PassportsFrequently Asked Questions
1. Is a passport required to go to the Bahamas?Yes. If you are departing or returning to the U.S. by air a passport is required. As of June 1, 2009 a passport will be required if travelling by sea. 2. Why is a passport required to go to the Bahamas?A Federal law passed in 2004 mandated that all persons returning by air to the United States after January 23, 2007, must present a valid passport for entry into the U.S.. 3. What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)?It is a proposed regulation to implement the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. The objective of WHTI is to strengthen U.S. Border protection by requiring all persons entering the U.S. to present a valid passport. Click here for more information from the U.S. Department of State. 4. Where do I get a passport?U.S. passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State and can be obtained by applying at designated U.S. Postal Offices and Court Houses, click here to find one near you. For more information about securing a passport, click here. 5. How long does it take to get a passport?Passports through traditional channels can be obtained in about six to eight weeks. Expedited passport can be obtained in about three weeks for an additional fee. If you have special circumstances, a passport can be obtained in as quickly as 24 hours; however, authorization is required and extra fees apply. Click here for details. 6. How much does a passport cost?The cost to secure a passport through normal channels in about six to eight weeks is $75 for persons 16 and older. For children 15 and younger, the cost is $60. For faster service there are additional charges of $60 or more depending on how quickly you need it. Click here for details. 7. I need a birth certificate to get my passport. Where do I go to get one?You can obtain a birth certificate from the vital statistics office of the state in which you were born, click here. 8. What if I wasn't born in the U.S.?If one or both of your parents was a U.S. citizen when you were born abroad, your parent(s) should have registered your birth at a U.S. embassy or consulate and received a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Form FS-240. This form is acceptable legal proof of birth and U.S. citizenship. If your birth was not registered, call 888-202-1666. If you don't have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad click here to find information on how to obtain one. 9. I have an infant child. Does a child this young need a passport to go to the Bahamas?Yes. Beginning January 23, 2007 every person, regardless of age, returning by air to the U.S. from the Bahamas will be required to present a passport. As of June 1, 2009 a valid passport will be required for travel by sea. 10. What should I do if my passport has been stolen?You should immediately report it stolen to the local law enforcement authorities and contact the U.S. Dept of State at 202.955.0430. Or, visit their Web site for additional assistance. 11. How do I check the status of my passport after I apply?If you are a U.S. citizen, you can check the status of your passport application, click here. 12. My child is under 14. Who signs my child's new passport?In the space provided for the signature, the mother or father must print the child's name and sign their own name. Then, in parenthesis by the parent's signature, write the word (mother) or (father). |
