Overflight &
Landing Permits.

Overflight and landing permits are the regulatory layer above customs. Customs clears the people; overflight and landing permits authorize the aircraft itself to enter sovereign airspace and touch down. For the common US private jet traveler on a Florida to Bahamas hop, permits are typically a non-issue — US N-registered Part 91 operations into the Bahamas do not require an overflight or landing permit for standard tourism. But for Part 135 commercial charter, foreign registered aircraft, and non-standard operations, the permit workflow is mandatory.

What Counts as an Overflight Permit

An overflight permit authorizes an aircraft to pass through a country’s airspace without landing. If the flight plan crosses Bahamian FIR boundaries without stopping (e.g. Miami direct to the Caribbean), you are overflying.

What Counts as a Landing Permit

A landing permit authorizes an aircraft to touch down at an airport within a country. If you are stopping anywhere in the Bahamas, you need landing authority — though for US N-registered Part 91 flights the authority is implicit under the US / Bahamas aviation agreements.

When You Need a Permit

Bahamas — landing permit required

• Non-US foreign registered private aircraft (e.g. G-, D-, M- registered)
• Part 135 commercial charter carrying revenue passengers (requires BGAA commercial authorization, often called a Foreign Air Operator Permit)
• Cargo operations
• Any flight carrying items declared as commercial merchandise

Bahamas — landing permit not required

• US N-registered Part 91 owner / corporate flights for private tourism or business
• US N-registered fractional flights under standard operating agreements
• Flights that simply need customs clearance (covered by GenDec, no separate permit)

Turks and Caicos — landing permit required

• Non-US foreign registered private aircraft
• Part 135 commercial charter (TCI CAA Foreign Air Operator Permit)
• Cargo and non-standard operations

TCI — landing permit not required

• US N-registered Part 91 owner / corporate flights

Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA)

The BCAA (formerly BGAA) is the regulator for overflight and landing permits. Applications are filed by email to BCAA Flight Operations. Required info:

• Operator name and address
• Aircraft registration, type, serial number
• Crew names and license numbers
• Route, dates, and airports
• Purpose of flight
• Insurance certificate naming the Bahamas
• Operator certificate (for Part 135)

Typical lead time: 3 to 5 business days. Expedited same day processing is occasionally possible with a good justification and an established handler.

TCI Civil Aviation Authority

TCI CAA handles overflight and landing permits for Turks and Caicos. Similar documentation, similar lead time (3 to 5 business days). Filed by email.

Fees

Per-flight fees are separate from landing fees at the airport, customs fees, and handling. Operators reconcile all of it through the handler invoice.

Insurance Requirements

Both BCAA and TCI CAA require evidence of hull and liability insurance in force for the operation, naming the Bahamas / TCI respectively as a covered territory. Typical minimums align with ICAO standards. A certificate of insurance (COI) is submitted with the permit application.

Noise and Overflight Routing

Bahamas and TCI airspace is generally open for transit above FL180 with standard ATC procedures. There are no blanket noise restrictions for private jets. Specific MYNN procedures require coordination with Nassau Approach, and night quiet hours vary by airport.

Part 135 Commercial Authorization

A US Part 135 charter operator flying revenue passengers into the Bahamas or TCI technically needs a Foreign Air Operator Permit (FAOP) in each jurisdiction. In practice, the Bahamas issues these on an annual basis for operators who request them. Without an FAOP, the operator may only fly into the Bahamas on a Part 91 basis — meaning the passengers cannot be charter revenue.

Vanbert works only with operators who hold proper FAOPs for Bahamas and TCI. This is a frequent compliance gap for operators new to the Caribbean.

Typical Permit Workflow

1. Determine if a permit is required

   Flowchart: Is the aircraft US N-registered and operating Part 91? If yes, Bahamas / TCI: no permit. Any other combination: likely yes.

2. Gather documents

   Operator credentials, aircraft registration, insurance COI, crew licenses, trip details.

3. Submit to BCAA / TCI CAA

   Email submission, 3 to 5 business days.

4. Receive permit by email

   Permit number referenced on flight plan.

5. File flight plan with permit number

   Permit number included in flight plan remarks.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions