Hi, guys,
Since Virtual Vagabond is an Australian citizen, the rules applying to him may be different from the ones applying to Americans. For example, the Australians are automatically given 90 day visas when they arrive in
New Caledonia. Americans get 30 days.
VIC, I THINK YOU NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT THE RULES ARE FOR YOU BEFORE YOU'RE OUT OF
INTERNET RANGE.
The rules are different for
New Caledonia and the
Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Societies, so far as I know. The bond issue only applies for the latter. I'm not really sure about the 90 day deal vs. the 30 day deal. Americans have to pay the bond; and even the Australians might have to as well.
As some of you may
recall, this all started after a bunch of cruising yachts that stayed for the cyclone season were damaged in storms, and the French taxpayers didn't like paying for the
boats to be repaired so they could leave. The French
government helped the cruisers. It was after all that that the bond policy came in. Before that, one had 6 months, but was required to leave before Nov. 1. Or arrive after Nov. 1, and stay 6 months. All that's finished now. Rules change.
Ann