2006 Press Releases
U.S. Embassy Reminds Travelers to Plan Ahead When Applying for Visas
August 1, 2006
The United States Embassy in a statement today reminded travelers to plan in advance when applying for non-immigrant U.S visas. In February of this year, the Embassy introduced the Visa Information Service, a new system for processing non-immigrant visas, which requires applicants to make an appointment before coming to the Embassy to apply for visas. Designed to be more customer efficient, the new system gives the applicant a guaranteed date and time for a visa interview, and eliminates lines – the applicant simply arrives at the Embassy 10 –15 minutes before the appointment time.
In an effort to facilitate the many student visa requests for Bahamians seeking higher education in schools and universities in the United States, the Embassy reminds persons that non-essential visa requests may be delayed to give students priority. Embassy officials say the Visa Information Service has proven to be extremely efficient over the past five months to the extent that the Visa Section currently has visa appointments fully booked through the entire month of August. Traditionally, August has been the busiest month for visa processing.
It is for this reason that Embassy officials are appealing to the public to plan their travel in advance. Embassy officials urge applicants not only to apply during the peak season, but to make application during the less busy months as well. Bahamians are also reminded that they may travel to the United States without a visa if they have a clean police certificate and depart The Bahamas via the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, and the Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport, Grand Bahama. The Embassy is currently expanding the visa section in an effort to further improve customer service and to create a comfortable ambiance for visa applicants.