Wayzata World Factbook 1996

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Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean (Consular Affairs Topics) Originally named the West Indies by explorers seeking a sea route to India, the Caribbean is the region of tropical islands in the Caribbean Sea situated between North and South America and east of Central America. The islands extend for nearly 1,700 miles from Cuba in the west to Barbados in the east. The Caribbean was named for the Carib Indians whom Christopher Columbus encountered on his second voyage. Note that there is a travel advisory for Cuba. U.S. Treasury regulations restrict travel to Cuba. See page 13 for details. Travel to Mexico and to Central and South America is covered in separate publications. To order them, see the inside back cover. If you plan to visit to the most popular islands during high tourist season from mid-December to mid-April, confirm your hotel reservations two to three months in advance. There are, however, lesser-known islands where you can book first class accommodations on short notice. In addition, you can usually book reservations with ease during the off-season. However, if you visit the Caribbean during hurricane season from June to November, keep a weather eye out for hurricane warnings. Most of the islands in the Caribbean Sea belong to one of the 13 independent countries there. In addition, several islands and groups of islands in the Caribbean are part of or dependent upon France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, or the United States. For a directory of the major islands, see the next page. Travel Advisories The Department of State issues travel advisories concerning conditions abroad that could affect U.S. citizens adversely. At the time of publication, travel advisories are in effect for Cuba and Haiti. From time to time there have been travel advisories for other areas of the Caribbean. Current advisories are available at the 13 regional passport agencies and from the Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818; telephone (202) 647- 5225. Travel advisories are also available at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster, if you will be more than a couple of weeks in a place, or if you are going to a place where communications are poor, you are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. (See addresses at the end of this pamphlet.) Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in case of an emergency. Remember also to leave a detailed itinerary and the number of your passport or other citizenship document with a friend or relative in the United States. Entry and Exit Requirements Going: Every island in the Caribbean has entry requirements. Most countries allow you to visit for up to two or three months if you show proof of citizenship and a return or onward ticket. Some countries such as Trinidad and Tobago require that you have a passport. If you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, many Caribbean countries require that you have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Some countries have an airport departure tax that can be as much as $15. For authoritative information on a countryUs entry and exit requirements and on its customs and currency regulations, contact its embassy, consulate, or tourist office in the United States. Returning - Caution! Make certain that you can return to the United States with the proof of citizenship that you take with you. Although some places in the Caribbean allow you to enter with only a voterUs registration card or a birth certificate to indicate your citizenship, U.S. Immigration requires that you document your U.S. citizenship and identity when you reenter the United States. There are several countries, most notably, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Jamaica, where airlines have refused to board American citizens with insufficient proof of their U.S. citizenship. The resulting delays are at least inconvenient and are often expensive. The best document of U.S. citizenship is a valid U.S. passport. Other documents of U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. To prove your identity, either a valid driverUs license or a government identification card that includes a photo or a physical description is acceptable. Bringing Your Own Boat or Plane If you plan to arrive in the Caribbean in your own boat or plane, contact the embassy, consulate, or tourist office of each country you plan to visit to learn what is required for entry and exit. Besides title of ownership, at most ports of entry, you will need to show insurance coverage effective for the country you are entering. Some countries require a temporary import permit for your boat or plane. Authorities in the Caribbean are familiar with U.S. regulations for documentation of air and sea craft. They will detain improperly documented craft that enter their territory. In some countries, authorities will confiscate firearms found on a boat or plane unless the owner or master can show proof that U.S. licensing and export procedures have been followed. In addition, some countries impose a stiff prison term on the importation of illegal firearms. Customs and Currency Regulations Customs formalities are generally simple in the Caribbean. As a rule, one carton of cigarettes and one quart of liquor are permitted