Caribbean customs questions

[jcherubini]

Friends-- forgive this intrusion. I am researching a novel involving sailing in the Caribbean and would like to hear from people who have sailed from the US into the Bahamas, or from those who have crossed from the USVI into the BVI.Specifically-- How intense was the customs inspection?How much did they search the boat?What did you bring in that was a problem?What did you bring in that was surprisingly NOT a problem?Were there any minors on the boat, and was customs concerned with who had custody of them?Were there any unmarried couples on the boat, and did customs care?For how long were you granted a stay, and what were the stipulations? --cost, permit, whatever.I know I can probably guess at or rely on old data for this stuff, but I would like to have REAL and RECENT info as well. Those interested in assisting (or in the book itself) should EMail unless you think it'll be of value on here too!Thanks.JCJComet@aol.com

 

[Sean]

CUSTOMS AT BVI

We cleared at Jost Van Dyke. It was a breese and they didn't board the boat. Mostly it was a matter of paying the money for a cruising permit. The biggest hangup was waiting for the fat lady to sweep the porch before we could go in. About 30 minutes for her to get the sand off. Have a great trip. Sean

 

[Scott]

Bahamas

We cleared in at Walkers Cay. No one boarded the boat or even checked who was aboard. A very helpful person at the marina filled out all the paperwork for me and had me review/sign. We planned on staying about a month. The inspector arrived, looked at the paperwork/passports, took the fee, and rubber stamped everything. Returning to the states we were boarded by local police accompanied by a customs officer. Guess we looked conspicuous flying a Q flag entering Lake Worth Inlet. We were smart enough that once spotted NO ONE WENT BELOW!. They pulled up alongside and waited while we got the sails down, then boarded. Two officers stayed on thier boat and two boarded. One stayed on deck while the second went below. The search/questioning was not intrusive and very professional. Overall a pleasant experience. They were just doing thier job which makes the water safer for all.I guess that once the officer below saw the log, and chart marked with hourly plots for position from our crossing, they realized we were 'real' sailors.Scott83-H34-188 Island Hops

 

[Kent]

Bahamas Customs

We checked in to the Bahamas at Cat Cay in May of this year.How intense was the customs inspection?NoneHow much did they search the boat?NoneWhat did you bring in that was a problem?NothingWhat did you bring in that was surprisingly NOT a problem?NothingWere there any minors on the boat, and was customs concerned with who had custody of them?No Minors on the boatWere there any unmarried couples on the boat, and did customs care?NoneFor how long were you granted a stay, and what were the stipulations? --cost, permit, whatever.I asked for two weeks. No Problem, just wanted me to return the cruiseing permit when I left. Mailed it back to them from home. $100 covered everything including a fishing permit for the boat.I did my homework before I left. Got our passports, customs sticker to reenter the U.S., Radio Liscense, boat documentation, and all that other paper stuff. On our return I called U.S. customs with my cell phone from the boat and they gave me a clearance number after a few questions. So the boat was never boarded going either way. Not much of a story here other than than it was a great trip.KentS/V Giggles

 

[Bryan C.]

Yes no problem J-mon

In de Bahama you pay de $100 and everyting irie, mon.

 

[Rob]

BVI back into USVI - Problem Mon!

Got Grilled after getting off of a day ferry back from the Baths at Virgin Gorda to Cruz Bay St. John.I may or may not have been carrying a couple cigars from a communist carribean country. I figured that even if these items magically made it into my pack, it would be no big deal.When my pack got searched, it was a different story. So, no contraband was found after an extensive search. Was I carrying any in the first place? I'll never tell.Rob