COUNTRY CLEARANCE: FOR CONSULAR MANAGEMENT

UNCLAS NASSAU 000302

SIPDIS


E. O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CMGT CASC AMGT OTRA BF WHA
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE: FOR CONSULAR MANAGEMENT
ASSISTANCE TEAM (CMAT) VISIT

REF: 026372


1. Post welcomes Consular Management Assistance Team
(CMAT) and grants country clearance.


2. The team of Carolyn Huggins, Scott Boswell and
Janie Friedlein will be met at the airport by the
Consular Chief and taken to the Comfort Suites Hotel
on Paradise Island where we have confirmed
reservations within per diem rates. The telephone
number for the hotel is 242-363-3680. The Consular
Chief may be reached at telephone: 1-242-323-7159 or
via e-mail zaibackax@state.gov


3. Mission hours of operation are 8:00 A.M. to 5:30
P.M. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 A.M. to 1:00
P.M on Friday. ATM machines are available at the
airport or in the downtown area. The exchange rate
is 1 Bahamian dollar equals 1 U.S. dollar. U.S,
dollars are interchangeable with Bahamian dollars.


4. A passport is not required for U.S. citizens but
is recommended for travel into the Bahamas. No visa
or tourist card is required. If you do not have a
passport, you must have a birth certificate and a
photo ID. There is an airport exit fee of US
dollars 15.00 on all departing travelers bearing a
passport other than diplomatic.


5. Threat analysis: The threat against Americans
from Political activity is considered low. The
threat from criminal elements is high. Incidents of
violent crime have risen significantly in the
Bahamas during the past few years. Travelers should
use caution and common sense when moving about the
island of New Providence. Visitors should travel in
pairs, avoid areas prone to higher crime such as the
over the hill area, and avoid isolated, deserted
and/or poorly illuminated areas. For further
security related information contact the Regional
Security Officer, U.S. Embassy Nassau at 242-322-
1181 ext. 4911.


6. Security briefings: All visitors are required to
visit the Regional Security Office and receive a TDY
security briefing. Visitors may also be required to
conduct in/out briefing with front office.
ROOD