duty free into the islands. Most places tax additional quantities at a high rate. In general, tourists are permitted to enter with other commodities required for personal use. If you wish to bring firearms into any country, inquire at the countryUs embassy or consulate on the permit required. As noted above, some countries in the Caribbean impose a stiff prison term on those who import illegal firearms. Currency regulations vary. Inquire about them when you check on entry requirements. In some countries, you must declare all currency and you may not take out more money than you brought into the country. Some countries limit the amount of their own currency that can be brought in or taken out. Be sure to bring enough money. Check with your travel agent about extra fees and taxes that may be overlooked in the tourist literature. Examples are hotel taxes, obligatory restaurant gratuities, and airport departure taxes. When you convert your money to local currency, retain your receipts. You will need to show them if you wish to reconvert money upon departure. It is usually advantageous to reconvert local currency before departure. U.S. currency is used along with local currency in some places such as the Bahamas and Haiti. Health Information on health precautions for travelers can be obtained from local health departments, private doctors, or travel clinics. Immunizations are recommended against diphtheria, hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, and typhoid. Polio is endemic in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic. Malaria is prevalent in Haiti and in the rural, non-tourist areas of the Dominican Republic that border Haiti. If you are going to a malaria area, take a weekly dose of chloroquine, beginning two weeks before your trip. In addition, try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes because malaria can break through any prophylactic drug. Review your health insurance policy. If it does not cover you abroad, consider purchasing temporary insurance that does. Social Security Medicare does not provide payment for medical services obtained outside the U.S. In addition to medical insurance, consider obtaining insurance to cover evacuation in the event of an accident or serous illness. Air evacuation to the United States can easily cost $15,000 if you are not insured. There are short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Ask your travel agent about them or look for ads about about them in travel publications. If you should need medical attention during your trip, your hotel can recommend the nearest clinic, hospital or doctor, or you can obtain a list of local medical services from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In a medical emergency, a U.S. consul can assist you in finding medical services. The most prevalent health hazard in the Caribbean is one you can avoidQoverexposure to the sun. Use sunscreen and bring a shirt to wear over your bathing suit, especially if you plan to snorkle. Where the quality of drinking water is questionable, tourist hotels provide bottled water for guests. Travelers to remote areas should boil or chemically treat drinking water. Safety Tips Crime. The Caribbean has a somewhat slower pace than at home. However, petty thievery, purse snatching, and pick pocketing do happen, particularly in towns and at beaches. In some places, U.S. passports and identity documents are especially attractive to thieves. Robbery of yachts is a problem in some marinas. Here are a few common sense precautions to keep in mind: - Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry, unnecessary credit cards, and anything you would hate to lose at home. - Use a money belt or concealed money pouch for passports, cash, and other valuables. - Do not take valuables to the beach. Use the hotel safe when you go to the beach or go to town. - When you enter a marina, register with the local government authorities. Water safety. Make certain that sports equipment, including scuba equipment, that you rent or buy meets international safety standards. If you use a pool or beach without a lifeguard, exercise extreme caution. The surf on the Atlantic side of an island can be rough; the Caribbean side is usually calmer. Do not dive into unknown bodies of water because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. In some places, you may need to wear sneakers in the water for protection against sea urchins. Drug Offenses Most countries in the Caribbean have strict laws against the use, possession, and sale of narcotics. Foreigners arrested for possession of even small amounts of marijuana, cocaine or other illegal drugs are often charged and tried as international traffickers. The penalty for carrying narcotcs into or out of the country can be 20 years imprisonment. In some places, there is no bail, there are long judicial delays, and you can spend more than two years awaiting trial. Conditions in some Caribbean prisons do not meet even minimum U.S. standards. If you carry prescription drugs, keep them in their original container, clearly labeled with the doctorUs name, pharmacy, and contents. Judicial Systems When you travel abroad, you are subject to the laws of the country you are in. If you find yourself in serious difficulty while abroad, contact a consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. consuls cannot serve as attorneys