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