The Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC) is a two-year permit introduced under the Port Authorities (Amendment) Bill, effective July 1, 2025, designed for foreign pleasure vessels that frequently travel to the Bahamas, including Harbour Island. The FDCC Harbour Island allows unlimited entries within the 24‑month period, streamlining the clearance process after the initial approval. Once approved, boaters only need to report their Pleasure Craft Request (PCR) number for subsequent visits, eliminating repetitive paperwork and making arrivals significantly faster.

Fees for the FDCC vary by vessel size: $1,500 for boats up to 34 feet, $2,500 for boats between 34–100 feet, and $8,000 for vessels over 100 feet. The FDCC Harbour Island is linked directly to your vessel’s registration and is recorded within Bahamian Customs systems. While the FDCC covers the main cruising permit itself, travelers must still pay any customs officer attendance, travel, or overtime charges upon arrival.

According to recent Harbour Island Info, applications for the FDCC are not yet supported through the Click2Clear portal, so boaters must apply manually upon entering a port like Harbour Island. Those making seasonal trips—such as from Florida during the winter—or multiple visits each year will likely find the FDCC a more cost-effective and time-saving option than renewing a temporary cruising permit. Many industry professionals are recommending it to frequent cruisers based on its long-term value and the growing complexity of short-term permit compliance.

If you plan to spend extended time in the Bahamas or make multiple stops at Harbour Island, this new system offers a flexible and streamlined approach to managing your entry and clearance. Stay updated through official Harbour Island Info channels as digital processing capabilities expand.