[PUP] Australian Customs versus American Sailors

[LA Licata]

Dear List,

Mike is 100% correct. Having worked at issuing US Visas over here, I  
can tell you that getting a tourist or special visa for a foreigner  
in America that wants to stay longer is NEARLY impossible.

How nearly? Less than 0.1% is the estimate. And most of those are due  
to medical emergencies.

So, visa applicants are STRONGLY warned of the above, and are told in  
writing that they have to return to the US Embassy / Consulate in the  
country that they originally got the visa from to get a NEW visa.

Now, for many countries, Americans and others can get into most  
countries for 90 days w/o a visa. If I was in the shoes of this  
boater, I would take a short plane trip outside the country and reset  
that clock. That is what the British that live in coastal cities do  
here in Turkey. Every 90 days or less, they take a ferry boat to  
greece, stock up on Pork and alcohol, and return to reset their  
clock. Most are on a first name basis with Customs and Passport  
control, and I have met some who have been doing it for 10+ years. If  
they stay more than 90 days, the fine is about $100 + $10 per day  
over 90.

If a foreigner wants to stay past 90 days, s/he needs a good reason  
and IF the authorities approve, you get a residency permit, at a cost  
of about $1/day that it is approved for. Most Brits living here do  
not have a good reason. Owning a home is NOT a good reason.

Lee


....From: Mike Maurice <mikem at yachtsdelivered.com>
The  Australians seem to be especially touchy about you're wanting a  
visa or extension after you are already in the country....