There have been reports from cruisers having trouble clearing Customs in Bimini, mainly Bimini Cove.
Here is what we are able to learn:
*Cruisers can clear at the South Bimini Airport only if there are both Customs and Immigration officers present. Since Silver Airways doesn’t fly in every day (the only American airline to fly in to Bimini), there are not always both officers at the airport. Therefore, cruisers will be directed by ferry to North Bimini to clear in. The office is at Big Game Club.
*Bimini Cove doesn’t always answer the phone or the radio, so it is hard to determine if both officers are at the airport. During business hours, you can call the Customs office on North Bimini to find out. Mr. Ferguson is the boss at 242-347-3100.
*Cruisers MUST complete the Click2Clear requirements before coming to Customs. Otherwise, they will be turned away. Customs does not always have a working computer and officials are not very cooperative or helpful.
*Click2Clear is a Bahamas government app that is NOT user-friendly. It often has problems. They are working on making it easier to use. Meanwhile, you have to do the best you can.
* If one has problems with the Click2Clear, Stephen Kappeler, GM at Bimini Big Game Club, has made a computer available in the hotel lobby and is very helpful to those who are having trouble.
*The easiest way to clear Customs in Bimini is to stay at the Big Game Club. Another alternative is to take the inner channel all the way up to Resorts World where you can also clear Customs. (Not sure if they have Immigration all the time.) You can try calling them at (242) 347-6100.
*If you still have problems, call Bahamas Customs in Nassau at 242-604-3125 or Immigration 242-322-7530 to ask for assistance and report the problem.
*One final thought: Remember that you are a guest in a foreign country and you have to play by their rules. Politeness, patience, and kindness will be highly beneficial."
As of January 2023, you could also use your own laptop/computer to complete the Click2Clear process by tapping into the Bimini Big Game WiFi (if you haven't already arranged for some other connection to the internet).
The Customs personnel did not make themselves available to assist in completing the Click2Clear form, but we did overhear them telling one or two incoming cruisers that they could direct them to someone who would fill out the online forms (for a fee).
In a change from the process we went through in February 2019, in Jan 2023 we were directed to go to Immigration (just north of Bimini Big Game, in the pink police station on the west side of the road) PRIOR to clearing Customs. This may be a permanent change. Regardless, when we go back--since Customs is on premises at BBG--I will stop in Customs first to see which agency I should see first. It only takes a second or two and helps to demonstrate that I'm ready and willing to comply with whatever their directions are. As Kate notes: we're guests and we try to express our appreciation to the Bahamians at all times for letting us visit their beautiful islands. The whole process is a good (if somewhat compelled) transition from the hectic, U.S. way of life to Island Time: patience, patience, patience.