NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says it has signed a new Preclearance agreement with The Bahamas, modernizing travel between the neighboring countries.
CBP said the new agreement was signed here by CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO) Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino and Foreign Minister of The Bahamas Fredrick A. Mitchell.
The agreement replaces the 50-year-old Preclearance agreement, which pre-dates the formation of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP.
“This agreement advances our mutual security cooperation and commemorates 50 years of Preclearance operations in The Bahamas,” said Sabatino, stating that the agreement “signifies an important milestone in our close partnership as we establish a modernized framework for Preclearance border security operations, enhancing our economic partnership through increased travel and an improved passenger experience.”
CBP said preclearance operations started in The Bahamas in 1974, making it one of 15 locations in six countries offering Preclearance, along with Aruba, Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates.
“The program enables CBP officers to perform the same immigration, customs, and agriculture clearances typically done upon arrival in the United States before international travelers depart from certain foreign airports, enabling them to travel to the United States without a visa,” CBP said. “After landing at a US port of entry, the passengers save time by avoiding CBP inspections and may continue to their destinations as if they arrived on a domestic flight.”
Mitchell said the agreement is “an achievement for both countries, further strengthening our relations, security, and ease of access for both countries.”
Usha Pitts, US Chargé d’Affaires in The Bahamas, took the signing ceremony as an opportunity to congratulate The Bahamas on welcoming a record 9 million tourists, mostly US citizens, in 2023.
“Eighty percent of the tourists who come here are Americans,” Pitts said. “It’s wonderful to see my compatriots come flooding in and enjoying this beautiful country. Preclearance makes it a lot easier for everyone to get back and forth. It’s a wonderful, unique agreement that makes our lives easier.”
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