Bahamas Immigration Update

[Roc Chambeau]

I think the shift is due to new Baha Mar project that'll bring over 8000 Chinese workers to Nassau. I can't imagine the paperwork. Looks like they're tightening up a bit in preparation. I can't say anyone was rude or "suck teeth", but there was a definate lack of eagerness to please. I think they're scared. We also got stopped by the RBDF for a quick check. Did I mention how awesome Hawksbill is?

[RTB]

Have the fees changed? How long does the $300.00 for a vessel over 35' get you? I thought it was for 180 days?

Ralph

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by RTB

Have the fees changed? How long does the $300.00 for a vessel over 35' get you? I thought it was for 180 days?

Ralph

Ralph, The fees have not changed and the entry fee is for the boat and not the crew, well the boat including the crew for the initial visa period. It allows the boat to stay in the Bahamas for a year. The problem is with the visa issued by Immigrations. Chuck

[Beach Cruiser]

We cleared in at Green Turtle the middle of Dec and received 90 days. Green Turtle has more than 1 officer and it depends on who you get there. I can tell the local business owners on GTC are upset and trying to do something about the issues.

The cruising permit for your boat is good for 1 year. $150 up to and icluding 35FT and $300 over 35ft.

Barry
s/v Beach Cruiser
Cruising Abaco

[nautical62]

There really does seem to be a lot of inconsistency. Last year I ended up staying later then expected which put me two weeks past my visa date, but still well within my cruising permit. When I stopped back at customs their reply was simply: "don't worry about it".

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by nautical62

There really does seem to be a lot of inconsistency. Last year I ended up staying later then expected which put me two weeks past my visa date, but still well within my cruising permit. When I stopped back at customs their reply was simply: "don't worry about it".

Customs aren't the problem. It's immigration.

[osirissail]

But we get to vote on the matter with our keels - empty anchorages and stores without customers gets the politicians notice when their citizen business owners wise up and start pounding on their politicians. Be sure to point that out to each business owner you patronize.

[simonmd]

Originally Posted by Khagan1227

Ok, dumb question. Can't you just clear out, head to the Turks, stay a while, then return for another 90 days?

It seems like everyone wants to stay in the Bahamas for 6 months without leaving.

I was going to ask the same thing. Whats the deal here, is there a minimum 'stay away' period before you can come back and get another 30 days, or can you just come back on day 29 and renue it?

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by osirissail

But we get to vote on the matter with our keels - empty anchorages and stores without customers gets the politicians notice when their citizen business owners wise up and start pounding on their politicians. Be sure to point that out to each business owner you patronize.

Unfortunately it's the out islands that are affected and they have little clout with the politicians.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by simonmd

I was going to ask the same thing. Whats the deal here, is there a minimum 'stay away' period before you can come back and get another 30 days, or can you just come back on day 29 and renue it?

No it's not a problem getting renewals and you don't have to leave and return to get one. It's just a pain and you have to go to "major" centers where there are immigration officers. In the Exumas that's Georgetown. In the Abacos there's two or three spots, Marsh Harbour, Green Turtle and I think Walkers Cay. In the Berrys Chubb Cay.

[foggysail]

Amazing how other countries and provinces control visas along with immigration. Here in this Country, the mere discussion of restricting illegal immigration along our southern border prompts rabble rowdies to march in the streets screaming bigotry.

Foggy

[osirissail]

Does anyone know if the Bahamas have both Customs and Immigration officers at Mayaguana? The is the initial entry point for west-bound boats.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by osirissail

Does anyone know if the Bahamas have both Customs and Immigration officers at Mayaguana? The is the initial entry point for west-bound boats.

It's an authorized port of entry so the answer should be yes. Haven't been there myself.

[nautical62]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Customs aren't the problem. It's immigration.

My mistake, I meant immigration (It's all one office where I check in.)

[nautical62]

Originally Posted by Vasco

No it's not a problem getting renewals and you don't have to leave and return to get one. It's just a pain and you have to go to "major" centers where there are immigration officers. In the Exumas that's Georgetown. In the Abacos there's two or three spots, Marsh Harbour, Green Turtle and I think Walkers Cay. In the Berrys Chubb Cay.

Last March when I needed an extension, I first tried G.T. They told me they can't do extensions there, only the original visa. They told me to go to Marsh Harbour or West End. When I got to West End, they were the ones who told me not to worry about it. When I flew out, they said nothing about my visa being expired.

Maybe that's changed since, but that's the experience I had last March.