Pet import requirements for The Bahamas
What The Bahamas asks for before a dog or cat can enter — the microchip, the rabies work, the permit and the paperwork — and how far ahead you need to start. We handle all of it on a move we arrange.
Import rules change, and they change without notice. Last verified 2025-09-22 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2025-09-22. Confirm every requirement with the authority named below, or with us on (424) 421-1650, before you book a flight or start any vet work.
The Bahamas at a glance
| Requirement | For The Bahamas |
|---|---|
| Microchip Required | Required: 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant non-encrypted microchip or scanner that reads chip should be available |
| Rabies | Pets must be vaccinated against rabies not less than 1 month and not more than 10 months prior to importation |
| Rabies antibody test | Bahamas does not require a rabies titer test |
| Import permit | As of 2024, the Bahamas requires pet owners to register for an ePermit |
| Quarantine | None on arrival |
| Minimum age to travel | 6 months or older |
| Customs clearance | Not required for a personal pet |
| Agent at destination | For cargo shipments, clearance processes may in volve licensed brokers |
Where this fits in the timeline. The order matters more than the effort: a rabies vaccination given before the microchip was implanted does not count in most regimes, and a titer test drawn too early restarts a waiting period. On a move we handle, we check your pet's existing dates against these rules on the free consultation before anything is booked.
The detail
The Bahamas, of ficially the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is an island country within the Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies in the Atlantic Ocean. Because The Bahamas is in Latin America And Caribbean, transit countries on the way can impose extra live-animal rules even when the destination file looks straightforward. 6 months or older.
Import requirements
6 months or older.
The Bahamas Agricultural Food Safety Authority is responsible for the import and export of live animals to the islands.
[Importing Dogs and Cats](https://bahfsabahamas.com/sectors/in ternational/trade-facilitation-unit-cats-dogs)
[Importing Rabbits](https://bahfsabahamas.com/sectors/in ternational/trade-facilitation-unit-rabbits)
[Importing Companion Birds](https://bahfsabahamas.com/sectors/in ternational/trade-facilitation-unit-companion-birds)
[Importing Exotic Aquatic Animals](https://bahfsabahamas.com/sectors/in ternational/trade-facilitation-unit-exotic-aquatic-animals)
[Importing Exotic Terrestrial Animals](https://bahfsabahamas.com/sectors/in ternational/trade-facilitation-unit-terrestrial-exotic-animals)
[Importing Equine](https://bahfsabahamas.com/sectors/in ternational/trade-facilitation-unit-equine-products)
For Commercial Traders, a valid Business License is required.
Rabies titer test recommended when entering the Bahamas from a country classified as high rabies.
No animals are allowed entry from Cuba or Haiti.
Identification and microchip
Required: 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant non-encrypted microchip or scanner that reads chip should be available.
Rabies and vaccinations
Pets must be vaccinated against rabies not less than 1 month and not more than 10 months prior to importation. For the three-year vaccine, it must be within no less than one month and not more than 34 months prior to importation.
Dogs must be vaccinated against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Adenovirus and Corona Virus*.
Cats must be vaccinated against Feline Leukemia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calcivirus, Feline Panleukopenia and Feline Pneumonitis.
*if available
Tests and treatments
Bahamas does not require a rabies titer test. Recommended if entering from countries with a high risk of rabies.
Treatment against in ternal and external parasites required and should be noted in the Health certificate. The Bahamas also requires Fecal Exam for parasitic screening. The Fecal Exam, "negative" or "normal" results must be recorded on the IHC by licensed vet.
Health certificate and permits
Required, the applicant will be given a Veterinarian Form (AGR/VS/1A Form) after permit is issued, which must be completed by a registered veterinarian 48 hours prior to travel. Health record MUST accompany the pet which states that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies not less than 1 month and not more than 10 months prior to importation. For the three-year vaccine, it must be within no less than one month and not more than 34 months prior to importation. Pet must also so record of being immunized against distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Adenovirus, and Coronavirus (for Dogs) and Feline Leukemia, FelineRhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopenia and Feline Pneumonitis (for Cats). The animal also must be declared free from external and in ternal parasites.
The Veterinary Health Certificate must be presented within 48 hours of arrival in the Bahamas to a licensed veterinarian for an examination.
USDA endorsement is not required for imports from the US; however, the IHC must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Imports from other countries depend on export requirements of the exporting country. If a dog or cat has been in a country/region/area considered to be high-risk-rabies, then the IHC completed by licensed vet would also require endorsement/stamp by the country's authority for the import and export of pets.
As of 2024, the Bahamas requires pet owners to register for an ePermit. You can apply directly through the Bahamian government or use a third-party service that will submit the application on your behalf. The application fee is $40 plus 10% VAT ($44 total) for the first permit.
Online option
First-time importers can register to apply for their permit on line by registering here: https://www.besw.gov.bs/TFBSEW/registration/registrati on Page.jsp.
Online option is available here: https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/service/application-for-permit-to-import-domestic-animals.
A YouTube video explaining the permit application and payment process can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SmXpVnXNDQ.
4 weeks in advance for the permit. Communication from the Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority can be slow.
The permit is valid for 1 entry and are valid for 5 months of the start date of the trip. Multiple pets of different species can be entered on a permit. The permit provides veterinary of ficials with prenotification of the pet’s arrival.
[Bahamas Import Permit for Domestic Animals](https://cdn.bahamas.gov.bs/tenant/tenanttgotb/documents/ImportApplicati on RevisedJuly2023-20240131192708-20250528042152.pdf)
Expedited permits are available for a fee.
