A truly serious question

As a student of history I'm strongly considering an Ex-pat life style.
How long can you stay on a visa?
How long do you have to be absent before you can return?

Can you have duel citizenship - US/JA (just in case my worst fears don't become realized)?

I've long ago lost touch with Chuck (from the 90's version of the Negril Yacht Club) but I know he was living the dream, I wish I knew how he arranged it.

One other thing, is there any way to get my cat into the country?

PS I'm happy to see many old friends are still posting here

http://negril.com/forum/showthread.p...ican-Residency:cool:

Mucho gracias, amigo.

Ruuuuuum!-polephoreskin!!! You been hiding, nice to see you surface again lol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rum-polephoreskin

How long can you stay on a visa? 3 months stamp upon arrival. Can go to Mobay or Kgstn to 'apply' for up to 90 days more. They will want to see departure ticket; if its sooner than 90 days, they will only give you to the ticket date. Southwest or refundable tickets can be your friend, if you manage it with care.

How long do you have to be absent before you can return? http://www.pica.gov.jm/

Can you have duel citizenship - US/JA (just in case my worst fears don't become realized)? JA is okay with dual citizenship, and you don't have to give up your US citizenship. NOTE: Some financial-type things you may want to do in the US now have questions like: do you have Residency in another country, do you have Citizenship in another country. 2nd Note: a LOT of US Senators and Representatives have dual citizenship with Israel.... hmmmm.

One other thing, is there any way to get my cat into the country? Not unless she was born, lives and is coming from another country that does NOT have rabies, nor vaccinate against it. Find a long-term cat-sitter and enjoy kitty when you come back to the US. After several months in JA you may find yourself looking forward to some time in the states. You might find a cat or 2 meandering around where ever you stay. Its nice to have a 'visitor' without extended responsibility. They hunt so tend to do well taking care of themselves.

PS I'm happy to see many old friends are still posting here. Happy to see YOU!

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Forgot one thing, if you are retired, you can apply for Residency, which if granted, would allow you to stay as long as you want, at least until your passport needs to renew and you have to update your application.

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Originally Posted by Lola

Forgot one thing, if you are retired, you can apply for Residency, which if granted, would allow you to stay as long as you want, at least until your passport needs to renew and you have to update your application.

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In this case would residency be different than citizenship?
And I am retired.
I guess I knew that about cats, I was hoping things had loosened.
I'd love to have a JA cat, but regarding my current pal (seen in my avatar) it's a long story but I owe my cat and I couldn't leave him behind.
I've taken him with me on two road trips to AZ and adding in the north to south difference that's over half the width of the continent.
yada yada yada

Thanks for all your help!

I had residency and a work permit from 1969 - 1984. Didn't leave the Island for 3 years once. After 1975 I was in business for myself but still had the work permit.

After 1975 I would "go and come" every few months.

Now that we're retired we just arrive on a visitor's visa. And we'll stay that way.

We love our home in St. Augustine and like to visit family and cruise (I need to be on a ship every so often)

I can't imagine being in Jamaica more than 3 mos at a time.

That's just our story. Each immigrant/ex-pat/resident/regular visitor has their own individual situation.

My advise? Test the waters before you jump in up to your neck

No amount of 10 day visits can really prepare you for living there. Also, having your own house and property is a different experience than renting.

Just my opinion

Cap

Quote:

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Originally Posted by captaind

My advise? Test the waters before you jump in up to your neck

No amount of 10 day visits can really prepare you for living there. Also, having your own house and property is a different experience than renting.

Just my opinion

Cap

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Thanks Cap.
I'm old enough to know nothing seems the same once the "new" where's off so I hear you on that note.

It would be quite a while before I considered buying a place.
In my imagination I'd probably start out renting (if possible) in the Red Hill area.
Your input is appreciated.

red ground ... is ,.....> red ground

Had ex pat thoughts in year 2000...healthcare in Jamaica is a bit of an issue...
Will Medicare cover you in Jamaica?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Papa Georgie

Will Medicare cover you in Jamaica?

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NO...................... Even if it did you wouldn't want to be there.

