Bahamas Mess
 

Anyone heard anything new on the Fee mess to enter the Bahamas?

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes

(RWKxxx) wrote:

Anyone heard anything new on the Fee mess to enter the Bahamas?

I've heard they've settled on $300 for boats over 35 feet and $150 for
boats under 35 feet.

grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes

(RWKxxx) wrote:

Anyone heard anything new on the Fee mess to enter the Bahamas?

I've heard they've settled on $300 for boats over 35 feet and $150 for
boats under 35 feet.

grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

Apparently they softened their position a bit in that you
can now enter the country three times in 90 days and not
have to pay the fee again. Makes the fishermen happy.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
x-no-archive:yes

(RWKxxx) wrote:

Anyone heard anything new on the Fee mess to enter the Bahamas?

I've heard they've settled on $300 for boats over 35 feet and $150 for
boats under 35 feet.

grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

Apparently they softened their position a bit in that you
can now enter the country three times in 90 days and not
have to pay the fee again. Makes the fishermen happy.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
x-no-archive:yes

(RWKxxx) wrote:

Anyone heard anything new on the Fee mess to enter the Bahamas?

I've heard they've settled on $300 for boats over 35 feet and $150 for
boats under 35 feet.

grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

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

Bahamas Mess
 

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

Bahamas Mess
 

Nothing has changed in that regard. It is an entry fee plus a fishing
license plus a little encouragement for the officer that clears you in.

Doug
s/v Callista

"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

Bahamas Mess
 

Nothing has changed in that regard. It is an entry fee plus a fishing
license plus a little encouragement for the officer that clears you in.

Doug
s/v Callista

"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

Bahamas Mess
 

So, do they have reduced fee if the boat isn't going to fish??

I have given up fishing since I'm not a good fisherman and the 'cross
boarder' and individual state fees are too much of a nusense.. I just don't
keep any fishing gear on the boat.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Bahamas Mess
 

So, do they have reduced fee if the boat isn't going to fish??

I have given up fishing since I'm not a good fisherman and the 'cross
boarder' and individual state fees are too much of a nusense.. I just don't
keep any fishing gear on the boat.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes

"Steve" wrote:

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.

Originally there was a fee for entry and a fishing license fee and
maybe some other little ones. Possibly import duties on some things
like bicycles.

A couple of years ago they consolidated it to $100 fee per visit which
covered everything including entry, exit and fishing licenses. Flat
fee. I think they maybe had a problem with people not buying the
fishing license and then fishing anyway. This new flat rate fee was
for a year's cruising in the Bahamas for (I think) up to about 4
people, and the boat stores on board.

But what they found with this $100 fee was that the folks in FL paid
the fee and then went back and forth without checking out and in and
paying the fee over again. Especially little boats that don't have to
have a customs sticker. And the folks in the big cities (Freeport and
Nassau) felt that the cruisers were taking away their business by
selling their 'boat stores' locally, or maybe that they just didn't
spend enough money. They want to concentrate on the cruise ship sheep
who (in their view) spend lots and don't use much in the way of
services.

The folks in the out islands are feeling the pinch - I don't think as
many people are going this year. We're not. We could afford the $300
(66 and 67 year old retirees), but we don't want to. Particularly
until the US stops having people have to check in with immigration in
person when we come back.






grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes

"Steve" wrote:

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.

Originally there was a fee for entry and a fishing license fee and
maybe some other little ones. Possibly import duties on some things
like bicycles.

A couple of years ago they consolidated it to $100 fee per visit which
covered everything including entry, exit and fishing licenses. Flat
fee. I think they maybe had a problem with people not buying the
fishing license and then fishing anyway. This new flat rate fee was
for a year's cruising in the Bahamas for (I think) up to about 4
people, and the boat stores on board.

But what they found with this $100 fee was that the folks in FL paid
the fee and then went back and forth without checking out and in and
paying the fee over again. Especially little boats that don't have to
have a customs sticker. And the folks in the big cities (Freeport and
Nassau) felt that the cruisers were taking away their business by
selling their 'boat stores' locally, or maybe that they just didn't
spend enough money. They want to concentrate on the cruise ship sheep
who (in their view) spend lots and don't use much in the way of
services.

