PROBLEMS WITH BAHAMAS CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT
Source: US-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, Inc. (www.cubatrade.org)

Individuals subject to United States law who are returning to the United States from the Republic of Cuba and transiting through Nassau International Airport are reporting increased delays by and difficulties with officials of the Bahamas Customs Department. Because of a rapidly increasing number of individuals not subject to United States law who are traveling to the Republic of Cuba and then returning to the Bahamas with Republic of Cuba-produced cigars and rum, or, in some cases, paying tourists to act as “mules” to transport the cigars and rum, the Bahamas Customs Department has been separating passengers arriving on Cubana Airlines aircraft and subjecting all baggage to thorough searches. In some cases, cigars and rum are being confiscated or duty being imposed when such confiscations and duties may not necessarily be in keeping with the regulations. International passengers “in transit” from one country to another are often exempt from regulations to which “non transit” visitors, i.e., individuals remaining in a country must adhere since “in transit” passengers are not technically entering the country. In Nassau, however, there exists neither an “in transit” lounge nor a secured pathway between the two terminals. Therefore, since “in transit” passengers can leave the terminal building, the Bahamas Customs Department has been diligent with respect to the importation of cigars and rum, both of which have high duties and taxes if sold at retail in the Bahamas.

Individuals subject to United States law who have traveled to the Republic of Cuba under either a general license or specific license administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C., are permitted to import into the United States, for their personal use, up to US$100.00 worth of Republic of Cuba-produced products, including cigars and rum. The Bahamas Customs Department specifically authorizes visitors (adults only) to import to the Bahamas, for their personal use, up to 50 cigars; more than fifty cigars can result in duty being collected in the amount of 200% of the amount paid for the cigars.

When returning from the Republic of Cuba to the United States through Nassau International Airport, individuals subject to United States law should 1) present the connecting airline ticket showing the same-day departure for the United States 2) present the original license, and have available a photocopy of the document, to the Bahamas Customs official 3) present a copy of the travel regulations issued by the OFAC 4) present receipts for any cigars purchased in the Republic of Cuba. If a problem develops, ask if a customs official will provide an escort (this service is provided) to the connecting airline check-in counter.

Individuals subject to United States law should remember that if they are traveling directly to the Republic of Cuba through the Bahamas and returning directly from the Republic of Cuba through the Bahamas, make certain to inform the Bahamian immigration official of “in transit” status, this will save the US$15.00 departure tax in both directions.

Individuals subject to United States law returning to the United States through Nassau should remember that the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service and the United States Customs Service have preclearance centers at the airport, once you are cleared, you are subject to United States law. Individuals with OFAC licenses should be prepared to show the document and any products purchased in the Republic of Cuba. All informational materials are exempt from regulation, including artwork.

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