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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[Rookster]

That just about covers all my inventory.

 

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[A2coins]

ehhhhh jeeeze

 

[srcdco]

I was just looking at the Bahamas customs webpage and there is no mention of metal detectors under prohibited and restricted goods.

Scott

 

[OJUICE]

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.

Hey WaterWalker!
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I am going to to Jamaica next month (also Montego Bay) and I was wondering if it is worth the risk hiding my small scuba tector in the luggage. How intense are the bag inspections and are you able to 'smuggle' it in. In the worst case scenario, if they really detain your detector, is it certain that you'll get it back? Will they fine you if they discover the detector?

Thank you very much!

 

[teklord]

Thanks for the heads up, looks like things have gotten more restrictive since I was there a few years back.

 

[Doc Arey]

Sounds like something change since I was there last.

 

[redcobra8u]

Another reason to not go there.