Wearing my Concierge Hat, one of my tasks is to visit some of the numerous consulates in New York to fetch travel or business visas for clients.
So far it has been pretty much smooth sailing if time consuming.
That was smooth sailing until I got to the Bahamas.
I mean their consulate which doubles as their mission to the UN.
I had all the papers needed except one with a detailed itinerary of the cruise, think of a play by play for a sports game.
No itinerary, no visa I was told politely but firmly, no exception.
These rules apply to US Citizens as well as Non Residents taking a cruise from the US to the islands I was told.
The US Department of State shares new rules for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative which seems to apply to the Bahamas.
One thing I was reminded for sure was that when it comes to official business, bringing more documents than necessary is better.
Why I wondered was that simple document not provided by the travel agent or the cruise operator?
They should know these rules.
Have some of you had similar problems in the US or abroad?
I would like to hear from you.
Travel is an adventure.
*Map via Wikipedia