Dog License
A dog license from the Director of Agriculture is required for all dogs entering the Bahamas. Application for this permit should be done well in advance of travel. An import license from the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry will be required if one or more of the following apply:
- Your dog will stay in the Bahamas for 28 days or more
- Your dog will enter the Bahamas multiple times per calendar year
- When an imported dog is accompanying dog owner maintaining a second home in the Bahamas.
- When the applicant is a permanent or temporary resident in the Bahamas, having primary or second homes in the Bahamas.
The dog license is valid for one year from the date of issue and is available for multiple entries into the Bahamas during that time period. The dog license expires on the last day of December following the date of issuance of such license.
[Import Permit Application](https://cdn.bahamas.gov.bs/tenant/tenanttgotb/documents/TheBahamasDepartment of Agriculture-Application for Permit to ImportDomesticAnimalsin to TheCommonwealth of TheBaham-20250527063401.pdf)
[Export Permit Application](https://cdn.bahamas.gov.bs/tenant/tenanttgotb/documents/Application for Permit to ExportDomesticAnimals-June20196-20250527140914.pdf)
Quarantine
No quarantine required.
Restrictions and banned breeds
DOGS: Pitbull, Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff), Cane Corso, American Bulldog, and Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino dogs and any mixed breed that in clude these breeds are prohibited.
CATS: Savannah, Chaussie, and Bengal cats and any mixed breed that in cludes these breeds are prohibited. Animals not meeting import requirements well not be permitted to enter.
Customs, agents, and airports
Not required for personal pet imports. For cargo shipments, clearance processes may in volve licensed brokers. This can vary depending on the mode of transport and nature of the consignment.
For cargo shipments, clearance processes may in volve licensed brokers. This can vary depending on the mode of transport and nature of the consignment.
International airports such as Lynden Pindling International Airport -
Nassau (IATA: NAS, ICAO: MYNN), Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA) (IATA: FPO, ICAO: MYGF) and North Eleuthera Airport (IATA: ELH, ICAO: MYEH) are primary points of entry. Some other islands may have capacity depending on facilities and clearance availability.
Airports listed on this destination file: FPO.
Present your printed ePermit, in ternational health certificate, and vaccination records to the customs of ficer for in spection.
Export notes
To export a pet from the Bahamas, you must obtain an Export Permit from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture and a Health Certificate from an approved veterinarian shortly before departure. The Health Certificate must be issued within 48 hours of travel, and the Export Permit is generally valid for one year.
[Export Permit Application](https://cdn.bahamas.gov.bs/tenant/tenanttgotb/documents/Application for Permit to ExportDomesticAnimals-June20196-20250527140914.pdf)
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
If your pet is not a dog, cat, or ferret and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under CITES. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources handles CITES permits. Supporting legislation: Wildlife Conservation and Trade Act, 2004 (Cap. 250A). Date of text: 2004-12-31
Wildlife Conservation and Trade (Permit Fees) Regulations, 2023 (S.I. No. 33 of 2023). Date of text: 2023-03-31
Wild Birds Protection Act (Cap. 249). Date of text: 1952-08-11 | As last amended: (1994)
Animal Health and Production (Fees) Regulations, 2023. Date of text: 2023
Requirements for the entry for all other types of animals other than cats and dogs may be obtained from the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services Unit, Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas. Applications should state the kind of animal (species), breed, age (year/month), sex, countries the animal(s) visited within the immediate 6 months prior to arrival in The Bahamas, island(s) visiting while in The Bahamas, any expected in-transit countries and country of origin. [Regulations for exotic animals](https://bahfsabahamas.com/sectors/in ternational/trade-facilitation-unit-terrestrial-exotic-animals).
Official contacts
Director
Department of Agriculture
Darville‘s Business Complex
Gladstone and Munnings Roads
P.O. Box N3028
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 397-7450/325-7438
Fax. (242) 325-3960
E-mail: minagriculturemarine@bahamas.gov.bsOpening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays
Bahamas Agricultural Food Safety Authority
99 Crawford Street
P.O. Box N7110
Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas
1-242-603-3260
Email: bahfsa@bahamas.gov.bs
Note:
Family Island residents should apply to the resident Extension Officers (where applicable) or the Family Island Administrator for this service.
The Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture's extension services are primarily delivered through the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), with extension of ficers located in Family Island communities like Eleuthera, Long Island, North and South Andros, and Cat Island. You can find contact in formation for these of fices on the BAMSI website under "Extension & Outreach".
Here are some key contact details for BAMSI's extension of fices:
- New Providence: 3976580
- Eleuthera: 3321066 or 5510505
- Long Island: 8042034
- South Andros: 8255020
- North Andros: 3291104 or 4711202
- Cat Island: 4646137
Current as of September 2025
Disclaimer
Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-09-22.
Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.
Other destinations: Anguilla · Antigua and Barbuda · Argentina · all destinations
Official sources for The Bahamas
- Bahamas Import Permit for Domestic Animals cdn.bahamas.gov.bs
- Import Permit Application cdn.bahamas.gov.bs
- Export Permit Application cdn.bahamas.gov.bs
- Website bahamas.gov.bs
Questions about moving a pet to The Bahamas
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for The Bahamas?
Required: 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant non-encrypted microchip or scanner that reads chip should be available
From the country profile, last verified 2025-09-22.
What rabies vaccination does The Bahamas require?
Pets must be vaccinated against rabies not less than 1 month and not more than 10 months prior to importation
Is a rabies antibody (titer) test needed for The Bahamas?
Bahamas does not require a rabies titer test
A titer test is the single most common reason a move takes months rather than weeks, because the waiting period runs from the blood draw.
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into The Bahamas?
As of 2024, the Bahamas requires pet owners to register for an ePermit
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in The Bahamas?
None on arrival