Planning on going to the beautiful Bahamas again this year, but have not been since 9/11. Has anyone made the trip, and if so, can you tell me about the return to the US and how it might have changed? Have bought the 2005 Customs decal, but it said something about 96 hour notice by phone or fax for return. Kind of hard to phone or fax from Great Sale...right?
Bahamas Bound 2005
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M
Marc
NOtice of Arrival ...
is not required for private american registered vessels. that came from the USCG district 7 website. Enjoy, Marc PS Tiger Wood's boat was not American registered, so he was turned away from P.R.
is not required for private american registered vessels. that came from the USCG district 7 website. Enjoy, Marc PS Tiger Wood's boat was not American registered, so he was turned away from P.R.
D
Darrel
Bahamas/USA Policies
As recently as last summer this is an example the the return to USA from bahamas on private vessels. Yes you must still contact the USCG of your return and file a customs declaration. If you have the sticker you my do this over the phone within a few hours of your return. However, since 9/11 the Department of Immigration/Naturalization requires ALL persons aboard the vessel to go immediately upon arrival to the nearest INS facility to check in and prove your citizenship. That nearest INS checkpoint may be the local international airport, however beleave they started setting up check in points at a few marinas in high traffic inlets. Your best bet is to check with your local authorities for claification. Another point that you should be aware of is the cruising fees and check in procedures upon arrival in the Bahabams. You must check in at your point of first land fall, ie: Green Turtle Cay or West End on Grand Bahama depending on your route if you are going to the Abaco's. The few for boats under 35' is $150. flat fee for upto 4 people on board. For boats over 35' the fee is $300 for upto 4 people on board. This permit is good I believe for 90 days and must be renewed if you stay longer. Again, your best bet is the clarify with local authorities before your departure as the Bahama Government can make changes quickly and without notice. Hope this help with your planning.
As recently as last summer this is an example the the return to USA from bahamas on private vessels. Yes you must still contact the USCG of your return and file a customs declaration. If you have the sticker you my do this over the phone within a few hours of your return. However, since 9/11 the Department of Immigration/Naturalization requires ALL persons aboard the vessel to go immediately upon arrival to the nearest INS facility to check in and prove your citizenship. That nearest INS checkpoint may be the local international airport, however beleave they started setting up check in points at a few marinas in high traffic inlets. Your best bet is to check with your local authorities for claification. Another point that you should be aware of is the cruising fees and check in procedures upon arrival in the Bahabams. You must check in at your point of first land fall, ie: Green Turtle Cay or West End on Grand Bahama depending on your route if you are going to the Abaco's. The few for boats under 35' is $150. flat fee for upto 4 people on board. For boats over 35' the fee is $300 for upto 4 people on board. This permit is good I believe for 90 days and must be renewed if you stay longer. Again, your best bet is the clarify with local authorities before your departure as the Bahama Government can make changes quickly and without notice. Hope this help with your planning.
Pat - Whiteny's Marine
I'm assuming that you already know that Whitney's has a Bahamas Bound seminar every year about this time? Even if you don't want to attend the seminar, you should go over there right before / right after the seminar and ask around as there are many people who have gone and I am sure someone in the group has gone recently. They don't have the seminar on their online calendar yet, but you might give them a call.
I'm assuming that you already know that Whitney's has a Bahamas Bound seminar every year about this time? Even if you don't want to attend the seminar, you should go over there right before / right after the seminar and ask around as there are many people who have gone and I am sure someone in the group has gone recently. They don't have the seminar on their online calendar yet, but you might give them a call.
Call Ahead
I would recommend calling ahead to marinas that you are interested in stopping at. The hurricanes in 2004 caused a lot of damage to marinas in the Abacos. It would be worthwhile to find out which ones are currently open and what facilities they have available (slips, fuel, water). We went last year, had a great time. We got the User Fee Decal before we left. On return, we called the 800 number then got a cab to the Fort Pierce airport and checked in. It wasn't a big hassle. Again, though, its worthwhile to make some phone calls and get specific information for your planned arrival port. Good luck and enjoy!!
I would recommend calling ahead to marinas that you are interested in stopping at. The hurricanes in 2004 caused a lot of damage to marinas in the Abacos. It would be worthwhile to find out which ones are currently open and what facilities they have available (slips, fuel, water). We went last year, had a great time. We got the User Fee Decal before we left. On return, we called the 800 number then got a cab to the Fort Pierce airport and checked in. It wasn't a big hassle. Again, though, its worthwhile to make some phone calls and get specific information for your planned arrival port. Good luck and enjoy!!
R
Richard Shelby
B
bob
when are you leaving. i'm going too.
i am planning to go from panama city florida to bahamas in June timeframe. nothing deadset yet. when are you planning your trip and where are you leaving from? thanks.
i am planning to go from panama city florida to bahamas in June timeframe. nothing deadset yet. when are you planning your trip and where are you leaving from? thanks.
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