I was rather astonished yesterday, when the customs official requested 100BBD (50USD) to leave the country... For those interested in visiting Barbados, be aware, that the price has risen from 8BBD to 100BBD since mid last year. This is regardless of tonnage, and will be charged to boats 150ft or less - Any bigger and it's 250BBD.

I met several people that lamented the days of the cruising community choosing Barbados as their first port of call - One particular chap remembers being a teenager and swimming out to the Hiscocks as they anchored in front of the cruising club. There used to be days when those crossing the Atlantic were heralded as heroes apparently - Personally, I got kicked out of the BB Yacht club for trying to buy a beer.

For those who want to get a US visa, it is possible from the embassy, and if you can prove you're on a private vessel, you do not need to make an appointment. Times for the large queue (get there at least an hour early if you don't want to spend many hours there) are 0800, 1030 and 1330. Cost is 265BBD ($131USD) plus a mandatory 38BBD ($20USD) for the courier service. They will retain your passport, you can have it sent on if you can get into the country it's being sent to without a passport... Luckily I have two - Mine was forwarded on to St Lucia.

Anyway, this post I guess is for people searching for info in the future. Noonsite doesn't help much, and still has the $25 info up on their site (for boats over 5tons) which isn't applicable.

nick