Step One: Getting Approved for Entry
Register with the DRM Authority to receive Approved Relief Organisation (ARO) status. You can register for ARO status at any time. We encourage organisations to register with us before a disaster strikes.
Your organisation must complete the NGO Partner Registration Form
REGISTER NOW! Complete the local NGO registration form to register with the DRM Authority.
Register Now for Interanational NGO Partnership
Complete the local NGO registration form to register with the DRM Authority.
As a part of the vetting process, your organisation must submit the following:
- A copy of the certificate of registration or accreditation from the government of the county where you are established
- A copy of your organisation’s constituting documents
- Names and addresses of the controlling members of your organisation’s board of directors
- A copy of the passport of each controlling member of your organisation’s board of directors
- Proof of address for each controlling member of your organisation’s board of directors (e.g. utility bill)
- Name and address of your organisation’s senior manager. (e.g.CEO. Managing Director)
- Name and addresses of your organisation’s senior financial controller
- A declaration that your organisation maintains reliable financial records. You can use this template to make this easier
- A statement outlining your past accomplishments in the disaster response field
- The names of organisations you have collaborated with in the past
The vetting process will take 24 – 48 hours.
Step Two: Begin the Entry Process
Once the vetting is complete and your organisation is approved, the DRM Authority will work closely with the Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Immigration to facilitate your team’s entry into the country.
Before traveling to The Bahamas, your organisation will be required to submit:
- A manifest containing the names of the personnel that will be coming into the country
- A manifest detailing the equipment and supplies you will bring with you
- An action plan outlining your organisation’s area of focus and the work you will carry out while in the country
Your team members will each be granted a permit providing special temporary status in the country.The DRM authority will obtain the permit for each member of your team. To be eligible to apply for this permit, each member of your staff must meet the basic entry requirements of the Bahamas Immigration Department. These entry requirements are:
- A passport valid for at least six (6) months (passport cards are not accepted)
- A completed Bahamas Immigration disembarkation/embarkation card (typically provided via air transit or upon arrival at the port of entry)
- A valid return ticket, proving the ability to leave The Bahamas
- Proof of financial means to sustain a stay in the Bahamas or the name of a local sponsor who will provide support
Do You Need a Visa?
In addition to the basic entry requirements listed, citizens of the below countries must also obtain a visa throughThe Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and present this visa upon arrival can be downloaded below.
Bahamas visa processing centres are located in the following countries and cities:
In addition to the basic entry requirements listed, citizens of the below countries must also obtain a visa throughThe Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and present this visa upon arrival can be downloaded below.
Step Three: Import Relief Supplies and Equipment
The government facilitates trade and controls the flow of illicit items into the Bahamas through the Customs Department. The DRM Authority will liaise with the Customs Department on your behalf to ensure you can easily import the tools and relief items you need for your work.
We will help your organisation obtain the following documentation so you can import supplies and equipment:
- Import tax-exempt status from the Bahamas Ministry of Finance so your organisation can benefit from the temporary tariff waiver offered by the government to aid disaster recovery
- A completed bond for the exportation of goods imported for temporary use
To help the DRM Authority assist you with the importation process, you will have to supply the following:
- Invoices (if applicable)
- Shipping documents (bill of lading, airway bill, etc.)
Step Four: Partner to Save Lives
The DRM Authority is your in-country partner. We are here to help you seamlessly work with various agencies of the Bahamas government and other relief organisations to provide vital relief to disaster survivors. Our goal is a rapid and efficient response to safeguard lives, and we hope you share this goal.
We can meet this goal together and help as many people as possible by doing the following:
- Adhering to the humanitarian standards required by Bahamian law (Please review these standards, click here)
- Sharing information and data to accelerate the response and avoid the duplication of effort
While working in the Bahamas, your organisation will be assigned to a phase or area of relief and response work that matches its mission and expertise. It will also be paired with the relevant government agency overseeing relief and recovery in that focus area and a mission-aligned local NGO partner.
You are required to:
- Liaise regularly with the DRM Authority and the assigned point of contact in your related governmental agency
- Submit a weekly or monthly report (reporting requirements vary based on the approved length of stay in The Bahamas) updating the DRM Authority on the progress of the action plan submitted as a condition of entry.
- Monitor this website to ensure you always have the most up-to-date requirements and information
