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"Paul L" wrote:

What does it cost a family of four Bahamians to get visas to enter the US?
Looks like $100 for each application, non-refundable if denied:
http://travel.state.gov/vofees.html Then there's the time involved:
How long does it take to get a visa?

Yes that was part of the problem with the Bahamas. We aren't very
welcoming of them.

They still - even with paying for the visa application, and their fare
over and back, a rental car, hotel and customs fees, taxes, and
shipping, find it cheaper to go to the US to shop for big ticket
items, which tells you how expensive things like furniture are in the
Bahamas.


a.. Processing times are difficult to predict for an individual applicant.
For many applicants, a personal appearance interview is required as a
standard part of visa processing. For travelers, the need for an interview
will mean additional coordination with the embassy or consulate, is required
to schedule an interview appointment. If additional processing is needed,
visa applicants are informed at the time they submit their applications.
While most additional processing takes 30 days or less, a small percentage
may take considerably longer.
b.. Advance planning is a key ingredient for successfully having your visa
when you want it. If you wish to visit the U.S., plan to submit your visa
application well in advance of your departure date.
So it makes sense to not go somewhere where the fees or hassles are more
than its worth, I think it helps to keep it in perspective by looking at
what the good old USA does to potential visitors.

Paul
"Steve" wrote in message
...
I haven't been following this since I'm on the left coast. Just what do
you
get for $300?? Is that an entry fee only.??

Yah know! I don't think I would visit any country (or port) in the world
that charged a fee that high.

Even while sailing in and out of 3rd world ports, even the most corrupt
port
offical has never demanded that kinda money..

The reason the Bahamas gets away with it is because the 'well heeled'
boater
pay it.. Same reason the the cost of cruising has sky rocketed. Major
stop
over ports in Baja and Mexico a similar problem. Not because you get your
moneys worth, but because of the fools who continue to go to these traps
and
pay the price, no matter what it is.

This rant is brought to you by a 67 yo retiree who is only now able to
cruise to these places, only to find he his retirement income budget
couldn't possibly cover a $300 fee.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions




grandma Rosalie