Traveling to Jamaica? A MUST READ!

[WaterWalker]

The yellow poster says it all.

I had made several trips with no problems. NO MORE.
This month’s trip was going well, fast flow more area, really nice improvements to Sangster International Airport (MBJ). It was big surprise to see so many bags opened for inspection at the new arrival Custom Inspection area. The agents were diligent in doing their job, very professional, polite and explained everything that was to happen. We had to empty one suitcase and put the banded/restricted metal detectors in the one suitcase. The other items from the one suitcase were put into other suitcases so all we had “DETAINED” were our metal detectors and the one suitcase. To retrieve the detained items we had to arrive an hour earlier for our flight home, a week later. We were allowed to put more items into the suitcase with the detectors prior to it being escorted to the ticket counter by two Custom Agents. There documents were signed, baggage check number noted and co-signed by the ticket agent. Back in the USA we collected our bags and headed home with a tale of travel that I just had to pass along. I was given information on who to contact to request a permit, but it would take a minimum of two weeks and probably would not be granted.

 

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[1KBlueTuber]

Ouch! Sorry to hear that! I would be so bummed out if that happened on a vacation. Thanks for the heads up

 

[CASPER-2]

LOOKS LIKE WE MAY HAVE TO WRITE SOME LETTERS TELL THEM THAT THEY ARE GONNA LOSE SOME
TOURISM - I wonder if they stop guys on a cruise from bringing them ashore - ive never done a cruise
never plan on it - just wonder if its a flying thing - hoping someone chimes in if they have done a cruise lately
there - wonder if you could mail a machine to your hotel - yrs ago when I had a small prob - I mailed one back
from carrib.

 

[CASPER-2]

so they would confiscate my dive knife too ...and my camo Fisher hat?

 

[flgliderpilot]

Sweet I can cross it off my list

 

[DJWEHAGE]

No need to travel to Jamaica now, Mon!!!

 

[Tpmetal]

yep pretty much screw that place now. Theres some stuff on that list that blows my mind; camo, knives, metal detectors? seems like someone wants that country to be left thoroughly unarmed and helpless as well.

 

[TwoYewts]

LOOKS LIKE WE MAY HAVE TO WRITE SOME LETTERS TELL THEM THAT THEY ARE GONNA LOSE SOME
TOURISM - I wonder if they stop guys on a cruise from bringing them ashore - ive never done a cruise
never plan on it - just wonder if its a flying thing - hoping someone chimes in if they have done a cruise lately
there - wonder if you could mail a machine to your hotel - yrs ago when I had a small prob - I mailed one back
from carrib.

Hey Casper,
Yes they check Cruise Lines as well. A couple of weeks ago my hunting bud took his EQ 800 along on his family cruise to Bahamas (I know its not Jamaica but looks like they have adopted the same policy). His EQ was first detained by ship's security when he was boarding. When they got to the island ship security allowed him to retrieve the detector but then Custom Agents on the island prevented him from taking it off the ship. He was told the same garbage, that he had to get written permisison. That written permission takes up to two weeks if they want to give it to you etc.

 

[WaterWalker]

This 800 has two strikes against it:

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/b...-traveling-jamaica-must-read.html#post5930255

Yes, I had a similar problem onboard a cruise. "DETAINED" detector by the ship's security, but no problem going ashore. And that was back in the 1990's...can't remember just which year.

 

[Tommybuckets]

Well that sucks. Man lets not hope its a sign of the times

 

[CASPER-2]

So are they actually saying its illegal to detect in Jamaica? or own a machine down there
I have a few friends up here that have dual citizenship - a few have houses here and there
so wonder if I fly down with him - if they would still confiscate from him
wonder if I had one mailed to his house - would they grab it
what if you mailed to hotel right before you go
Ive met a few locals that do own cheaper ones - is it illegal for them ow?

 

[sprailroad]

Strange that a metal detector is lumped in with guns, ammo and handcuffs? Things that make ya say "wow".

 

[Terry Soloman]

I've tried to contact the Jamaican Embassy here in New York twice with no luck. I have sent an inquiry, and sent a complaint about the new restriction here:
Contact Jamaica Tourist Board | Ministry of Tourism

 

[islamoradamark]

you can keep that island my buddy got robbed there. Locals said stop taking all the gold from here mon

 

[howie#1]

Maybe all the treasure shows showing gold, relics and what md find opened there eyes, and that's the only way to shut it down. Most of the shows have permits to do what there doing and most of detecting in other countries you have to turn your finds over. Just saying.

 

[kingskid1611]

I was there in the military back in the early 90's and didn't care for the island anyway. I wouldn't go back unless I was in a resort. Its a nasty place back inside the island....

 

[Minelab Matt]

No dynamite allowed?

That's just plain stupid.

Lmao.

Matt.

 

[WaterWalker]

islamoradamark:
I have been to Jamaica three times and going back again next month. I never had a problem with the locals, they are pleasant, interesting and helpful. Yes there are some that may take advantage of a foreigner, but that is all over the world that it happens. Just look at our news, I hope you do not think the US is the safest place in the world to walk around in. I know several detectorist that carry protection while out detecting. Yes, I also know detectorist that have been robbed while overseas. It happens. Stay safe, but enjoy life while you can.

 

[OBN]

I think they should combine both post and any add ons and make this a sticky. I'm fine here in the states but how many will not see this and spend the cash..only to find out it was a wasted trip. Thank WW for posting..

 

[CASPER-2]

I think they should combine both post and any add ons and make this a sticky. I'm fine here in the states but how many will not see this and spend the cash..only to find out it was a wasted trip. Thank WW for posting..

I WAS PLANNING on going back eventually - ive done alright in Jamaica
just wondering if detecting is completely of limits or just bringing the machines in is
I could easily have one mailed to guy I work with house down there - IF I'm not gonna get arrested for detecting
I hit spots that many others have before me and did good - imagine if no one is allowed how it will be in a few yrs
go down and just bring a rake in the water