Nationals from the 27 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program will soon be facing new entry procedures when they visit the United States. The requirements for Bahamian citizens will not be affected by the new rules.
Beginning October 26, 2004, citizens from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program must present a valid machine-readable passport in order to gain entry into the United States without a visa. Those with older passports that are not machine-readable must apply for a visa to enter the U.S.
Twenty-seven countries currently participate in the Visa Waiver Program, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Germany and Japan (the full list is available at www.travel.state.gov). Each traveler from those countries, including infants, must have their own machine-readable passport containing their individual biographical data.
Regardless of where they are resident, citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries who wish to visit the U.S. but do not have machine-readable passports should apply for a visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible.
Bahamian citizens will not be affected by the new rules.
