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travel advisory update

Firstly, THANK YOU!If you are searching for travel information on this site, it means you are interested in traveling to The Bahamas Out Islands, and for this we THANK YOU! We realize you could have chosen so many other destinations, but you chose our islands. As a reminder, expect the update/guidelines shared below to remain fluid/dynamic. You are therefore strongly advised to check for frequent updates.

GOOD NEWS! Beginning November 1st, The Bahamas will remove the mandatory quarantine or “Vacation in Place” requirement for all visitors, returning citizens and residents, thereby enabling everyone to move about and explore the destination beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations. NOTE:  This does not include The Abacos, Grand Bahama Island (Freeport) or New Providence (Nassau/Paradise Island) at this time. For day-to-day updates on these islands, review the interactive “Know Before You Go” Map on to determine what travel restrictions, if any, are currently in place on a particular island ahead of travel.

Effective November 1st, 2020, The Bahamas will require all travelers to:

  1. Obtain a COVID-19 RT PCR test five (5) days prior to arrival.
  2. Apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at .
  3. Complete a daily online health questionnaire for symptom tracking purposes for the duration of the visit.
  4. Take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on Day 5 of the visit (unless departing on day 5).
  5. Always wear a mask, sanitize/wash your hands and social distance in public places.

NOTE: Those who booked travel under the former protocols that required a COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken seven (7) days prior to travel will be permitted to enter The Bahamas with their Bahamas Health Travel Visa and negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, through November 6th, 2020 only.

In addition, beginning November 14th, 2020, all visitors will be required to opt-in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Travel Visa. The insurance will cover travelers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas (see details below).

Specifics of the new protocols are as follows:

PRIOR TO TRAVEL:

1.   COVID-19 RT-PCR Test

  • All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival.
  • The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result.

Test Exemptions:

  • Children age ten (10) and under.
  • Pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas.

Finding an Accredited Lab:

  • For U.S.-based travelers, an accredited lab can be found at . Once at the webpage, scroll down to “Advanced Search”, click on “Show” and type in the zip code in which you wish to perform the coronavirus test. All accredited labs in the requested zip code are listed.
  • For all travelers from other countries, labs that have been accredited by the local medical health officials should be used.

2.   Bahamas Health Travel Visa

  • Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at .
  • Click on the International Tab and upload test results and other required documents.
  • Travel Health Visa applications take up to 72 hours to process and should be completed with adequate lead-time.
  • The cost of the Travel Health Visa is dependent on length of stay.
  • Fees for the Bahamas Health Travel Visa, inclusive of Day 5 Rapid Antigen Test and mandatory health insurance, are as follows:

     - $40 for Visitors staying up to four nights and five days.

     - $40 for Citizens and returning residents.

     - $60 for Visitors staying more than four nights.

     - FREE for Children 10 years and under (but parents/legal guardians must still apply for a Health Travel Visa).

About the Mandatory Health Insurance

The coverage includes:

  • Medical expenses incurred on-island due to COVID-19, up to $50,000 (USD);
  • Trip interruption/delay for necessary quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19, up to $500 (US$) per day/$7,000 (US$) maximum; and
  • Medical evacuation (and/or repatriation of remains) due to COVID-19, and subject to medical necessity, up to $100,000 (US$).

UPON ARRIVAL:

1.   Comply with Monitoring Protocols:

  • Any visitor who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms at any time during their stay will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation.
  • If a person tests positive they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test.

2.   Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing (if applicable):

  • All persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four nights/five days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.
  • All visitors departing on or before five days will not be required to obtain this test.
  • The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via SMS text message and email.
  • Hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.
  • All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
  • All other visitors, returning residents and citizens will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
  • Notwithstanding any health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travelers abiding by these new protocols will be permitted to move about and explore the beauty and vibrant culture of The Bahamas beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations.
  • The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles, which means conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors. Travelers should check the status of their island destination before travelling by visiting , where they can also review entry requirements applicable to each member of their party before booking a trip.
  • The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case.
  • The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority of public health officials. It is important to note, however, that due to fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.

3.   Wear a Face Mask and Physical Distance when in public places:

  • When entering and transiting airport and seaport terminals, at airport/seaport security and Bahamas Immigration and Customs screenings, at baggage claim, etc.
  • When traveling in a taxi or on a bus, when standing in lines, when entering any establishment, while entering or exiting a restaurant.
  • When entering and exiting beaches (not required on the beach).
  • Before and after exercise (masks must be visible on your person during exercise).

HAVE FUN, BUT PLEASE FOLLOW ALL RULES & REGULATIONS!

  • Travelers who do not complete a Bahamas Travel Health Visa or present COVID-19 RT-PCR Test with a negative result will be denied entry.
  • Travelers who show symptoms of COVID-19 may be transferred to an area away from others for further testing and evaluation, and quarantine may be required by health personnel. (This is why having Travel Health Insurance is so important.)
  • A $200 fine or a penalty of one-month imprisonment, or both, is to be enforced for visitors or residents found not wearing facemasks in areas where it is required.

REMINDER: Again, due to the fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change. Please check for frequent updates.

STAY INFORMED! TRAVEL SAFELY!