Bahamas Immigration Update

[Roc Chambeau]

As of today, we can no longer get extensions at the Nassau Airport. We have to go to Hawkins Hill downtown and they're not going to give you the time you need. New Policy! Plus, get ready to jump through hoops and do a private interview. I started at 9:30 and got out at 12:30.

[Vasco]

Are you a cruiser Roc? How long was your initial period?

[Roc Chambeau]

30 days to start. yes, we are cruisers. Our extention was for 90 days --after I did my best to extend it as long as possible.

[Vasco]

I've never seen 30 days to start usually 90 a minimum and if clearing in at Nassau 180. Wonder what's going on.

[RTB]

Roc, are you a US citizen?

[AnchorageGuy]

It does not matter what citizenship you are unless you are Bahamanian. There is currently no uniformity in the granting of time from immigrations. Many are only granting 30 days, while some are doing longer. This is always subject to change, but as of now, Settlement Point, West End, Marsh Harbor, Old Bahama Bay 90 days. Spanish Cay 120 days, Green Turtle 30 days, and no word yet from Nassau or Georgetown. If there is a Customs agent but no Immigrations Officer, you will only get 30 days period. Customs is only authorized 30 days. We have not yet figured out what is going on this year but we have inquiries in with the Minister Of Tourism and Customs. Will let you know what we find out. Chuck

[AnchorageGuy]

Another update I just received, Bimini is only issuing 30 days. Here are some phone numbers to call for information
Nassau Immigration Main Office 242-322-7530-39, or 242-322-8504
Nassau Immigration Dock 242-323-3330
Nassau Immigration, Airport 242-377-7032
Sometimes no one answers these phones so you just need to keep trying. Chuck

[Roc Chambeau]

I can tell you for certain, right now, the Nassau immigration officer upon entry said 30 days, period. I've gotten 180 days many times over the years, but today I had to go to the main office on Hawkins Hill and beg for 90. What a pain in the arse. I originally went to the airport, as directed, and was redirected downtown. A 3 hour run around. Someone take the jelly outta their doughnut?

U.S. citizen

[JayH]

I got 90 days from Green Turtle customs four weeks ago. They said 90 was the max they could give without an immigration officer.

Originally Posted by Waterwayguy

It does not matter what citizenship you are unless you are Bahamanian. There is currently no uniformity in the granting of time from immigrations. Many are only granting 30 days, while some are doing longer. This is always subject to change, but as of now, Settlement Point, West End, Marsh Harbor, Old Bahama Bay 90 days. Spanish Cay 120 days, Green Turtle 30 days, and no word yet from Nassau or Georgetown. If there is a Customs agent but no Immigrations Officer, you will only get 30 days period. Customs is only authorized 30 days. We have not yet figured out what is going on this year but we have inquiries in with the Minister Of Tourism and Customs. Will let you know what we find out. Chuck

[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.

[gettinthere]

sounds like they REALLY don't want our business.

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by JayH

I got 90 days from Green Turtle customs four weeks ago. They said 90 was the max they could give without an immigration officer.

Jay, There in lies the problem, it seems to change daily. We have a report from someone that checked in yesterday and received 30 days at Green Turtle. Chuck

[AnchorageGuy]

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.

You don't have to do that, getting an extension is sort of easy. But you can't request one until like the day before your time expires. And you have to go to an Immigrations Office to get it. Chuck

[Roc Chambeau]

It's all just a big waste of time and a test of patience. is what it is.... still, we spend thousands here... blah blah blah. They really don't care.

The Exumas are magnificent!

[Khagan1227]

Gotcha!

Seems a little strange to piss off the people spending a lot of money to visit your country.