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U.S. passport and travel information for U.S. citizens following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
7 MINUTE READ
June 26, 2020

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We recommend that all U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service protected by U.S. privacy law. Once you register with STEP you will receive important updates from the Embassy to help you make informed decisions, and it can help the Embassy and your family and friends contact you in an emergency.

Stay informed, stay connected, stay safe!

Last updated: June 23, 2020, at 10:45 BST

We understand your concerns in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We hope that this information will help answer your questions.

At this time, U.S. Embassy Bridgetown is only providing emergency American Citizens Services (ACS). When routine operations resume, we will update our website.

Can I still apply for a Consular Report of Birth (CRBA) through the Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados?

Currently, we are not accepting appointments for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad. Please continue to monitor our website for updates on the resumption of CBRA services.

I was just about to apply for a passport. Can I still apply?

At present, we are not scheduling appointments for routine passport services that require in-person appearances. We are accepting (DS-82) applications that are eligible for renewal by mail.

Please note, U.S. passports can be renewed at any time before or after they expire, and a U.S. passport is valid for travel to the United States until the day it expires.

For updates on the resumption of routine passport services, please monitor our website.

[UPDATED] My passport has expired, and I need to travel immediately. What should I do?

If you have an urgent need to travel for which you require a U.S. passport, we may be able to assist with issuing a limited-validity emergency passport. Due to the volume of inquiries we are currently receiving we ask that you contact us seven days in advance of confirmed travel. Please contact us BridgetownACS@state.gov  to provide the following information:

  • The applicant’s surname
  • The applicant’s given name
  • The applicant’s date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
  • The applicant’s contact telephone number
  • The applicant’s e-mail address
  • The names of any non-applicants who will be appearing for this appointment (such as the child’s parents or legal guardians if the applicant is under the age of 18,)
  • Is the applicant a child applying for their first passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad? Y/N
    Please be prepared to show your confirmed itinerary for travel within the next seven days.
  • Instruction will be given on how to proceed via email.

Important guidance for attending an appointment

You will go through airport-style security screening. Due to the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19), everyone should wear a face mask if they are aged 2 or over. You can choose to buy a mask or make your own. Click here for information about how to make a face covering (sew and no-sew tutorials are available).

You must not bring laptops or bags above cabin-baggage size to your appointment as they are not permitted into the building and there are no storage facilities available. To save time, we recommend that you keep the number of small bags and belongings that you bring with you to a minimum.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus, please reply to your appointment email to reschedule your appointment. If you have recently entered the Barbados and you are subject to mandatory quarantine, your appointment should take place after the 14 days quarantine period.

Can I travel to the United States?

If you have questions about returning to the United States, please note that the latest travel restriction does not apply to American citizens, legal permanent residents, most immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals who are identified in the proclamation. The Department of Homeland Security will direct those who have been in the Schengen Area who are exempt from these restrictions, including American citizens, to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures. Travelers are advised to visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website for further guidance on U.S. travel restrictions. You can review the Presidential Proclamation for detailed information.

If you have any questions about travel plans or flight availability, please contact your airline directly.

How can I find out more about COVID-19?

Please visit our website https://bb.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/  for a comprehensive list of links and websites providing the most current information.