Anyone who has taken their sailboat to the Bahamas and back, I'm confused about something. I've read a lot of articles about crossing the Gulf Stream, clearing into the Bahamas, and all that good stuff. One thing I've found very little detailed information about is clearing back into the US on the return trip. I have found a few references to a "User Fee Decal", which is $25, that the US Customs wants us to purchase before we leave the US. I have read the info at the attached link, but it just seems bizarre that our own country would charge us to re-enter. Is anyone familiar with this process? Is this decal really necessary? Does it vary based on which port you return to? Thanks! -Barbara
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Steve S
Bizarre Country...
The decal is required on boats 30' and over. It is part of the Regan's government program to recoup costs from user's. It is a program initiated for private pilots, and expanded to boaters. (Just try finding your windshield to attach the decal to.) The program is US wide, and one decal is good throughout. This same system charges you every time you come back on a airplane or ship from another country, but you don't see it as a line item on your ticket. Steve
The decal is required on boats 30' and over. It is part of the Regan's government program to recoup costs from user's. It is a program initiated for private pilots, and expanded to boaters. (Just try finding your windshield to attach the decal to.) The program is US wide, and one decal is good throughout. This same system charges you every time you come back on a airplane or ship from another country, but you don't see it as a line item on your ticket. Steve
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Darrel
Must Check in with INS
Barbara, The customs issue is not the only thing you need to consider. The Department of Homeland Security now requires ALL persons on your boat to report, in person immediately upon your arrival (or as soon as practical) to the nearest INS station to clear back into the country. That means you tie your boat upto the dock and load in a car and drive to the nearest station with passports in hand, i.e. International Airport. In addition to that, are you aware of the increase in the Bahama's cruising permits when checking into the islands? Its $150.00 for boats up to 35 feet and $300.00 for boats over 35 feet, the permit is good for 3 months. Many people here in SE Florida are planning visits to the Florida Keys this year instead of the Bahama's as a sort of bouycott over all the hassles. Hope this helps, but I would suggest you check in local local area concerning the INS issue and where/how you can check back in properly. As far as the $25.00 customs fee. Before the issuance of the fee and decal, you used to have to report to the customs office upon your arrival to check in, now, with the decal all you need to due is call the customs office to advise of your return. Much simpilar.
Barbara, The customs issue is not the only thing you need to consider. The Department of Homeland Security now requires ALL persons on your boat to report, in person immediately upon your arrival (or as soon as practical) to the nearest INS station to clear back into the country. That means you tie your boat upto the dock and load in a car and drive to the nearest station with passports in hand, i.e. International Airport. In addition to that, are you aware of the increase in the Bahama's cruising permits when checking into the islands? Its $150.00 for boats up to 35 feet and $300.00 for boats over 35 feet, the permit is good for 3 months. Many people here in SE Florida are planning visits to the Florida Keys this year instead of the Bahama's as a sort of bouycott over all the hassles. Hope this helps, but I would suggest you check in local local area concerning the INS issue and where/how you can check back in properly. As far as the $25.00 customs fee. Before the issuance of the fee and decal, you used to have to report to the customs office upon your arrival to check in, now, with the decal all you need to due is call the customs office to advise of your return. Much simpilar.
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Paul Mieszczenski
Decal least of the hassels
Barbara, I was not aware of the decal because I haven't sailed there in many years. Compared to the other proceedures that are now in place about coming "home", the decal sounds easy. First as of last summer the Bahamian Government was charging $300 for a 6 month cruising permit even if you only stayed a week. The last I heard on that is the Bahamas are reconsidering but it still is alot more expensive than it use to be. Next, upon returning to American waters you and your crew must present yourselves in person at the nearest immigration office as soon as possible (not convienient) or face possible impoundment of your vessel. Oh yeah, somewhere in there Customs has to be cleared also according to the proceedure in effect for the port that you enter. I understand that it varies from place to place. I am sure that by the time you finish reading this lengthy post everything I've said will have been changed by one government or the other or both. The point is you need to do some serious homework before you leave so you know what to do when you get home. I think you see why my hail port is Key Largo. PM
Barbara, I was not aware of the decal because I haven't sailed there in many years. Compared to the other proceedures that are now in place about coming "home", the decal sounds easy. First as of last summer the Bahamian Government was charging $300 for a 6 month cruising permit even if you only stayed a week. The last I heard on that is the Bahamas are reconsidering but it still is alot more expensive than it use to be. Next, upon returning to American waters you and your crew must present yourselves in person at the nearest immigration office as soon as possible (not convienient) or face possible impoundment of your vessel. Oh yeah, somewhere in there Customs has to be cleared also according to the proceedure in effect for the port that you enter. I understand that it varies from place to place. I am sure that by the time you finish reading this lengthy post everything I've said will have been changed by one government or the other or both. The point is you need to do some serious homework before you leave so you know what to do when you get home. I think you see why my hail port is Key Largo. PM
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Paul Mieszczenski
Good info Darrel
You Lighthouse Point guys are always up to date. Good explaination for a most perplexing situation. Gone are the days of a weekend in Bimini on a typical sailor's budget and time. Again,thanks for the latest info.PM
You Lighthouse Point guys are always up to date. Good explaination for a most perplexing situation. Gone are the days of a weekend in Bimini on a typical sailor's budget and time. Again,thanks for the latest info.PM
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Barbara
Looks like a hot topic
I appreciate your input. I was aware of the INS requirement, but had read that sometimes it can be "called in". However, it sounds like we need to make a few phone calls to make sure we are complying with the latest regulations. Thank you!
I appreciate your input. I was aware of the INS requirement, but had read that sometimes it can be "called in". However, it sounds like we need to make a few phone calls to make sure we are complying with the latest regulations. Thank you!
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Gerry Cooper
Barbara, the guys are all right. Last year we
returned to Jacksonville, tied up in Orange Park and phoned the INS. We gave them the decal number and they gave us a clearance number - no visit was required. We were told that was not the case in SE Florida where you were required to visit the INS.
returned to Jacksonville, tied up in Orange Park and phoned the INS. We gave them the decal number and they gave us a clearance number - no visit was required. We were told that was not the case in SE Florida where you were required to visit the INS.
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