On
May 15,
new security measures will be implemented at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau
that are expected to impact the U.S. visa application process. To
better streamline security screening, the U.S. Embassy
will no longer provide storage services for restricted articles that
are not allowed to be brought into the building. Under the new
regulations, U.S. visa applicants who arrive at the U.S. Embassy
carrying restricted items will be refused entry and risk missing
their visa appointments.
Restricted articles
include electronic devices such as mobile phones, car alarm remotes,
tablets, MP3 players, notebook computers, headsets and any device with a
power plug or battery. Other items not permitted
include cigarettes, lighters, matches and any article that could be
used as a weapon.
Although this new
security protocol may be an inconvenience during the initial stages of
implementation, it will eventually streamline the security screening
process and provide for speedier entrance and
exit from the embassy,β said
Nathan Hara, Consular Chief. βIn this way,
we will be able to reduce wai
t times while serving more customers
during the busy summer vacation travel season ahead.β
A list of restricted articles that cannot be brought in to the U.S. Embassy can be found at
http://nassau.usembassy.gov/
restrictedarticles.html. For more details about how to apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, go to
http://nassau.usembassy.gov/
proceduresapply.html.