If travelers' baggage does not arrive with them, which form must be completed?

• A. C.18 - Unaccompanied baggage declaration
• B. C.17 - Accompanied baggage declaration
• C. C.2 - Report Inwards of Vessels
• D. C.52 - Request for Compounding of An Offense

Answer: (A)

When travelers' baggage does not arrive with them, it is treated as unaccompanied baggage. The form used to clear this through Bahamas customs is the unaccompanied baggage declaration. This declaration records what items are sent separately, their value, origin, and purpose, so duties, allowances, and any necessary inspections can be properly assessed and the baggage can be released or delivered to the passenger. It ensures accurate tracking of items that are not in the travelers’ possession upon arrival and helps coordinate their eventual delivery.

The accompanying baggage declaration is for items that arrive with the traveler, so it isn’t appropriate for delayed or separately shipped luggage. Report Inwards of Vessels applies to ships and their cargo, not passenger baggage. And a Request for Compounding of an Offense deals with penalties for violations, not the declaration of baggage.