The folks in the out islands are feeling the pinch - I don't think as
many people are going this year. We're not. We could afford the $300
(66 and 67 year old retirees), but we don't want to. Particularly
until the US stops having people have to check in with immigration in
person when we come back.






grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes

"Steve" wrote:

So, do they have reduced fee if the boat isn't going to fish??
No

I have given up fishing since I'm not a good fisherman and the 'cross
boarder' and individual state fees are too much of a nusense.. I just don't
keep any fishing gear on the boat.

Most of the people that go to the Bahamas go for the fishing. We
don't fish either, but I guess almost anyone can catch a fish in the
Bahamas.

Here in Florida (where we are now) you don't have to have a fishing
license if you are over 65 and a Florida resident.


grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes

"Steve" wrote:

So, do they have reduced fee if the boat isn't going to fish??
No

I have given up fishing since I'm not a good fisherman and the 'cross
boarder' and individual state fees are too much of a nusense.. I just don't
keep any fishing gear on the boat.

Most of the people that go to the Bahamas go for the fishing. We
don't fish either, but I guess almost anyone can catch a fish in the
Bahamas.

Here in Florida (where we are now) you don't have to have a fishing
license if you are over 65 and a Florida resident.


grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

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?

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

Bahamas Mess
 

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?

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

Bahamas Mess
 

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
......
Here in Florida (where we are now) you don't have to have a fishing
license if you are over 65 and a Florida resident.
This applies only to residents, so visitors from the Bahamas are still
required to get a license. Looks like $31 a year from their web site. So FLA
charges for licenses much like Bahamas do.

Paul

Bahamas Mess
 

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
......
Here in Florida (where we are now) you don't have to have a fishing
license if you are over 65 and a Florida resident.
This applies only to residents, so visitors from the Bahamas are still
required to get a license. Looks like $31 a year from their web site. So FLA
charges for licenses much like Bahamas do.

Paul

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes

"Paul L" wrote:


"Rosalie B." wrote in message
.. .
......
Here in Florida (where we are now) you don't have to have a fishing
license if you are over 65 and a Florida resident.

Well I said here in FLORIDA you don't have to have a fishing license
if you are a RESIDENT.

This applies only to residents, so visitors from the Bahamas are still
required to get a license. Looks like $31 a year from their web site. So FLA
charges for licenses much like Bahamas do.

This was in response to Steve who asked if you could get a discount on
the Bahamas entry permit fee if you didn't get the fishing license,
and said he didn't fish anymore because he wasn't very good at it.
He's in California - or anyway on the left coast.

I was not saying that a visitor wouldn't have to have the fishing
license in the Bahamas, but it is part of the entry permit fee and not
separated out.

I don't know why anyone from the Bahamas would come to Florida to
fish, but if they aren't on a head boat or charter boat they would
have to get a license like anyone else.

grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes

"Paul L" wrote:


"Rosalie B." wrote in message
.. .
......
Here in Florida (where we are now) you don't have to have a fishing
license if you are over 65 and a Florida resident.

Well I said here in FLORIDA you don't have to have a fishing license
if you are a RESIDENT.

This applies only to residents, so visitors from the Bahamas are still
required to get a license. Looks like $31 a year from their web site. So FLA
charges for licenses much like Bahamas do.

This was in response to Steve who asked if you could get a discount on
the Bahamas entry permit fee if you didn't get the fishing license,
and said he didn't fish anymore because he wasn't very good at it.
He's in California - or anyway on the left coast.

I was not saying that a visitor wouldn't have to have the fishing
license in the Bahamas, but it is part of the entry permit fee and not
separated out.

I don't know why anyone from the Bahamas would come to Florida to
fish, but if they aren't on a head boat or charter boat they would
have to get a license like anyone else.

grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes


"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

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes


"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

Bahamas Mess
 

"Steve" wrote in message
...
So, do they have reduced fee if the boat isn't going to fish??

No, everybody gets the fishing permit.

I have given up fishing since I'm not a good fisherman and the 'cross
boarder' and individual state fees are too much of a nusense.. I just
don't
keep any fishing gear on the boat.

What can I say? I'm not much of a fisherperson either. I speared a
lobster and ****ed off a couple of nice groupers (they hate it when
you poke holes in them). Hardly a reason to stay out of the Bahamas.


Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Bahamas Mess
 

"Steve" wrote in message
...
So, do they have reduced fee if the boat isn't going to fish??

No, everybody gets the fishing permit.

