Bahamas Customs Declaration: Who Uses the Exempt App?

A statement from our Industry Partners, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism regarding the ‘Exempt’ customs app for visitors.

Wednesday, 5 July 2023 

On June 12, 2023, the Bahamas Customs Department officially implemented the new Exempt App with the objective of digitizing and improving the customs declaration process. 

It has been widely communicated that it is mandatory for all residents and visitors to download the Exempt App to digitally declare items for customs entry. Please be advised that this is only a requirement of residents returning to The Bahamas and is NOT MANDATORY FOR VISITORS who have “nothing to declare”. If a visitor has a declaration to make, the Exempt App should be downloaded for the digital declaration. 

We are wholeheartedly committed to providing a seamless and welcoming arrival experience in The Bahamas. 

It is important that this clarification is shared urgently with all tourism partners who are communicating with international visitors, in order to avoid any further miscommunication. 

We thank you for your cooperation.