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Exciled to sea. African refused visas in colombia

So I am writing this post on behalf of a new friend that I met and learned of his problem at the DAS office here in Santa Marta. He has been on the ocean since 1973, has had his share of problems with visas but thus country has posed to be more difficult. He is currently anchored here waiting for the wind that will return in a few months to continue on his journey as his boat is solely wind driven, no motor. Being a Swiss citizen has posed no problems, as he has been anchored here for 2 weeks and on shore most days. The issue is his Madagascarian girlfriend, who is refused a visa. She has received various shore passes first due to the need of medical care. Now apparently being from an african country you can't get a colombian visa in colombia. All Europeans that come ashore have no issues. Can they actually refuse her a visa? I mean there must be some rights for sea going travelers?

Does anyone have any experience that might shine light on this situation?

By Beachbros on Oct 31, 2008, 17:34 in Visa & paperwork.

drvannostren says on Oct 31, 2008, 18:03:

sorry can't help but it sounds like a nice life

No matter where you go, the Korean tour bus isn't far behind.

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lawyer CO says on Oct 31, 2008, 20:35:

almost all african citizens must get a colombian visa prior entry to Colombia in any consulate of colombia.Maybe she can go to Panama and then come back

Esteban R
lawyer

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goin_south says on Oct 31, 2008, 23:59:

I think it sounds like they are jus tryin to get publicity.
I mean,... if you are jus there, floating on a raft.... off the coast, and .... you want to go ashore.... if they won't let you there, then.... you float on down twenty or fourty miles and ... GO ASHORE..... at night, if necessary.... what's the big challenge, here? She's black? Like, there are no other black people in Colombia? Get a grip... get in the mix.

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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Beachbros (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 1, 2008, 03:08:

I mean you can't knock the guy for trying to obey the rules. Yeah it is possible to go under the radar. But as a man of many stories and many situations, if you don't go by he book you find yourself in a place that no argument can get you out of. Thats no place to be. He has a warranted situation.

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ujay says on Nov 1, 2008, 03:51:

Sail down to choco on the other side,there you go ,no one will know the different.

beach ,got any photos of the boat ,i will be up there soon ,im looking at buying one.

http://www.jukelightning.com

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lampltr says on Nov 1, 2008, 08:37:

GS, what's up homie...have not forgotten about our fishing quest with Lowell one of these days....You are very much correct and I side with you homie!!

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Sonny says on Nov 1, 2008, 09:07:

goin_south

Why talk to him that way? There was no call for it . After all, he is asking and I did not read any where he was looking for Attention or press. Give him a break and try to be nice. I think he is just trying to get some information.

Just taking life easy. I worked hard for it and deserve it and now doing it.

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gamm2 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 1, 2008, 11:34:

If he wants to do things by the book, she needs to go to a Colombian consulate and get a tourist visa.

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Beachbros (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 1, 2008, 11:45:

Yeah i guess in Venezuela maybe, but lack of wind is the issue. Also there is no consulate in her own country. I was thinking MRE might be the only place that could have any authority, i mean santa marta DAS doesn't even know which visa is which.

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Sonny says on Nov 1, 2008, 12:09:

Yeah i guess in Venezuela maybe, but lack of wind is the issue

This struck me as funny because there is enouigh wind on PBH to take her around the world jajajajajaj

Just taking life easy. I worked hard for it and deserve it and now doing it.

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guacharaca says on Nov 1, 2008, 13:42:

There are visas usually for seamen, but she is not. Venezuela probably will not let off the boat either. If they need good translator at no charge, let me know.

Colombianos: Las armas os han dado independencia, las leyes os daran libertad. (Santander)

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ujay says on Nov 1, 2008, 16:31:

beach,
got your e mail thanks ,
hope your b/b will be open soon ,may be see you up there in a few weeks.

http://www.jukelightning.com

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