Bahamas announces Updated Entry and Travel Protocols

The Bahamian Islands today announced streamlined entry protocols that will allow visitors to better and seamlessly enjoy the Bahamas vacation experience.
 
Beginning November 1, 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 for The Bahamas at www.travel.gov.bs  
 
3. During the visit, complete an online health questionnaire every day to track symptoms.
 
4. Perform a rapid COVID-19 antigen test on day 5 of the visit (unless they leave on day 5).
 
5. Always wear a mask and maintain social distance in public places at all times.
 
Additionally, as of November 14, 2020, all visitors will be required to opt for mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Travel Visa. The insurance will cover travelers during their stay in The Bahamas.
 
The details of the new protocols are as follows:
 
Prior to travel:
 
1. COVID-19 RT-PCR test
 
All persons traveling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more five (5) days before the arrival date.
The name and address of the laboratory where the test was performed must appear clearly on the test result.
 
Exemptions:
Children of ten (10) years or less.
Overnight commercial airline pilots and crew members in The Bahamas.
 
2. Health Visa for Travel to The Bahamas
 
Once you have a negative result of the RT-PCR COVID-19 test, you must apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa for The Bahamas at TRAVEL.GOV.BS
Click on the International tab and upload the test results and other necessary documents.
Fees for the Bahamas health visa, including the 5-day rapid antigen test and mandatory health insurance, are as follows:
 
$ 40 - Visitors staying up to four nights and five days.
$ 40 - Returning citizens and residents.
$ 60 - Visitors staying more than four nights.
Free - Children under 10 years
 
Upon arrival:
 
1. Comply with the monitoring protocols:
 

Any visitor showing COVID symptoms at any time during their stay will need to take a rapid antigen test and receive a negative result before they are allowed to continue their vacation.
If a person tests positive, they will be asked to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR smear test.

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

All persons staying in The Bahamas for more 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 proof.
Rapid tests are easy, fast and will produce results in 60 minutes or less and the results will be provided electronically via SMS text messages and email.
Hotels will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required quick test for their guests.
All persons on yachts and other recreational craft will be able to arrange for the required rapid tests at the port of entry or through the appropriate website.
All other returning visitors, residents and citizens will be able to arrange for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or through the appropriate website.

Despite health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travelers who adhere to these new protocols will be able to move 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 that conditions and cases of the virus may be different on each of the 16 islands available to receive visitors. Travelers should check the status of their destination on the island before traveling by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates, where they can also review the entry requirements applicable to each member of their group before booking a trip.
 
The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 on the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that this continues. The health and well-being of both residents and visitors remains the number one priority of public health officials. However, it is important to note that due to the fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and around the world, the protocols are subject to change.