Too much Tobago?

[Jennifer C]

Hello All,

Well, I just bought my ticket and I am off to Tobago next week for 18 gorious days. This is my second time this year (had to go to Carnaval!). Last time I went through customs/immigration in Trinidad the officer made a comment that I sure went to Tobago a lot while looking at me expectantly for good answer. Apparently the 'tourist' boxes I ticked off on the immigration form were not good enough. I have to admit that I was in Tobago 3 times last year for a total of time of about 5 months. My question is: Is there such thing as too much Tobago?

Addicted

[David Watkins]

Jennifer C,definitely not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David(61 dtg)

[Jo Hughes]

Hi Jennifer,

I thought it was just me!

I have been to Tobago 'only' 3 times in the last 2 years but this time the immigration at Tobago really looked at my documents and asked lots of questions as to why I was visiting the country for a third time, bear in mind i am travelling as a family.....I must have a suspicious face or something.

As I shall be in Tobago in December and again next year for several trips staying with a Tobagan family (I realise I can only stay max of 3 months in any one year) I am concerend at why the immigration officers view some of us so suspiciously. On leaving Tobago on every visit myself and my daughter have had our handbags checked and are asked a lot of questions, yet my son and husband are never searched or questioned. We are British citizens and all hold full passports. Any one else having the same problem and any advice as myself and my daughter shall be such regular travellers to the country in the next 12 months? What are the rules on extensions to a 3 month stay?

Also, as we are staying with Tobagan friends in their home as opposed to a tourist hotel, could this cause even more questioning? It is ironic that I have my daughter's Tobagan boyfriend staying with us in the uk at the moment for several months and he never is asked a single question coming through Gatwick immigration and they just stamp his passport for another 6 months each time.

[Jennifer C]

I also stay with a local friend not at a hotel and was wondering if this had an effect on my line of questioning at Immigration. I was stopped on the way out of town too. Maybe i have a look about me

As to whether you can extend your 3 month visa the answer is yes. I did it last year. I had one month added on to my stay for a total of 4 months. I had to show that my plane ticket had been changed to the new date before I could get the new visa. I was doing volunteer environmental work at that time. Now I just go for the fun and friends.