1. Important Voting information for the 2008 primary and General elections!

American citizens residing in Bermuda may be eligible to vote in the upcoming state primaries and general election provided that they have requested a Federal Absentee Ballot from their state several months in advance to ensure receipt of the official ballot in time to cast their vote. Each state may have individual requirements which  can be found on the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website.

Please click here for overseas mailing options for voting materials.

For more voting information please go to:

• the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website, or;
• travel.state.gov's website on 2008 Absentee Voting Information for Americans Abroad
• visit the Consulate's Absentee Voter Registration section, or;
• contact the Voters Assistance section at the Consulate at VoteHamilton@state.gov or phone 278-7512. 
• visit our Voting News page for the latest news releases regarding elections.

2. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Beginning August 1, 2008, international travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization under the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov . Please note: this pre-authorization will be mandatory as of January 12, 2009. (more)

3. The Consulate now has an On-Line Appointment Booking System
for most Consular and Visa Services. You MUST read ALL relevant instructions BEFORE you will be allowed to book an online appointment.

Services now requiring appointments:

• Consular Services – Passports, notarials, and other services. (click here)
• Visas – Non-immigrant and immigrant visas. Please be advised that due to a worldwide change NIV fees have increased to $131 from $100.
• If you need to change or cancel your American Citizen Services (ACS) appointment please click here.
• If you need to change or cancel your Non-immigrant visa appointment please click here.

For your convenience: Adult passport renewals (form DS-82) and requests for extra passport pages (form DS-4085) may be mailed in or dropped off at the guard building. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30– 3:30 p.m. except for U.S. and Bermudian holidays. If you would like to make this application in person you will need to book an appointment.

**Please note: Appointments cannot be booked for same-day service.

4. Waivers for Criminal Convictions aka "The Stop List"

For more information on "Waivers for Criminal Convictions and Ineligibilities" or otherwise known as "The Stop List" please click on this link.

---

5. 2008 Worldwide Caution

This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world.  In some countries, the rise in oil and food prices has caused political and economic instability and social unrest.

American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.  This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated January 17, 2008. (more)