Coming back from the Bahamas: U.S. customs (CBP) at Port Everglades
When the ferry returns to Port Everglades, every passenger goes through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before leaving the terminal. Allow about 1 hour. Have your passport (and green card or visa) in your hand, declare any food, plants or animal products, and know your duty-free allowance: $200 on a day trip, $800 if you were away 48 hours or more.
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What happens when you arrive
- You leave the ferry and collect any checked luggage.
- You go through CBP passport control and customs. The officer may ask where you went and what you bought.
- You leave the terminal to the parking garage or the pick-up area.
Port Everglades is on CBP's list of places that accept Mobile Passport Control, a free app for U.S. citizens, green card holders and some visitors that can speed up the line. Ask the staff if it is in use for your ferry.
Your duty-free allowance
| Your trip | Duty-free per person |
|---|---|
| Day trip, or less than 48 hours away | $200, including up to 50 cigarettes, 10 cigars and 150 ml of alcohol |
| 48 hours or more away (and not used in the last 30 days) | $800, including up to 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 1 liter of alcohol (2 liters if at least one was made in the Bahamas or another Caribbean Basin country) |
Alcohol only for travelers 21 or older. The $200 allowance is per person: family members cannot add theirs together. Things you buy in the ferry's tax-free shop also count. Source: CBP, types of exemptions.
Declare food, plants and animals
Declare all food, plant and animal products, even if you think they are allowed. Most fresh fruit, vegetables and meat cannot enter the U.S. Declaring prevents fines, even if the officer takes the item. Check the USDA rules before you buy.
Your own gear and your pet
- Bikes, kayaks and scuba gear: register them with CBP 24 hours before you leave so you do not pay duty on your own equipment when you come back. See luggage and extra bag fees.
- Dogs and cats need the APHIS 7001 form, completed by a vet, to come back. See pets on the Bahamas ferry.
Frequently asked questions
Do I go through customs when I come back from Bimini?
Yes. Every passenger clears U.S. customs (CBP) at Port Everglades. Allow about 1 hour.
How much can I bring back from the Bahamas duty free?
$200 per person on a day trip or a stay of less than 48 hours, and $800 if you were away 48 hours or more.
How much alcohol can I bring back from Bimini?
On a day trip, 150 ml duty free. After 48 hours or more, 1 liter, or 2 liters if at least one was made in the Bahamas. You must be 21 or older.
Can I use Mobile Passport Control at Port Everglades?
Port Everglades is on CBP's list of places that accept Mobile Passport Control. Ask the staff if it is in use for your ferry.
Check-in times for the return trip
Up to date as of October 28, 2026. Rules and fees can change, so check again close to your travel date. Written by the I Love Ferry team. Questions? Contact us.
Help template v4 · 28/10/2026