or give legal assistance. They can, however, provide lists of local attorneys and advise you of your rights under local law. If you are detained, a consul can monitor your case and can make sure you are treated fairly under local laws. Driving in the Caribbean If you plan to rent a car, be aware that driving conditions are different from those at home. In the British and formerly British islands, and in the U.S. Virgin Islands, one drives on the left. If you are not used to this, proceed slowly and with utmost caution. To get the feeling of keeping left and of local driving customs, it may help to ride as a passenger for a while, mentally pretending you are the driver. Many Caribbean roads are narrow or winding, and road signs may not be in English. In some places, domestic animals roam freely. Defensive driving is a must because local driving patterns are not the same as at home and some of the other drivers may be tourists who are as confused as you are! Shopping: Avoid Wildlife Products Beware of purchasing a live animal or plant or an item made from one. Most such items are prohibited from international traffic. You risk confiscation and a possible fine by U.S. Customs if you attempt to import virtually any wildlife or wildlife product. In particular, watch out for and avoid: - All products made from sea turtles, including turtle leather boots, tortoise-shell jewelry, and sea turtle oil cosmetics. - Fur from spotted cats. - Feathers and feather products from wild birds. - Birds, stuffed or alive, such as parrots or parakeets. - Crocodile and caiman leather. - Black coral and most other coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry. Residence and Investments in the Caribbean You will need a passport and visa to reside in or do business in the Caribbean. Although some Caribbean countries welcome retirees or others of independent means as long-term residents, requests for work permits are rarely granted. Apply to a countryUs embassy or consulate in the United States if you wish to obtain a visa to reside, do business, or work in the country. U.S. citizens who wish to invest in a business in the Caribbean, such as real estate development, should first thoroughly investigate the company making the offer and, in addition, learn about the investment climate in the country. There are several ways to become informed. The U.S. Department of CommerceUs Caribbean Basin Business Development Center (202-377-2527) offers advice and can furnish and an investment climate statement for the place you are considering. The U.S. embassy or consulate for the country can also help by telling you: - if they have received any complaints about the company - where to find out if the company is registered with local authorities - what local authority or trade association can give you information about the company - and if there is a local American Chamber of Commerce or other organization of overseas Americans that could give you advice on the local business scene. Additonal Information on Some Countries BAHAMAS Criminal penalties for possession of and trafficking in drugs in the Bahamas are more severe than in the United States. The Bahamian court system has a heavy volume of pending cases, and Americans are often held in prison for months while awaiting trial. This is especially true in drug related cases. Be certain to budget for a hotel room tax, an energy surtax, an 15% obligatory gratuity in restaurants, and an airport departure tax. CAYMAN ISLANDS Persons wearing their hair in dreadlocks have occasionally been refused entry to the Caymans Islands. Cayman authorities say that they may Rrefuse entry to any person whose mode of dress or behavior, or unkempt appearance, may cause offence to the Caymanian community.S The authorities emphasize that Rthis policy does not automatically exclude from entry persons wearing their hair in any particular manner. However, if such persons are also unkempt and slovenly in their attire and behaviour, it is possible they could then be refused entry.S CUBA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Drug laws are severe and strictly enforced in the Domincan Rupublic. Possession of even small amounts of marijuana or other illegal drugs can result in jail sentences and fines. The penalty for carrying narcotics into or out of the country is five to 20 years imprisonment. The only legal currency in the Dominican Republic is the peso, and it should be purchased only at authorized hotels and banks. In crackdowns on black market activity, American tourists have sometimes been arrested for even minor illegal currency transactions. No more than $5000 may be taken from the Domincan Republic upon departure. There may be restrictions on minor children being allowed to leave the Domincan Republic without their parent(s). A child without a U.S. passport may be particularly vulnerable to being denied permission to travel. If this applies to you, check with the Embassy of the Dominican Republic and learn their requirements before you travel there. JAMAICA Crime is a particularly serious problem in Jamaica, both in Kingston and in the north coast tourist areas. Visitors should not walk around at night and should avoid public transportation, except for licensed taxis. Particular care should be taken at isolated villas and small establishments. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------