Bringing a Pet
to The Bahamas.

The Bahamas welcomes pets, but on its terms. Every dog, cat, or bird entering the country needs a pre-issued import permit from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture. Flying private does not change the requirement — if anything, the scrutiny is higher because the animal is not in an airline cargo system with pre-validated paperwork.

The Permit

Apply to the Bahamas Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Section. Application can be made by email with the following:

• Pet name, species, breed, color, sex, age, microchip number
• Owner name and address in the Bahamas (hotel / residence)
• Proposed arrival date and port of entry
• Most recent rabies certificate (valid, dated 1 month to 1 year prior to arrival)
• Name of importing carrier (operator / aircraft)

The permit is typically issued within 5 to 10 business days. Permit fee is modest (around $15 BSD per animal). The issued permit is emailed as a PDF and is valid for the arrival date specified plus a small window.

Download the permit application (PDF)

Rabies Vaccination Window

The rabies vaccine must be:

• At least 1 month old on arrival date (new vaccines are not accepted)
• Not more than 1 year old on arrival date (must still be current)
• Administered by a licensed veterinarian
• Documented on a rabies certificate with date, vaccine type, lot number, and vet signature

If the vaccine is the pet’s first ever rabies shot, some owners find the 30 day minimum window tight. Plan ahead.

Vet Health Certificate

Within 48 hours of departure, a licensed vet must examine the pet and issue a health certificate (Veterinary Health Certificate or APHIS Form 7001 for US origin). The certificate states the pet is free of clinical signs of infectious disease and fit to travel. Carry the original on arrival; customs may ask to see it.

Which Airports Accept Pets

Most Ports of Entry accept pets. The practical list:

• Nassau (MYNN) — preferred for first-time importers; agriculture desk is well staffed
• Freeport (MYGF)
• Marsh Harbour (MYAM)
• Exuma (MYEF)
• North Eleuthera (MYEH)
• Treasure Cay (MYAT)

Small POEs can clear a pet but the agriculture officer may need to be called specifically. Confirm with your handler 48 hours out.

Species Accepted

• Dogs and cats — standard, with permit
• Birds — permit required, CITES paperwork if applicable
• Rabbits, ferrets, small mammals — case by case, contact Dept of Agriculture in advance
• Reptiles — generally restricted
• Exotic species — CITES permit in addition to Bahamian permit

Banned or Restricted Breeds

As of 2026, the Bahamas has no published blanket ban on specific dog breeds for visitors, but individual agricultural officers can exercise discretion. Owners of bully breeds (pit bull type) occasionally face extra scrutiny. Ensure temperament documentation if applicable.

At the Port of Entry

1. Present the import permit

   Hand the PDF or printed permit to the Customs officer.

2. Present health certificate and rabies cert

   Officer reviews vet paperwork.

3. Visual inspection of the animal

   Agriculture officer may come to the ramp for a quick look.

4. Receipt and release

   Fee is paid; permit is stamped.

Returning to the US with a Dog

As of August 2024, the US CDC updated its rules for dogs entering the United States. The Bahamas is classified as a low-risk country for dog rabies, meaning:

• Dog must be at least 6 months old
• Dog must appear healthy on arrival
• Dog must have a microchip ISO compatible
• Dog must have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt (filed online)

The more onerous requirements (rabies titer, export certificate from an official government veterinarian) apply to dogs from high-risk countries — the Bahamas is not on that list as of this writing, but rules change. Verify before travel.

Returning to the US with a Cat

CDC has not imposed the same stringent new rules on cats. A current rabies cert and the standard CBP declaration is typically sufficient. Double check with CDC or your vet.

Pet Travel on the Aircraft

On a private charter the pet typically travels in the cabin on a blanket or in a carrier of your choosing. No airline crate regulations apply. Vanbert allows pets in cabin on every charter; just let ops know in advance so the handler prepares the paperwork trail.

Common Gotchas

• Rabies vaccine too new — the 30 day minimum catches first-time vaccinations. Plan weeks ahead.
• Health certificate aged out — the 48 hour window is unforgiving. Do not get the cert on Tuesday for a Friday flight.
• Wrong port of entry — some small POEs lack an agriculture officer. Default to Nassau for the cleanest first arrival.
• Microchip missing — not strictly required by the Bahamas but strongly recommended; also required by US CDC for dog re-entry.

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Frequently Asked Questions