Travel Information

U.S. Citizens:
PLEASE CHECK YOUR PASSPORT EXPIRATION DATE!
All U.S. citizens who are traveling internationally are required to carry passports valid at least six months beyond your travel dates and they must contain at least two blank passport pages per destination. Without a valid passport, which must match exactly to the name on your electronic ticket confirmation, you may not be permitted to board your flight. If your passport is going to expire within six months of your travel dates, or does not contain at least two blank passport pages per destination, you must renew your passport prior to your trip.

• Due to COVID-19, expect processing time for a passport renewal to be significantly delayed and refer to the Travel.State.Gov website for the latest updates. In addition, you may contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) toll-free at 877-487-2778 (TDD: 888-874-7793). Do not mail the completed passport application to Travel Headquarters. Note: Passport processing can take up to 10-12 weeks, so do not delay in applying for or renewing your passport.
• If this is the first time you are applying for a passport, you must have a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you do not have one, we suggest you contact the government records center of the state where you were born for instructions on how to obtain a certified birth certificate copy. It must bear the official raised seal of the city or county of the state where issued, or be printed on security paper with a watermark. Ladies: Since your birth certificate shows only a maiden name, a married female traveler needs to provide her marriage license.
• To EXPEDITE processing of first-time or renewal passport applications, contact CIBT at 800-929-2428. Note: CIBT charges a fee to assist you in expediting your passport application/issuance of the passport, and these fees will be a personal expense. Please use account number 50049 and mention the account number should you call or email CIBT.
• You may wish to join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) offered through the U.S. Department of State. This free service lets you register your upcoming overseas trip with the Department of State, which would allow the staff at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to better assist you should an emergency arise.

All Other Citizens:
It is important that you check with your nearest consulate immediately for any special travel documents required for your trip. You are responsible for securing these documents. Note: Your passport must be valid AT LEAST six months beyond your travel dates. If your passport is going to expire within six months of your travel dates, you must renew your passport prior to your trip. You may be required to supply an emergency contact name/number, a return/forward flight reservation and destination hotel address/phone number (included in the "Contact Information" section).

United States Visa Waiver Program: If you are a citizen of a United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you are required to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours prior to travel to the U.S. or to transit through the U.S. Please be aware that a valid passport is required to apply for an ESTA, and it must be "electronic" with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner and have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page. For additional information regarding the requirements/fees and to apply, visit U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Once you have obtained your ESTA travel authorization, it will be valid for two years or the duration of your passport validity, whichever is shorter. Should you have questions or require assistance, contact your nearest U.S. Embassy. Note: You will still need to provide your airline or carrier with details of your passport, country of residence and the address of your first night's accommodation.

Customs & Immigration: Entry forms for The Bahamas will be distributed in-flight by your airline.

Konica Minolta Travel Headquarters will begin making the airline arrangements for your trip upon completion of your registration. Flights will be selected for you based on Konica Minolta's guidelines and in accordance with the program's designated airfares. When at all possible, we will select the flight with the shortest travel time and the least number of stops. Please be aware that the guidelines associated with these designated airfares may require:

• Traveling on a Konica Minolta preferred and preselected airline carrier
• Use of a non-refundable, non-transferable ticket
• The use of the lowest available fare, which may result in a non-direct flight

Secure Flight: As part of the Secure Flight initiative and to comply with TSA regulations, all airline passengers will be required to provide their full legal first name, middle name (if applicable), legal last name, date of birth and gender. Not required, but optional if previously issued, will be a Redress Number and Known Traveler Number. Note: You may also be asked to provide this information during check-in at the airport.

The TSA has incorporated privacy laws and practices into all areas of the Secure Flight program. The information gathered is a requirement of the TSA and DHS for purposes of watch list screening. For more detailed information regarding Secure Flight, please check the TSA website.

Frequent Flyer Guidelines: Frequent flyer programs vary from airline to airline. Please be aware of the following general guidelines:

• Availability of frequent flyer upgrades is extremely limited.
• Due to negotiated airfares, the use of your frequent flyer airline or frequent flyer upgrade may incur additional costs or may not be possible.

Trip Extension Information and Special Requests: Should you require special travel arrangements, we strongly suggest you submit your request as soon as possible as space may be limited or unavailable.

