30 January Extending an expired visa in Cayo Largo

Will we be deported, fined or forgiven? Our initial Cuban 30 day visa expired 22 days ago. When we were staying at Marina Hemingway we went to the Immigration office with the required $25 each in stamps, a letter from the port captain and evidence of health insurance but the computer said 'no'. Renewal can be only be done no less than three days before expiration or up to three days after the end date. We'd gone 10 days ahead and were turned away. Now we are checking into Cayo Largo which is the first place after Havana where visas can be extended. What will they say?

Our approach into the marina was straight forward following the dredged channel into the marina. It was 1 o'clock and there was no response from the marina to our VHF calls requesting permission to enter the port and directions of where to go to clear so we made our way in and took a slip on the eastern dock. The slips are all one size which is 30 feet. As we tied up the dock master and port captain approached and boarded. The dock master is Evelio who speaks perfect English. The port captain is a pleasant smiling man with some English.

We presented our papers and passports and port captain quickly picked up on the visa issue. As David explained how we had tried earlier but were turned away I gave him the stamps and letters of recommendation from Marina Hemingway as proof of our effort to remain within the law. Mr Lovely Port Captain didn't think it would be a problem though be would have to phone HO to check.

While he went back to his office to make the call Evilio explained our options for staying in Cayo Largo. We could anchor out in the shallow bay and this would cost $0.30 per foot of boat length per day or to stay in the marina would be $1.00 per foot for our length irregardless of the inadequate dock length. On a 30 foot length dock a boat sticking out less than 14 feet beyond the end pays $0.74 a foot, on the same 30 foot dock a boat sticking out between 15 and 30 feet into free water the cost is $1.00 per foot for the full length of the boat. Water and electricity are included at no extra charge except the water is RO and has the fragrance of sulphur. For one night, and one night only, we opted to go mad and stay alongside despite the odd fees logic, run the AC and wash the salt and dust off the boat.

Next morning we received the good news from Port Captain that our visa had been renewed for thirty days from the date of expiry. There was a small additional cost for administration of $5 per person payable by stamps bought at the on site bank (which had no queues).

Looking at the weather this morning we see there is a good opportunity to make a two leg sail to Cienfuegos if we leave at lunch time. So we do. We didn't see there was anything for us to do in Cayo Largo – there's no town, one chandlery shop with some supplies of alcohol, eggs, bread and 4L pails of yoghurt.

At midday we have new visas through to 7 February, a despacho for Cienfuegos, a clean boat and a plan to sail to Cienfuegos. Adios Cayo Largo, brief but sweet.