Flying private to the Bahamas from Florida

From South Florida, Bimini is closer than Orlando, and Nassau is only about 160 nautical miles from Fort Lauderdale: under an hour in a jet, and you can land on islands the airlines barely serve. Because it's an international trip, though, a little paperwork matters.

How long is the flight?

Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) to Nassau:

• Turboprop: about 1 h 05 min
• Light jet: about 48 minutes
• Super-midsize: about 42 minutes

Flights to Bimini are even shorter; Exuma and the Out Islands are a little longer.

Which islands can jets reach?

Runway length decides which aircraft can land. Main airports and their longest runways:

For the shorter island runways, a turboprop or light jet is often the smartest choice, and it can reach airports closer to where you're staying. Runway is only part of it; the operator checks weight, weather and performance for your specific aircraft.

Documents you need

• A passport for every traveler, valid for at least six months after you arrive.
• An immigration card, filled out on arrival (the crew or FBO helps).
• That's it for most US citizens: no visa is needed for a short stay.

You may still see the old "Travel Health Visa" mentioned online. The Bahamas eliminated it in June 2022; it's no longer required.

Customs on both ends (the operator handles most of it)

Leaving the US: the operator files the passenger manifest electronically with US Customs (eAPIS) before departure. That's why we need everyone's passport details in advance.

Arriving in the Bahamas: charter flights clear with Bahamas Customs using a general declaration; passengers stay on board until the aircraft is cleared. Official fees for private commercial charters are $75 in and $75 out for aircraft with up to four seats, or $150 in and $150 out for larger ones. There's also a $29 departure tax per passenger (infants included). These are normally included in your quote.

Coming back to the US: the jet must land at an airport with US Customs. In South Florida that includes Fort Lauderdale Executive (customs open 8 a.m.–midnight) and Opa-locka (9 a.m.–midnight, by appointment). The operator requests permission to land in advance and files eAPIS before leaving the Bahamas.

What it costs

Published estimates for Miami–Nassau, one way, whole aircraft:

• Turboprop: about $6,000–9,000 (round trip about $12,000–18,000)
• Very light jet: about $7,500–10,000
• Light jet: about $10,000–14,000

International trips also carry a US international travel tax of $23.40 per passenger (2026), plus the Bahamian fees above. Shared by four to six people, it's a realistic way to skip the airline connection in Nassau that most Out Islands require.

Bringing your dog

The Bahamas requires an import permit (apply at least four weeks ahead), plus vaccination and health documents. From January 1, 2027, pets traveling from the US also need a USDA-endorsed export health certificate. Our guide to flying with pets has the full list, including what your dog needs to get back into the US.

Questions & answers