Immigration
I was leaving through La union Intl. I was at the immigration booth when the man asked me if I was there for business or pleasure. I stated that I am there to visit family, friends, business and pleasure. He took my passport and told me to go into an office. I was seated in an office and an attractive white skinned Domincana walked in. She arrogantly accused me of owing the the Dominican government taxes. I tried to explain that my business is in the name of a military officer she just laughed, rolled her eyes and said in Spanish that all of these gringos try this excuse.
Ok, so I now play stupid. She gets frustrated and leaves. I get on the cell phone and call my friend who is the the jefe at La Union Intl. Col. Tavares. Within minutes this woman was escorted away "Bye bye" I said as she was led away. From then on out I am always escorted through the airport by the jefe himself. Jefes always are being changed so I am constantly being introduced to the new airport jefe by Gen. Valanzuela.
The next time I was in La Union Intl. I saw the same immigration man at the booth and I went to him on purpose. He looked at me and just said he knows me, smiled and wished me a good flight. Cripes he barely stamped my passport.
I cannot say that this kind of thing can happen for you however it is very important to have some powerful connections if you travel into and out of this country often.
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