The Bahamas has reopened to international travelers since July 1, 2020. This beautiful Caribbean island has always been a tropical hot spot whether if you’re just coming for a stop from a 7-day Caribbean cruise holiday or staying for a week-long holiday. The pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, that look like they are straight from postcards are just to die for!
All islands in The Bahamas have reopened to international tourists on July 1, 2020, as part of their phase 2 reopening plans. Since it reopened, thousands of foreign tourists have flocked to the islands for a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bahamas have seen an unfortunate increase in positive COVID-19 cases in the past months. To minimize the spread of the Covid-19 virus and protect its citizens, authorities have imposed travel restrictions and requirements that all visitors must adhere to.
If you are planning to go to the Bahamas for a holiday, here’s what you need to know.
Vaccinated Travelers
The islands of Bahamas are allowing the entry of travelers from all countries, however, the entry requirements will vary according to their vaccination status.
Before, vaccinated travelers are exempted from testing. But due to the increasing Covid-19 cases in the islands, authorities have required even fully vaccinated travelers to submit a negative Covid-19 test result. This new mandate was implemented on August 6, 2021. It can be a Rapid Antigen Test or PCR test, taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival in The Bahamas. Children below 12 years old are exempted from the test for as long as they are traveling with fully vaccinated adults.
All travelers, including those who have been traveling inter-island, are required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa. A copy of the negative test result must be uploaded during the application. The applications for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa can be submitted 14 days prior to travel. All applications submitted and approved before August 6, 2021, will be honored even without the negative test result.
Fully vaccinated travelers are also required to upload valid proof of vaccination during the application. Authorities have also required that the name and address of the lab where the test was performed must be clearly displayed on the result. The proof of vaccination should confirm that two weeks have already passed since they received their last dose. Currently, The Bahamas will only accept vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca.
Unvaccinated Travelers
Just like the vaccinated travelers, all unvaccinated visitors to The Bahamas will be required to upload their negative COVID-19 PCR test results when applying for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa. The test must be taken no more than 5 days prior to the date of arrival into the Bahamas. Kids between the age of 2 and 11 are also required to upload their negative Rapid Antigen Test or PCR test results.
Unvaccinated travelers who are staying for more than five days and four nights must take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test on day five of their stay on the island.
Entry Requirements for Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Travelers
When applying for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa, all travelers will be required to opt-in to COVID-19 health insurance. This will cover them for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas. The cost of such insurance will be added to the Bahamas Travel Health Visa application fee.
The application for the Travel Health Visa can take up to 48 hours to process and but it should be completed with adequate lead time. There will be an application fee that will be paid and the cost will depend on the visitor’s length of stay and vaccination status.
Every traveler who is at least 18 years old must apply for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa. Those who are aged 17 or below can be added to the account of their adult companion or guardian.
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Sources: The Bahamas Travel Updates
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