I have given up fishing since I'm not a good fisherman and the 'cross
boarder' and individual state fees are too much of a nusense.. I just
don't
keep any fishing gear on the boat.

What can I say? I'm not much of a fisherperson either. I speared a
lobster and ****ed off a couple of nice groupers (they hate it when
you poke holes in them). Hardly a reason to stay out of the Bahamas.


Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Bahamas Mess
 

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
x-no-archive:yes

"Steve" wrote:

So, do they have reduced fee if the boat isn't going to fish??
No

I have given up fishing since I'm not a good fisherman and the 'cross
boarder' and individual state fees are too much of a nusense.. I just
don't
keep any fishing gear on the boat.

Most of the people that go to the Bahamas go for the fishing.

Wrong! Pretty much all the folks we met (100+) didn't do much
fishing at all. They were too busy drinking!

We
don't fish either, but I guess almost anyone can catch a fish in the
Bahamas.

Wrong again!

Here in Florida (where we are now) you don't have to have a fishing
license if you are over 65 and a Florida resident.

I guess they figure that old people can't catch much fish :)


grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
x-no-archive:yes

"Steve" wrote:

So, do they have reduced fee if the boat isn't going to fish??
No

I have given up fishing since I'm not a good fisherman and the 'cross
boarder' and individual state fees are too much of a nusense.. I just
don't
keep any fishing gear on the boat.

Most of the people that go to the Bahamas go for the fishing.

Wrong! Pretty much all the folks we met (100+) didn't do much
fishing at all. They were too busy drinking!

We
don't fish either, but I guess almost anyone can catch a fish in the
Bahamas.

Wrong again!

Here in Florida (where we are now) you don't have to have a fishing
license if you are over 65 and a Florida resident.

I guess they figure that old people can't catch much fish :)


grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

Gosh, I was under the impression we were all somewhere between life and
death. Personally, I look forward to getting older. I'm sure you do as
well.

Bahamas Mess
 

Gosh, I was under the impression we were all somewhere between life and
death. Personally, I look forward to getting older. I'm sure you do as
well.

Bahamas Mess
 

Not a clue what you are talking about.

"AZretired" wrote in message
...
Gosh, I was under the impression we were all somewhere between life and
death. Personally, I look forward to getting older. I'm sure you do as
well.

Bahamas Mess
 

Not a clue what you are talking about.

"AZretired" wrote in message
...
Gosh, I was under the impression we were all somewhere between life and
death. Personally, I look forward to getting older. I'm sure you do as
well.

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes


(RWKxxx) wrote:

Anyone heard anything new on the Fee mess to enter the Bahamas?

This is from Skipper Bob's website
http://skipperbob.home.att.net/waterway.htm

Bahamas Cruising Permit.

The Bahamian government announced that effective July 1, 2003 the cruising permit for vessels over 35' will be $300 and for those under 35' the fee is $150. Dinghies over 18' are charged $150. This fee covers the captain and up to three additional crewmembers. Above that the fee is $15 per head.

A fishing license for 3 months is included in the fee specified above. From 3 months to one year the fishing license is an additional $150.

In addition to the increased fee, you will also be required to produce an original state registration or Coast Guard document when you clear customs. A copy of this document must be left with the Bahamas Customs officials. Since they may not all have copy machines, it would be wise to bring a copy of your state registration or USCG document so you can leave it with Bahamas customs.

Always ask for a receipt for fees paid. If you have to leave the country via air in an emergency, you won’t have to pay the $15 exit fee at the airport if you have a receipt for entering the country by boat. This $150 or $300 includes the $15 exit fee. (Nov 03)

The Bahamas Cruising Fee is a hotly contested subject and has resulted in a lot of angry comments on both sides. For the present it is still in effect. One concession recently won, is that the fee paid will be considered valid for any two entries into the Bahamas in any 90-day period. So keep your receipt in case you go back for some reason and fall in that 90-day period. In the meantime, the Bahamas Government is looking at someway to revise the current Cruising Fee in 2004 to make if more palatable for all concerned. If and when anything changes, it will be posted here. (Nov 03)

He also says that the Jordan Bridge in Norfolk has been hit by a barge
and is currently closed to both boat and vehicle traffic as it is in
the partly open position. As of Jan 5, 2004

There is currently no place to buy fuel in Elizabeth City and there is
serious shoaling (down to 3.5 feet at MLW at Lockwood's Folly


grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

x-no-archive:yes


(RWKxxx) wrote:

Anyone heard anything new on the Fee mess to enter the Bahamas?

