Traveling to Jamaica? A MUST READ!

WaterWalker

Hero Member
Jan 31, 2007
523
671
Cape Cod, Massachuestts
Detector(s) used
Garrett (Infinium, ATPro, ATX), Minelab Excalibur, Tesoro Conquistador, Whites (Surfmaster PI, Quantum), JW Fisher 8X, DetectorPro Underwater 8", Minelab Equinox 800, Manticore, Pro-Find 35
Primary Interest:
Beach & Shallow Water Hunting
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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srcdco

Sr. Member
Dec 11, 2006
415
318
Western NY
Detector(s) used
Minelab Nox-800
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I was just looking at the Bahamas customs webpage and there is no mention of metal detectors under prohibited and restricted goods.

Scott
 

OJUICE

Greenie
Dec 18, 2017
16
50
NY
Detector(s) used
Garrett ACE 400
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
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

Hero Member
Sep 26, 2006
566
254
Orlando Fl.
Detector(s) used
Excalibur 1000
Primary Interest:
Beach & Shallow Water Hunting
Thanks for the heads up, looks like things have gotten more restrictive since I was there a few years back.
 

redcobra8u

Bronze Member
Jan 24, 2014
1,221
1,336
Los Angeles
🥇 Banner finds
1
Detector(s) used
Minelab Excal II, Garrett AT Pro, CTX3030
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Another reason to not go there.
 

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