Consulate Highlights
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Weather Alert! Hurricane Bill Approaches | US Consulate and US Preclearance sponsor National "Warm Up to Giving" Food Drive. | 
The U.S. Consulate general in Hamilton is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Bermuda that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the Bermuda Weather Service have issued alerts for a hurricane/tropical storm system, Hurricane BILL, that is currently located approximately 1400 miles SE of Bermuda and moving to the Northwest.
The National Hurricane Center reports Bill is moving West-Northwest at approximately 16 MPH/26 KPH. This motion is expected to continue for 24 hours, followed by a turn towards the Northwest on Wednesday. The storm is currently predicted to pass by Bermuda early Saturday Morning. For further information, see the NHC website. (more)
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On June 22nd 2009 Michelle Obama and The White House will kickoff "United We Serve" Federal Employees Feeding Families, Collection dates: June 24-26, July 27-30, Aug 26-29. | New On-line Visa Form DS-160 Available Now!Those applying for non-immigrant visas to the United States will be pleased to learn that the DS-160 will now be filled out entirely on-line, including electronic upload of photos. The new form has several advantages:
1. Customers may save their data and return to it at a later time.
2. Customers can save a copy of their application for themselves.
3. The new process also involves less paper. The DS-160 is available for use now, and its use will be mandatory for all NIV applicants as of June 1, 2009. The form can be accessed under the Non-Immigrant Visa section's "How to Apply" page. For instructions about uploading photos, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/guide/guide_3877.html. Photo studios and travel agents have been informed of the new procedures and requirements. Once the on-line form has been completed, applicants must print and bring the confirmation page with them to their appointment – also booked on-line. For more information please go to: Frequently Asked Questions and Learn More about the form DS-160. | Boxes for Bermuda/US Customs Food Drive will be located: In lobby of Airport Departures next to entrance to US Customs & Duty-Free store, DAO receptionist area, Bermuda Customs Arrivals Lobby, American Consulate and Bermuda Airport Police Station. Suggested items for a food bank: Peanut Butter, Macaroni and Cheese, Canned Fruit, Rice And Beans, Canned Vegetables, Canned Meats, Pickles, Applesauce, Bottled Water, Soups, Cereal, Cereal Bars, Easy & Ready Meals, Paper Products, ETC… This food drive will be held near the end of each month during June, July and August for collection/delivery to the Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, and Hamilton Soup kitchens. Sponsored by US Customs & Border Protection And American Consulate |
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Latest Headlines From the
Consulate |
1. Attention All Visa Waiver Program Travellers! The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be mandatory as of January 12, 2009. | | 
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 official website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov . Please note: this pre-authorization will be mandatory as of January 12, 2009 (more) and there are no fees associated with this process. If you are asked to pay a fee then the site is fraudulent. ESTA Links: Important information about ESTA & News releases |
 | 2. Book Available at local Bermuda Book Stores!Edited by Marina I. Slayton, wife of US Consul General to Bermuda Gregory W. Slayton, Four Centuries of Friendship explores the close relationship between the US and Bermuda through good times and bad — the oldest such partnership in the New World. The book looks at this US/Bermuda alliance from an American perspective and takes a look into the future. For more information please go to: http://www.fourcenturiesoffriendship.com/
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3. Information for U.S. Tax Payers U.S. citizens must report their worldwide income on their federal income tax returns. Living or earning income outside the United States does not relieve a U.S. citizen of the responsibility for filing annual tax returns. However, U.S. citizens living and/or working abroad may be entitled to various deductions, exclusions, and credits. (more) Please follow this link for the new IRS brochure "Federal Tax Information for US Tax Payers Living Abroad". The American Consulate in Bermuda has become aware of several resident who have recieved e-mails regarding a 2008 Economic Stimulus payment. Please do not reponsd to these e-mails or try to access any of the links in these messages. (more)
4. Registering at the Consulate for Warden MessagesAmerican citizens are urged to sign up for Consulate warden messages. Registering at the American Consulate alerts us to your presence so that we can contact you in the event of an emergency. For example, during a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary. But they cannot assist you if your whereabouts are unknown. By providing your email address, the Consulate also has in place a method to disseminate important information to you via what we call ‘warden messages.’ To receive warden messages, register online https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
5. The Consulate has a mandatory On-Line Appointment Booking System
The Consulate 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 requiring on-line appointments: 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.
6. 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. |
7. 2009 Hurricane SeasonDepartment of State alerts U.S. citizens to the Hurricane Season in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. The official Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June through November. This Travel Alert expires on December 4, 2009. (more)
8. 2009 Worldwide Caution1. The Department of State has issued this Worldwide Caution to update information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against American citizens and interests throughout the world. In some countries, the worldwide recession has contributed to 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 replaces the Worldwide Caution dated February 2, 2009 to provide updated information on security threats and terrorist activities worldwide. (more)
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