CARICOM special visa during cricket world cup - personal experience

Created by doina. Last modified on 2007-03-07 15:48:05
Countries: Antigua & Barbuda

Since February 1, nationals of some countries need to get a special CARICOM visa. The visa are valid for all the English-speaking islands of the Caribbean during the cricket world cup. They cost USD 100 per person (for children under the age of 12 the fee is waived). You are supposed to get the visa before arrival in one of the CARICOM states. See the CARICOM website www.caricomvisa.com

If you travel without a visum, you may be able to apply upon arrival. However, we have also heard of yachts having been sent back to apply in their last port of call outside CARICOM. If you are allowed to apply on the spot, be prepared for a complicated procedure. Applicants will need to download an application form and make a credit card payment through the CARICOM website. You will then need to present yourself in person to the passport office to hand in the application form (customs send your passport to the passport office but refuse to attach the application form). You are required to attach a passport size photograph to your application. This photograph must meet exact standards - which are published nowhere. For example, if the background is not white, you will be sent back to get a new one. One or more business days later, you may go back to collect your passport with the visa.

We went through the application process in Antigua. The experience reminded me of my travels to Eastern Europe twenty years ago. And I'm not even interested in cricket.

Benno, SY Anahita