Bahamas brings new security rules for visitors

The Bahamas Islands have announced streamlined entry protocols that will allow visitors to enjoy the Bahamas vacation experience better and more seamlessly.

From 1 November 2020, all Bahamas travelers will need:

– Get the COVID-19 RT PCR test five (5) days before arrival.

– Apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at Travel.gov.bs

– For the duration of the visit, complete the daily online health questionnaire for symptomatic tracking purposes.

– Take the COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on the 5th day of the visit (if not departing on the 5th day).

– Always wear a mask and always social distance in public places.

In addition, from November 14, 2020, all visitors must choose the mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their health travel visa. This insurance covers travelers’ stays in the Bahamas.

The specifics of the new protocols are as follows:

Before traveling:

1. COVID-19 RT-PCR test

All persons traveling to the Bahamas must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (cleansing) test taken no later than five (5) days from the date of arrival.

The name and address of the laboratory where the test was administered should be clearly displayed on the test result.

Exceptions:

Children age ten (10) and under.

Pilots and crew of commercial airlines staying overnight in The Bahamas.

2. Bahamas Health Travel Visa

If you have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at TRAVEL.GOV.BS

Click on the International tab and upload the test results and other required documents.

Fees for the Bahamas Health Travel Visa, including the 5th day Rapid Antigen Test and compulsory health insurance, are as follows:

$ 40 – Visitors stay four nights and five days.

$ 40 – Citizens and returning residents.

$ 60 – Visitors can stay longer than four nights.

Free – Children 10 years and younger

Upon arrival

1. In accordance with monitoring protocols:

Visitors who exhibit COVID symptoms at any time during their stay should take a rapid antigen test and get a negative result before being allowed to continue with their vacation.

If a person is tested positive they should follow the COVID-19 RT-PCR cleanup test.

2. Rapid COVID-19 antigen testing (if applicable):

Anyone who stays in the Bahamas for more than four nights / five days will need a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.

Not all visitors departing five days or earlier are required to take this test.

Fast tests are easy, quick and give results in 60 minutes or less with the provision of electronic results via SMS text message and email.

Hotel features provide relevant information on test arrangements, while others facilitate the expedited examination required by their guests.

All persons on boats and other pleasure craft can arrange for their required expedited tests at the Port of Entry or through the relevant website.

All other visitors, returning residents and citizens can arrange for their required expedited tests at the Port of Entry or through the relevant website.

Despite the health restrictions that apply from time to time, all travelers who adhere to these new protocols are allowed to explore and explore the beauty and vibrant culture of the Bahamas beyond the limits of their hotel or other facilities.

The Bahamas is an archipelago of more than 700 islands and kelp, spread over 100,000 square miles, meaning that the 16 islands available to welcome visitors vary in conditions and circumstances of the virus. Travelers should check the status of their island destination before traveling by visiting the Bahamas.com/travel updates, where they can also review the entry requirements that apply to each member of their party before booking a trip.

The Bahamas is diligent in its efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on the islands, and these measures are essential to ensure that these measures remain in place. The health and well-being of residents and visitors ranks first among public health officials. However, due to the fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, protocols are subject to change in The Bahamas and around the world.