The US Consulate General yesterday confirmed that Bermudians do not need a visa to travel through the US after visiting Africa.

On Wednesday Khalid Wasi was stopped in Belgium by Immigration officers and told he would need to obtain a visa before continuing on to the US despite holding a United Kingdom Overseas Territory (UKOT) passport.

Mr. Wasi was travelling with a group of young Bermudian men as part of a community programme, Project Greenlight. The group had spent two weeks in Senegal working on a Habitat for Humanity project. The group was forced to stay over in Belgium and fly to London in order to get home.

On Wednesday evening, Deputy Governor Nick Carter said he believed there had been a mix up due to the fact that some countries are not aware of the arrangement between the US and Bermuda.

Yesterday, the US Consulate confirmed that it was a misunderstanding.

"The travellers were provided incorrect guidance regarding visa requirements for Bermudians travelling as United Kingdom Overseas Territory (UKOT) citizens," a press release stated. "Bermudians should rest assured that nothing has changed regarding travel regulations to the United States.

"Indeed, Bermudians are still exempted from needing a visa to travel to the US. Should there be any questions regarding travel to the United States, travellers should feel free to visit the Consulate's website at for detailed information on this and other matters."

Mr. Wasi's group was expected to return to the Island last night, via London, on the British Airways flight.