Immigration and Cruising permit for Bahamas

[Rick2192]

I am going cruising in the Bahamas (hopefully for an extended period). I have a 34' Trawler and I think I understand the Cruising permit fee. Does anyone know (from first hand experience) how long I can stay in the Bahamas with a one year Cruising Permit from the Immigration standpoint?

Thanks in advance for any information!

[RTB]

Officially, it looks like 8 months - I have an American passport. Do I need to apply for a visa?
American passport holders do not require visas to enter The Bahamas for a maximum duration stay of up to eight (8) months.

FAQ

Probably longer *if* you meet the right people. That from a discussion I had with a local in George Town, and another U.S. guy in Nassau.


A thread about second home-owners in the Bahamas - http://abacoforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11805

Ralph

[AnchorageGuy]

Rick, The boat can stay for a year. But when you check in, it will depend. Some Immigrations officers will give you 3 months while others will give you 6 months. Renewal is easy and free, but you must go to certain Immigration offices for renewal. You can't do it anywhere. Hope this helps. Chuck

[Jack_Sparrow]

I have similar question but about whole Caribean area. As a EU citizen do I need any VISA to enter some countries over there? What I should take care of and should be aware of ?

Regards

[Rick2192]

Originally Posted by Jack_Sparrow

I have similar question but about whole Caribean area. As a EU citizen do I need any VISA to enter some countries over there? What I should take care of and should be aware of ?

Regards

Jack_Sparrow, look at the immigration portion of the website for every country you want to visit in the Caribbean, that will tell you which countries require you to have a Visa. it depends on what country you are from.

[Nicholson58]

For all of these related questions, Noonsite is a great source with specific help for each country.

[dohenyboy]

I do not think an EU citizen needs a visa for anywhere in the Caribbean.
Notably the French and Dutch isles, which are part of the EU.
Unless possibly for Greeks some day.
Note that if your passport is stamped with a time limit of 30 days etc. you can usually get one extension. Its not painless but possible. Or you fly to another country for a day.


Why can't things remain where i carelessly left them?

[Jack_Sparrow]

Originally Posted by dohenyboy

I do not think an EU citizen needs a visa for anywhere in the Caribbean.
Notably the French and Dutch isles, which are part of the EU.
Unless possibly for Greeks some day.

With Greeks u've made my day

[Tingum]

If you clear in where there is no immigration official, only Customs, the boat will be given a year. You will be given less, usually 90 days. Customs does not have the authority to give longer times. All you have to do is go to one of the airports and get an extension from an Immigration officer, the more senior the better. No big deal, no charge.

[Rick2192]

My first stop in the Bahamas will be Marsh Harbour. I assume this will be one of the places where I can get an Immigration extension????

I hold a US passport.....Thanks

"work is good, but not important"

[Triumphant]

Originally Posted by dohenyboy

I do not think an EU citizen needs a visa for anywhere in the Caribbean.

Not quite true

A EU citizen will require a pre applied for B1/B2 visa if they are planning to visit any US territories

[Jack_Sparrow]

Originally Posted by Triumphant

Not quite true

A EU citizen will require a pre applied for B1/B2 visa if they are planning to visit any US territories

I think from EU only Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus need visas to get US Territories

[Triumphant]

Originally Posted by Jack_Sparrow

I think from EU only Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus need visas to get US Territories

My understanding is that if you enter via plane or cruise ship it comes under the visa waver scheme, but on a cruising boat you will definitely need a pre applied visa which means a long wait, an interview and a few hundred bucks