In a bid to clear up the confusion caused by the recent Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative legislation, brought in by the U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) has issued a statement ensuring that all potential visitors are aware of the passport situation.The new legislation announces the fact that all U.S. citizens and foreign nationals are required to carry a passport, or other accepted secure documents, to enter or re-enter the U.S. from holidays or business travel anywhere in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central and South America. This is effective December 31, 2005. The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) has issued a statement.

The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) understands the impact of the new initiative and is therefore pro-actively disseminating pertinent information to the island’s travel partners including travel agents, airlines and tour operators.

Additionally, ATA, in an effort to assist its valued visitors, strongly encourages all travellers to apply for their passports in anticipation of their holidays to Aruba.

The Aruba Tourism Authority advises all travellers to allow six to eight weeks to process U.S. passport applications. With peak processing times falling between January and July, it is recommended to submit applications between August and December for faster service.

Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain passports. Aruba remains one of the three Caribbean destinations that provide U.S. pre-clearance services, allowing flights from Aruba to enter the U.S. as domestic flights, ensuring an expedited departure process.

——-