22/06/2020
TRAVEL UPDATE for THE BAHAMAS
*Be smart and stay informed. This is a long post, so please read all the requirements carefully before making any travel plans.*
The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism has announced a “soft opening” of its international borders starting June 15, with the following requirements. Please remember that these requirements may be subject to change depending on evolving circumstances. Be prepared by making flexible travel plans, and regularly monitor https://www.bahamas.com/tourism-reopening also the U.S. Embassy page and website, and your travel vendors (air carriers, hotels, and attractions) before you travel:
- International visitors may enter The Bahamas starting on June 15 only via boat, yacht or private aircraft (not yet via commercial air). Boaters must inform the marina at least 48 hours in advance of the vessel’s arrival.
- During this period, commercial airlines are still only allowed to bring in Bahamian citizens, legal residents, and homeowners qualifying for economic permanent residency, or the immediate family members or significant others of any of these groups. Visitors that do not fall in to one of these categories continue to be barred from entering The Bahamas via commercial air.
- If you plan to visit The Bahamas during this period, remember that the Emergency Powers Orders are still in effect, including a 9pm - 5am daily curfew, as well as restrictions on other activities. All public beaches and parks in Bimini, Grand Bahama, New Providence, and Paradise Island remain closed.
- Each traveler—both domestic and international—must submit a Travel Health Application form online at travel.gov.bs. Users will receive an automated response.
- A COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test no more than ten days old must be presented upon arrival, for each traveler over the age of two. (Private pilots who do not deplane are not required to present test results.)
- Failure to comply with the COVID-19 test requirements and Travel Health Card Application form submission will result in the denial of entry.
- As of June 15, visitors will no longer be required to quarantine after entering The Bahamas via boat, yacht, or private aviation. All incoming passengers will be subject to temperature screenings by health professionals, however. Travelers who show symptoms of COVID-19 may be transferred to an on-site quarantine area away from other passengers for further testing and evaluation.
- While in The Bahamas, visitors must practice physical distancing measures (3 to 6 feet), wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks when appropriate, and practice regular handwashing.
- For both air and sea travel, face masks are required.
- Do not travel when you feel ill.
You can find more detailed information and guidance on travel requirements and safety precautions being implemented by The Bahamas at http://bahamas.com/tourism-reopening
A broader re-opening of the international borders (Phase 2) is targeted for July 1. When the details of that plan are announced through an update to The Bahamas’ Emergency Powers Orders, the we will provide an updated alert.
Be smart and stay informed!