LOS ANGELES – Beginning January 23, 2007 all U.S. citizens traveling to The Islands Of The Bahamas will be required to have a valid U.S. passport. Upon entry to The Islands Of The Bahamas, U.S. citizens will also be required to fill out an embarkation/disembarkation form. They will need to keep one copy of the form for the duration of their stay.
As travelers begin planning for holidays such as Kwanzaa, Martin Luther King Day weekend or Black History Month, it is a good idea to prepare ahead of time so that they may have an enjoyable experience.
Approximately 72 percent of U.S. citizens currently lack a valid U.S. passport. A significant number of African Americans contribute to that high percentage. This is due to the fact that many are used to traveling without a passport. Therefore, it is important for the African American community to be informed and well prepared for the upcoming requirement.
The following are some travel tips to keep in mind before arriving to The Islands Of The Bahamas.
How to obtain a U.S. passport:
– Apply in person or online at travel.state.gov (the application may be downloaded)
– A valid I.D. is required
– A certified birth certificate is required
– There are over 7,000 locations where you can apply including post offices, courthouses and libraries
– The fee is $97.00 for adults and $82.00 for children
– The process takes approximately six weeks
– Expedited services are an extra $60.00 and take two weeks
– A color passport photograph is required at the time of application
With U.S. passports on-hand, travelers can embark on a cultural excursion to The Islands Of The Bahamas. Once they are prepared for their vacations, they can enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and tropical weather of the islands.
