Getting to Bequia
Bequia is "The Old Caribbean" of tidy, clean, small pleasures. The process of disconnecting from the hectic world outside begins with your arrival. No large cruise ships, or monster jets overwhelm us or spoil our tranquility. If you or your travel agent need the latest schedules for the regional airlines that serve the Bequia airport and connect with major international carriers, or for the relaxing inter-island ferries, just ask us.
With a size of approximately 7 square miles and approximately 5,000 permanent inhabitants, Bequia is the ideal island getaway.
That may be why so many who can afford almost anything they want, chose modest, inexpensive Bequia and our surrounding islands as their refuge. Jimmy Buffet, in his biography, calls Bequia "my favorite Caribbean island." Major outdoor scenes for all three "Pirates of the Caribbean" films were shot nearby. British Royals, movie stars and famous rock musicians come here to escape the paparazzi.
Bequia, being just a bit off the beaten path, gives the traveler a chance to experience what the Caribbean once was, without crowds, casinos, mega-resorts or high rises. Our friendly people and unspoiled natural beauty are captivating. It's likely you'll make many new friends, both local and from far off places, who share a love of nature and a love for Bequia.
PASSPORTS: A special notice for travel to/from USA (updated Oct 1st, 2007)
Until January 2007, you only needed simple proof such as a driver's license or other common documents. The US Government now requires that US Residents must use a valid US Passport for Caribbean travel. Airlines will not allow you to board a flight to this region without one.
Passport Application can be made at more than 8,000 locations. Click Here for details and forms.
The rules and details can be seen on the official web site of the US State Department.
Here are the essentials, quoted from that page:
- Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
- As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
The above was temporarily reprieved due to the inability of the US Passport Agency to process the flood of applications. But that has now expired and the regulation is fully effective.
HERE IS A QUOTE FROM A SEP 04, 2007 OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
"Effective Oct. 1, 2007, U.S. Citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States. It is always strongly recommended that U.S. Citizens verify the specific documentary requirements for their destination country."