Here's the list,

If it's serious........Emergency care in Negril/Westmoreland is to get stabilized and get back to the US if you can (BTW. Nurse Beth is a Godsend)

If it's not serious talk to the local bush doctor.

If you have the financial ability there are great hospitals in Kingston...but you got to get there.

But you better have some kind of plan...I carry medexassit every year

Cap

Nevermind.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by captaind

I can't imagine being in Jamaica more than 3 mos at a time.

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I hear you Cap. For many years, I stayed for 6 months at a time but found myself more and more anxious to get back to So. Florida to actually get things done.

I love Jamaica but the slow pace can become a little frustrating for me sometimes.

Now, at the 3 month point, I feel satisfied enough to stay a little while longer but even more happy to be going home at the same time.

Jamaica is like a medicine to me. It treats the need to travel and to do good work in my retirement years. But, like a medicine, I believe it is advisable to watch your dosage.

I just returned 3 weeks ago and I am ready to go back but I will wait until it is time to see the doctor again.

Peace and Guidance

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JDd

red ground ... is ,.....> red ground

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What can I say I'm two years+ gone from the island?
Red ground or Red Hill, I've walked those streets many times and BTW there is a hill in Red Ground, and a great bar too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by captaind

NO...................... Even if it did you wouldn't want to be there.

Here's the list,

If it's serious........Emergency care in Negril/Westmoreland is to get stabilized and get back to the US if you can (BTW. Nurse Beth is a Godsend)

If it's not serious talk to the local bush doctor.

If you have the financial ability there are great hospitals in Kingston...but you got to get there.

But you better have some kind of plan...I carry medexassit every year

Cap

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Thanks Cap.
Unfortunately that may be the deal breaker right there.
I take a medicine (daily) that borders on poison (warfarin aka Decon when used as a rat poison) that has to be checked on a monthly basis (at least).

Where do dreams go to die? (hyperbole alert).

https://youtu.be/zTBH_2Fn_Dk

Congrats JDd, my point was a rose by any other name . . .

From the medicare.gov website:

Travel (when you need health care outside the U.S.)
How often is it covered?
In general, health care you get while traveling outside the U.S. isn't covered. The 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa are considered part of the U.S. **
Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, ambulance services, or dialysis you get in a foreign country in these rare cases:
You're in the U.S. when a medical emergency occurs, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition.
You're traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another state when a medical emergency occurs, and the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat the emergency.
You live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition, regardless of whether an emergency exists.
In some cases, Medicare*may cover medically necessary health care services you get on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S. Medicare won't pay for health care services you get when a ship is more than 6 hours away from a U.S. port.
Medicare drug plans don't cover prescription drugs you buy outside the U.S.
Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) policies may cover you when you travel outside the U.S.

Cap? Local bush doctor?

Like "some tablets and ganja tea"?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Papa Georgie

Cap? Local bush doctor?

Like "some tablets and ganja tea"?

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Just a bit of levity. Local MDs are great and that's where I'd go .

However if you just feel like crap or have a sniffle a little bush tea is good for you.

I drink Cerasee tea. Fever grass Tea is good too.

Cap

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Papa Georgie

Had ex pat thoughts in year 2000...healthcare in Jamaica is a bit of an issue...
Will Medicare cover you in Jamaica?

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Medicare doesn't cover you outside of the USA with very few exceptions. emergency care for example if you are on death's door. From Medicare.gov:
Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, ambulance services, or dialysis you get in a foreign country in these rare cases:
You're in the U.S. when a medical emergency occurs, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition.
You're traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another state when a medical emergency occurs, and the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat the emergency.
You live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition, regardless of whether an emergency exists.
In some cases, Medicare*may cover medically necessary health care services you get on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S. Medicare won't pay for health care services you get when a ship is more than 6 hours away from a U.S. port.
Medicare drug plans don't cover prescription drugs you buy outside the U.S.

As I said earlier the Medical issues are the deal breaker for me.

If you're healthy appreciate that gift.
It's a blessing for sure.

Thanks again info sharers - that's why I love this site.
Peace to all and good health.

As I said earlier the Medical issues are the deal breaker for me.

If you're healthy appreciate that gift.
It's a blessing for sure.

Thanks again info sharers - that's why I love this site.
Peace to all and good health.