This is from Skipper Bob's website
http://skipperbob.home.att.net/waterway.htm

Bahamas Cruising Permit.

The Bahamian government announced that effective July 1, 2003 the cruising permit for vessels over 35' will be $300 and for those under 35' the fee is $150. Dinghies over 18' are charged $150. This fee covers the captain and up to three additional crewmembers. Above that the fee is $15 per head.

A fishing license for 3 months is included in the fee specified above. From 3 months to one year the fishing license is an additional $150.

In addition to the increased fee, you will also be required to produce an original state registration or Coast Guard document when you clear customs. A copy of this document must be left with the Bahamas Customs officials. Since they may not all have copy machines, it would be wise to bring a copy of your state registration or USCG document so you can leave it with Bahamas customs.

Always ask for a receipt for fees paid. If you have to leave the country via air in an emergency, you won’t have to pay the $15 exit fee at the airport if you have a receipt for entering the country by boat. This $150 or $300 includes the $15 exit fee. (Nov 03)

The Bahamas Cruising Fee is a hotly contested subject and has resulted in a lot of angry comments on both sides. For the present it is still in effect. One concession recently won, is that the fee paid will be considered valid for any two entries into the Bahamas in any 90-day period. So keep your receipt in case you go back for some reason and fall in that 90-day period. In the meantime, the Bahamas Government is looking at someway to revise the current Cruising Fee in 2004 to make if more palatable for all concerned. If and when anything changes, it will be posted here. (Nov 03)

He also says that the Jordan Bridge in Norfolk has been hit by a barge
and is currently closed to both boat and vehicle traffic as it is in
the partly open position. As of Jan 5, 2004

There is currently no place to buy fuel in Elizabeth City and there is
serious shoaling (down to 3.5 feet at MLW at Lockwood's Folly


grandma Rosalie

Bahamas Mess
 

Subject: Bahamas Mess
From: "Doug Dotson"

Not a clue what you are talking about.

Here, have a comb on me. :-)

Capt. Bill

Bahamas Mess
 

Subject: Bahamas Mess
From: "Doug Dotson"

Not a clue what you are talking about.

Here, have a comb on me. :-)

Capt. Bill

Bahamas Mess
 

Subject: Bahamas Mess
From: "Doug Dotson"

Nothing has changed in that regard. It is an entry fee plus a fishing
license plus a little encouragement for the officer that clears you in.


Interesting, what kind of "encouragement" have you found necessary to offer?

In my 20 plus years of going to the Bahamas the only "encouragement" I have
ever felt the need to offer the officer/s is a pleasant attitude and a cold
drink.

Capt. Bill

Bahamas Mess
 

Subject: Bahamas Mess
From: "Doug Dotson"

Nothing has changed in that regard. It is an entry fee plus a fishing
license plus a little encouragement for the officer that clears you in.


Interesting, what kind of "encouragement" have you found necessary to offer?

In my 20 plus years of going to the Bahamas the only "encouragement" I have
ever felt the need to offer the officer/s is a pleasant attitude and a cold
drink.

Capt. Bill

Bahamas Mess
 

Apparently about $20 of the fee (when it was $100) is kept by
the officer checking you in as part of his/her compensation.

Doug
s/v Callista

"LaBomba182" wrote in message
...
Subject: Bahamas Mess
From: "Doug Dotson"

Nothing has changed in that regard. It is an entry fee plus a fishing
license plus a little encouragement for the officer that clears you in.


Interesting, what kind of "encouragement" have you found necessary to
offer?

In my 20 plus years of going to the Bahamas the only "encouragement" I
have
ever felt the need to offer the officer/s is a pleasant attitude and a
cold
drink.

Capt. Bill

Bahamas Mess
 

Apparently about $20 of the fee (when it was $100) is kept by
the officer checking you in as part of his/her compensation.

Doug
s/v Callista

"LaBomba182" wrote in message
...
Subject: Bahamas Mess
From: "Doug Dotson"

Nothing has changed in that regard. It is an entry fee plus a fishing
license plus a little encouragement for the officer that clears you in.


Interesting, what kind of "encouragement" have you found necessary to
offer?

In my 20 plus years of going to the Bahamas the only "encouragement" I
have
ever felt the need to offer the officer/s is a pleasant attitude and a
cold
drink.

Capt. Bill