COVID-19 Status - The Bahamas (2023)

Testing Requirements

As of 20 September 2022, the COVID-19 testing requirement for entering The Bahamas has been eliminated.

All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are no longer required to submit to pre-travel COVID-19 testing to enter the country.

Please note: COVID-19 testing is no longer required for persons travelling inter-island (domestic) within The Bahamas, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status (unvaccinated or fully vaccinated).

While travelling to The Bahamas & once arrived the following protocols must be followed:

Wear a face mask:

• Through 1 October 2022, face masks must be worn when entering and transiting terminals, at security and customs screenings, at baggage claim.

  Please note: The Bahamas’ mask mandate will be relaxed on 1 October 2022, at which time members of the public will not be required to wear a mask in most settings.

Wear a face mask and physical distance when in public places:

• When travelling 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)

Abide by all protocols and restrictions as outlined in the most recent Health Services Rules:

• Some islands may be following different rules than others,
• Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling, by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.

Guests on cruises that originate in and return to The Bahamas:

*Please note: Cruise lines may have different requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated guests. Please check with your cruise line for specific details pertaining to your cruise.

Step 2 - Pre-Boarding Testing

• Cruise lines may have different requirements for pre-boarding testing. Please check with your cruise line for specific details pertaining to your cruise.

DEPARTURE

• Please check your local government guidelines prior to your visit to determine return requirements as some countries may require negative test results for re-entry. For a list of approved testing sites, please visit Bahamas.com/travelupdate

All Rules and Regulations Are Being Enforced

• Travellers 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.

• Through 1 October 2022, a$250 fine or a penalty of one month imprisonment, or both, is to be enforced for visitors or residents found not wearing face masks in areas where it is required.

• A $10,000 fine or a penalty of two years imprisonment, or both, is to be enforced for visitors or residents submitting falsified vaccination records.
• Unvaccinated visitors who fail to complete the daily Health Questionnaire will be subject to deportation.

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The Abacos

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Acklins & Crooked Island

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Andros

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

The Berry Islands

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Bimini

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Cat Island

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Eleuthera & Harbour Island

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

The Exumas

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Freeport - Grand Bahama Island

Freedom to roam

Beaches and parks

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Inagua

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Long Island

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Mayaguana

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Nassau & Paradise Island

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Ragged Island

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

Rum Cay

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

San Salvador

Freedom to roam

Curfew

Spas

Gyms

I have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, do I need to take a RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Test to travel to The Bahamas?

• Effective 19 June 2022, fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to submit to pre-travel COVID-19 testing to enter the country.As of 20 September 2022, the COVID-19 testing requirement for entering The Bahamas has been eliminated. All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are no longer required to submit to pre-travel COVID-19 testing to enter the country.

PRE-TRAVEL TESTING

I am an unvaccinated traveller; is a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR Test required to enter The Bahamas?

• As of 20 September 2022, the COVID-19 testing requirement for entering The Bahamas has been eliminated. All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are no longer required to submit to pre-travel COVID-19 testing to enter the country.

• COVID-19 testing is no longer required for persons travelling inter-island (domestic) within The Bahamas, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status (unvaccinated or fully vaccinated)

Do I need to quarantine upon arrival in The Bahamas?

• No, there are currently no quarantine requirements for those travelling to The Bahamas.

Can I travel to every island in The Bahamas?

• All islands in The Bahamas are open to international and domestic arrivals, including commercial and private aircraft, as well as private yachts and pleasure crafts.
• From time to time, the Government of The Bahamas may restrict travel into or out of certain islands.
• Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling, by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.

Are there additional testing or monitoring requirements for vaccinated travellers on island?

• Effective 2 March 2022, The Bahamas removed on-island testing protocols as a result of declining cases.

Do I need to quarantine upon arrival in The Bahamas?

• No, there are currently no quarantine requirements for those travelling to The Bahamas.

Can I travel to every island in The Bahamas?

• All islands in The Bahamas are open to international and domestic arrivals, including commercial and private aircraft, as well as private yachts and pleasure craft.
• From time to time, the Government of The Bahamas may restrict travel into or out of certain islands.
• Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling, by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.

Are there additional testing or monitoring requirements for unvaccinated travellers on island?

Effective 2 March 2022, The Bahamas removed on-island testing protocols as a result of declining cases.

Are there any testing requirements for hotel check-in?

• Guests should check with their hotels directly for any hotel check-in requirements.

Do I need to take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test if I’m travelling domestically inter-island?

• COVID-19 testing is no longer required for persons travelling inter-island (domestic) within The Bahamas, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status (unvaccinated or fully vaccinated).

How will the Ministry combat the risk of asymptomatic persons?

• The Ministry is implementing these new protocols to mitigate the risk by ensuring multiple testing touch points which include testing prior to arrival, as well as tracking, and monitoring.

Please note: The Bahamas’ mask mandate will be relaxed on 1 October 2022, at which time members of the public will not be required to wear a mask in most settingsRestaurants, Businesses and Attractions

Are on-island businesses, restaurants and attractions operating normally?

• Notwithstanding any public health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travellers 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.
• Conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors, which may lead to increased restrictions for businesses, restaurants, beaches and attractions.
• Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling, by visiting the “Know Before You Go” Interactive Island Guide on Bahamas.com/travelupdates.

What is the status of beaches and parks?

• All public and private beaches and parks are operating normally. Please check our Interactive Island Guide for details.

What is the status of restaurants?

