Before you fly
What to sort out before departure.
Charter is simpler than airline travel, but island trips still involve paperwork. Here is what to have ready before departure day.
Travel documents
For domestic flights, a valid government-issued photo ID is required at check-in for all passengers 18 years of age or older.
For international flights to the Bahamas, every visitor must complete an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card and hold a return ticket. Passport requirements vary by nationality. See the table below.
Bahamas entry requirements
| Traveler | Required documents | Visa |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. citizens | Valid passport | Visa required for stays over 8 months |
| U.S. residents (non-citizens) | Green Card and passport from home country | Visa required for stays over 30 days |
| Canadian citizens | Valid passport | Visa required for stays over 3 months |
| U.K. citizens | Valid passport | Visa required for stays over 8 months |
| All other nationalities | Contact the nearest Bahamas Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Requirements vary |
Baggage
Space on a charter aircraft is limited, and soft-sided duffel bags pack far better than hard cases. Please limit baggage to two small soft-sided bags per passenger, and we suggest keeping your total to no more than 30 pounds per passenger given aircraft cargo constraints.
Flying with pets
Pets are welcome aboard. The paperwork for island trips takes some lead time.
Into the Bahamas
- An import permit from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture (242-325-7502). Processing can take up to 2 months, so apply early.
- A veterinary health certificate issued within 48 hours of departure.
- A current rabies vaccination certificate.
Into the United States
Check current requirements on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website before your return flight.
Fees & taxes
Charter pricing is quoted up front. The items below are the pass-through fees that can apply depending on your itinerary.
Pilot wait time
| Same-day return (up to 5 hours) | No charge |
| Beyond 5 hours (domestic) | $550 per night |
| Beyond 5 hours (international) | $750 per night |
Bahamas customs processing
| One-way flight | $150.00 |
| Round-trip flight | $300.00 |
Per-passenger government fees
- Bahamian customs/immigration overtime, $63.00: applies to flights arriving before 9:00 AM, after 5:00 PM, or on Bahamian holidays.
- U.S. international air travel facility tax, $17.50.
- Returning to the U.S., approximately $38: combined facility, inspection, immigration, and agricultural fees.