of a valid resident or work permit issued by the Director of Immigration.
9. Persons in transit, including stateless persons in possession of a valid refugee or stateless person's travel document, provided they are in possession of valid passports and tickets to some destination outside The Bahamas and that their stay, while awaiting onward passage on the first available ship or aircraft does not exceed three (3) days. This exemption does not apply to nationals of Haiti and the Dominican Republic who must always possess visas even in direct transit by air.

Applications for visas from persons in the following categories must be referred to the nearest Bahamian Consular Officer:

1. Nationals of the Dominican Republic
2. Nationals of Haiti
3. Nationals of Columbia
4. Nationals of Asian countries (i.e. nationals of China including national residents in Hong Kong, Korea, Burma, Vietnam and Thailand)

Visas for persons in the following categories may be granted without prior reference:

1. Nationals of countries not mentioned in the previous paragraph and provided that a bona fide visit only is intended for a period not exceeding three (3) months.
2. Stateless persons who must be in possession of a document permitting reentry into their countries of residence and whose bona fide visit is only intended for a period not exceeding three (3) months.

Real Estate

The Grand Bahama Real Estate Association in Grand Bahama consists of qualified brokers and property management/development agencies who serve as agents for residential subdivisions and commercial sales popery for Grand Bahama Island.

Information on real estate in the Freeport/Lucaya area is available through the Grand Bahama Development Company or the Grand Bahama Real Estate Association.

Non-Bahamians may purchase land in The Bahamas under 5 acres without permission of the Government, any such property must however be registered. The International Persons Land Holding Act (1994) governs this. For further information contact the Prime Minister's Office, P.O. Box F-41824, Freeport, Grand Bahama or Telephone (242) 352-8525 or Fax (242) 352-8520.

Churches

The Bahamas is officially known as a Christian Country. Denominations represented are Church of England (Anglican), Roman Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Christian Science, Baptist, Greek Orthodox, Salvation Army, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist, Lutheran and Pentecostal. Other faiths include Hebrew, Muslim, and Bahai's. Most or all of those denominations and faiths are represented in Grand Bahama.

Clubs

Grand Bahama Island has a variety of established clubs covering many interests. They include: American Men's Club, American Women's Club, Alliance Franchise, Canadian Men's Club, Canadian Women's Club, Lions Club, The Pilot Club, Toastmaster, Kiwanis, Rotary, Business & Professional Women's Club, Y.M.C.A. among others.