Flying a private plane around the Caribbean in spring 2004

On Sun, 2 Nov 2003 12:47:03 -0000, "Julian Scarfe"
wrote:

"Capt. Doug" wrote in message
...

If you arrive in the US on a major airline, you will likely be issued a
green form in lieu of a visa. Keep the green form with during your trip
around the Caribbean or you won't be allowed back in the US. Enjoy your
trip!

As Martin suggests, I think it's more difficult than that. I've heard from
UK pilots who got into trouble presuming that they would be allowed to use
the visa waiver program when, after a trip to the Bahamas or similar, they
arrived back in the US in a light aircraft. You may need a full B-2 visa.

http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/...spect/vwpp.htm

"When Must I Obtain a Visa Instead of Using the VWP?
If you intend to arrive in the United States aboard a non-signatory air
carrier, you must obtain a nonimmigrant visa prior to boarding the
aircraft."

Julian Scarfe

I have a FAA Certificate and UK licence and twice flown to the
Bahamas.

First time no hassle, even when I had to divert to West Palm Beach due
to weather.

Second time I got the most awkward immigration guy you could imagine.
He wasn't pleased I gone out of the hall back to the aircraft
unaccompanied to get my passport.

He complained about me stepping over the line when nobody else was
ahead of me

He decided my permanent Visa was no longer valid as the regulations
had changed so he cancelled it! This was despite being accepted on my
arrival to the US a week earlier.

He asked why I had not checked with immigration on departure (not
possible, nor suggested, at Titusville, Florida). He said I should
have contacted them anyway though the first time I went to the Bahamas
no comment was made.

He wanted the address where I was staying but as I was late back I
still needed to find a hotel.

Despite recommendations of ease of customs/immigration I won't ever
use Fort Pierce again.


David

Piper Warrior G-BHJO
Scotland, UK

E-mail (Remove Space after pilot): pilot