As of January 1, 2008, American citizens returning to the US will be required through the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative to have a passport or other approved documents to re-enter the United States.
During his recent two-week Washington consultations, and in an effort to further promote the travel initiative within the US, Ambassador Rood met with high-ranking US customs and passport officials.
During those meetings, Ambassador Rood secured approval for placement of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s posters reminding travellers of the passport initiative deadline to be posted in all US customs and passport facilities in Florida.
“My meetings were incredibly encouraging. Americans are already getting the message, and now our official outreach efforts also involve the Bahamas. The enthusiastic response to my request to place Bahamian posters in US offices will increase the number of Americans with passports while sharing the beauty of The Bahamas with potential tourists,” said.
Ambassador Rood’s Washington agenda also included a series of meetings with Thomas Shannon, Assistant’ Secretary of the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, representatives of the United States Congress, Customs and Border Protection, Drug Enforce Administration and US Coast Guard officials, to discuss the US Government’s continued commitment and support of the OPBAT mission in “The Bahamas.
Ambassador Rood received support to maintain OPBAT at its current level of effectiveness, though the method of provision of services may change. OPBAT will be evaluated this week by an assessment team, which will make recommendations regarding how best to organize and maintain OPBAT’s mission performance.
Source: The Tribune