• Restaurants on most islands are allowed to operate indoor and outdoor dining, as well as curbside pickup, delivery, drive thru and takeaway; however, some restrictions are in place by island. Please check our Interactive Island Guide for details.

When do I have to wear a face mask?

• Please note: The Bahamas’ mask mandate will be relaxed on 1 October 2022, at which time members of the public will not be required to wear a mask in most settings
• Now through 1 October 2022All travellers must wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to, such as:
  • When entering and transiting air and sea terminals
  • During security and customs screenings
  • At baggage claim
  • When checking in and boarding aircraft, vessel or other form of transportation
  • When travelling in a taxi
  • When standing in lines
  • When entering any establishment
  • While checking into a hotel

Do I have to wear a face mask at the beach?.

Please note: The Bahamas’ mask mandate will be relaxed on 1 October 2022, at which time members of the public will not be required to wear a mask in most settings

What if I don’t wear a face mask?

• Through 1 October 2022,All persons, including Bahamian residents and visitors, are subject to a fine of $250 or a penalty of one month imprisonment, or both, if they are found not wearing face masks in areas where it is required.

What is the WTTC SafeTravels Stamp and what does it mean that The Bahamas has one?

• The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), alongside it’s members, governments, health experts, and other industry associations are working together to achieve effective recovery protocols by developing meaningful action plans that optimise sector-wide recovery efforts.
• The SafeTravels Stamp was created for travellers to recognize destinations and businesses around the world which have adopted the SafeTravels health and hygiene global standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
• The Bahamas is proud to have been recognized as a SafeTravels destination by the WTTC for our travel protocols.

What is the “Clean & Pristine” Certification?

• A Certification Agency has been established - representing a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, Ministry of Health, and other regulatory agencies - to enforce a “Clean & Pristine” Certification Program.
• All tourism related, customer-facing entities in The Bahamas must verify they have in place and are adhering to the Government approved health and safety guidelines to receive Clean & Pristine certification. Adequate signage outlining policies will be clearly displayed at all locations, helping to guide staff and visitors.

What are the safety measures in place for frontline staff and those who work in the tourism industry at all points of entry?

• All tourism related, customer-facing entities in The Bahamas must verify they have in place and are adhering to the Government approved health and safety guidelines outlined by the Clean & Pristine certification (more on Clean & Pristine certification below).

What does this mean for Taxis and Independent Cars?

• PThrough 1 October 2022, passengers to wear masks at all times throughout journey
• Passengers should not ride in front seat
• Vehicles to reduce the maximum number of people by 50%:
  • Sedans = 2 persons
  • SUVs = 4 persons
  • Maximum number of persons can increase if all persons are from the same household

What does this mean for Hotels, Resorts and Vacation Rentals?

• Extensive health and safety protocols enforced; details will be clearly stated by specific institutions
• Enhanced cleaning for guest rooms
• Hand sanitizer and disinfectant readily available
• Employee health monitoring
• Limiting number of guests in elevators

What does this mean for Restaurants, Food & Beverage Services?

• Buffets discontinued until further notice
• All meals must be served at individual tables where social distance is adhered to, or meals must be prepackaged.
• Disposable menus offered or displayed on monitors or chalkboards
• Seating to accommodate for physical distancing of guests; limiting number of guests

What does this mean for Excursions, Tours, Local Attractions and Shopping?

• Maximum number of guests and duration of guest visit limited
• Guests to use personal gear (such as snorkelling gear) as appropriate
• Guests will not be allowed to touch products unless purchasing
• Cashless sales encouraged
• Beach chairs to allow 6ft. physical distancing between family units; gatherings limited to 5 persons
• Cleaning timetable / checklist to be maintained

What does this mean for Vessel and Water Taxi operations?

• Maximum number of passengers on board reduced by 50%
• Passenger seating assigned to ensure proper distancing
• Vessel sanitizing:
  • Before any passenger embarks
  • Between all passenger exchanges
  • On high touch surfaces consistently during passage
  • At end of each day

What is the plan for the tourism industry, should The Bahamas see a dramatic rise in cases?

• Due to the fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.
• 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.
• Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling, by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.

Will persons wishing to travel from an island with a higher number of cases be permitted to enter an island with a low number of cases?

• All travellers must follow appropriate testing protocols based on vaccination status to be granted entry to any island.
• Per the current Health Services Rules, there are restrictions for persons travelling from an island with mandatory lockdown orders in place.
• A person should not be permitted to travel from an island for which notice has been given of an impending lockdown order or for which additional measures and restrictions have been imposed.
• Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling, by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.

Will I need a negative COVID-19 test to depart from The Bahamas?

• Please check your local government guidelines prior to your visit to determine return requirements as some countries may require negative test results for re-entry regardless of vaccination status.

Where can I find an approved testing facility?

• For a list of approved testing sites, please see below

June 15, 2022 The Bahamas Removes COVID-19 Testing Requirement for Fully Vaccinated Travellers

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June 15, 2022 The Bahamas Eliminates Its Travel Health Visa Requirement For All Travellers

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On Thursday April 14th, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further de-escalated the COVID-19 Travel Risk Advisory Rating for The Bahamas to a Level 1 (low).

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March 29, 2022 CDC Reduces Travel Advisory Again

The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has de-escalated the COVID-19 Travel Risk Advisory Rating for The Bahamas to a Level 2 (moderate). The de-escalation in rating comes just two weeks after the CDC had reduced the rating from a Level 4 to a Level 3, on March 10, 2022.

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