Notes:

• Any charges incurred as a result of your special request will be a personal expense and cannot be submitted for reimbursement.
• We must have your completed registration before we can finalize your request. Once we have received your registration, a travel associate will contact you to verify your request.
• The group hotel rate is available three days before and after the program dates. Extension rooms at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar are limited in availability and are not guaranteed until the time of booking.
• As a reminder, all guests must be 21 years of age or older.

Also, please be aware:

• Airlines have advance purchase requirements and limit the number of seats available at reduced fares.
• Airfares are subject to change without notice. Therefore, airfares quoted cannot be guaranteed until you have approved the issuance of your airline ticket.
• Changes in flights once the ticket has been issued that result in additional fees will be a personal expense and cannot be submitted for reimbursement.

The following are helpful travel tips to consider when preparing for your trip.

Airport Security: Security staff at the checkpoints may ask you to turn on any electronic devices that you are carrying with you. You may want to limit the electronic devices you carry, and make sure the batteries work. With heightened security at airports, you can expect physical baggage checks. Please be patient and cooperative with airport officials. TSA can provide additional information and security tips.

Currency: The U.S. dollar (USD) is widely accepted throughout The Bahamas; however, the official currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). It is fixed to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 1 BSD equaling 1 USD.

Customs: Be sure to declare valuable foreign-made articles (laptops, cameras, watches, etc.) at a Customs office in your home city prior to your departure. Without a Customs declaration or sales receipt, the Customs official may assess duty on these items upon your return.

Electric Current: In The Bahamas, you will find Type A and Type B electrical plugs (the same as in the U.S.). Note: For your convenience, the resort provides a hair dryer and an iron with ironing board in each guest room.

Insect Repellent: As with all tropical destinations, you may wish to pack and use insect repellent during your stay.

Language: The language of The Bahamas is English. You may hear locals also speak an English-based creole language called Bahamian dialect. 

Time: During your trip, Nassau will be observing Eastern Daylight Time; therefore, the time difference will be as follows:

Los Angeles	9:00 AM
Denver	10:00 AM
Chicago	11:00 AM
New York	12:00 PM
Nassau	12:00 PM

Valuables: Safeguard your valuables. It is best to leave valuable jewelry at home and use the resort's in-room safe for your excess cash and travel documents. Keep purses, wallets, money and cameras close to you at all times, especially in crowded public areas. Reminder: If you use the resort's in-room safe, do not forget to retrieve your items upon departure.

You will be responsible for any additional charges you incur. These include long-distance phone calls, meals and activities not included in your itinerary, laundry services and minibar/personal bar bills. The resort staff will keep a separate record of these applicable expenditures for you. Please be sure to settle your personal account prior to departure.

ATM/Debit Cards: For locations where you can use your ATM/debit card to obtain cash, contact the financial institution that issued your card or visit Mastercard or Visa.
Note: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar has an ATM on the property.

Bahamas Health Travel Visa: The $40 per person health visa application fee, which includes the cost of the required COVID-19 health insurance, will be reimbursed.

Cellphones and Long-Distance Telephone Calls: Please check with your local service provider regarding service availability and roaming charges that may apply for cellphone use in The Bahamas. Note: Phone calls (local, long-distance or international) can be very expensive when charged to your room. Most resorts levy a service charge for every call made – local, collect or international – plus the applicable rates. For international calls, we suggest using a calling card if calling from your room. You may also consider Skype, FaceTime, Tango or a similar app or internet-based communication platform for reaching friends and family at home.

Credit Cards: For your convenience, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar accepts American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa for your personal expenses. It is encouraged that you call your credit card company ahead of time and let them know that you will be traveling to the Bahamas and using your credit card while there. Note: If you use a debit card as a deposit at the time of check-in, the resort will place a hold on the card of $150 per day for incidentals. If not spent, the amount will be credited back to your account. Contact your bank regarding when the charge will be removed from your account.

Laundry: An iron and ironing board are provided in each guest room at the resort. Laundry service is available; however, please keep in mind that laundry and pressing services can be costly and will be a personal expense.

Minibar: Items from the minibar in your room can be quite costly. Please review the price before using any of the minibar contents. The resort staff will keep a separate record of these expenditures for you, which you must settle prior to departure. Note: Many minibars are outfitted with motion and/or weight sensors. If the minibar in your room has these sensors, you may be charged for items simply by moving them.

Travel Insurance: You may wish to consider purchasing your own travel insurance to supplement your regular life, accident, medical and personal property insurance.