How Do You Clear Customs in the Bahamas Using Click2Clear?
Reviewed by Captain Ronald RolleClick2Clear is the Bahamas electronic customs system for vessel clearance. Complete your declaration online before departure, including vessel details, crew passports, and stores aboard. Pay fees electronically, then proceed to a port of entry where the captain clears with Customs and Immigration while crew remains aboard.
Click2Clear is the Bahamas government's electronic single window system designed to streamline customs processing for vessels entering Bahamian waters. What once took two to three hours can now be completed in minutes by preparing your documentation before arrival.
Begin by accessing the Click2Clear portal at besw.gov.bs the day before your planned departure. The Bahamas Customs YouTube channel has helpful tutorial videos walking through each section. You will need to create an account if you have not used the system before.
The electronic declaration requires several sections of information. Header information includes your vessel name, registration number, owner details, arrival and departure dates, and ports. Write down your assigned PCR (rotation) number and keep it accessible as you will need it for payment and reference.
You must complete a Maritime Declaration of Health answering questions about illness, deaths, or disease exposure aboard. Vessel details include specifications like GPS coordinates, dimensions, engine type, tonnage, and cabin count. For crew and passengers, enter passport numbers, expiry dates, and nationalities for everyone aboard.
The stores section requires declaration of live animals, weapons, and other controlled items. If traveling with pets, upload veterinary records and import permits in the documents section along with your vessel registration.
After reviewing your summary and validating the submission, pay online through the third-party processor PlugnPlay using your PCR number. Your status should change to Pending Customs Review.
Upon arrival at a designated port of entry, fly the yellow quarantine flag. Only the captain may go ashore to clear at both Customs and Immigration offices. All other crew must remain aboard until clearance is granted.
Key points
- Submit your declaration online the day before departure
- Include vessel details, crew passport info, and goods aboard
- Pay fees online through PlugnPlay payment processor
- Fly yellow quarantine flag until cleared at port of entry
- Only the captain may go ashore to complete clearance
Related questions
- What is a port of entry in the Bahamas?
- A port of entry is an official location where foreign vessels must clear customs and immigration. Popular ports include Nassau, Marsh Harbour, Bimini, and Georgetown. You cannot stop elsewhere before completing clearance.
- What is the yellow quarantine flag?
- The yellow Q flag signals you have not yet cleared customs and immigration. International maritime law requires displaying it until officials grant pratique (clearance). Lower it once you receive official approval to proceed.
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