Quote:
Originally Posted by alaskadog  What seems to be the general trend today is that some of the Central American countries, and the USA also,are trying to ease things a bit for the small boat cruiser or at least tying to consider the special situation of the small cruiser. Mexico has eased up considerably and the CA3 countries are trying to simplfy the requirements of cruisers who travel very frequently within and between these countries. It will never be as simple to clear in when arriving on a boat as when flying or driving in and should not be. These countries have valid concerns that they have to address, such as boats smuggling in products for sale on the black market and in the case of Belize and Guatemala concerns about protecting their agricultural industry from importation of pests and diseases. And they charge fees which probably help to offset the cost of doing their work. No complaints here for the most part except for the insistence of the Mexicans that I have to have an Importada for my occasional entry into and transit of their country. But I have the same complaint for much of the taxation that is applied especially to boat owners by many of the states in the USA. |
Joe
I totally agree with this assessment. These governments normally have valid concerns and reasons for implementing their respective regulations and many are working to make the entry by visitors a smoother process.
However, our regulations are such that we have no room to criticize other countries. As Chuck points out, if you don't like their regulations don't go.
I initially read Hud3's comments as a criticism. In hidesight, I see that they were not and I apologize. As I stated previously, I appreciate his effort to pass the information on to everyone.