Bahamas update for entry requirements, additional testing

BAHAMAS — The Islands of The Bahamas has updated its entry requirements ahead of its Oct. 15 reopening date.

The new protocols will require visitors and returning citizens and residents to obtain a COVID-19 test no more than seven days prior to travel to The Bahamas, plus take a rapid test upon arrival. Another rapid test will be administered four days (96 hours) after arrival.

Until Oct. 31, all incoming visitors must ‘Vacation in Place’ for 14 days or the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter. But beginning Nov. 1, this requirement will be removed for all visitors, returning citizens and residents, allowing everyone to move above and freely explore the island beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations.

The specifics are as follows:

PRIOR TO TRAVEL

All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than seven days prior to the date of arrival. The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result. Children under the age of 10, and pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight, are exempt from obtaining the test.
Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, all travellers will then be required to apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at gov.bs (click on the International Tab) where the required test must be uploaded. The cost of the visa will depend on the length of stay.

UPON ARRIVAL

All person entering The Bahamas, at an approved Port of Entry, will receive a Rapid COVID-19 antigen test.
If arriving by air, an approved Port of Entry will be: Nassau, Freeport, Marsh Harbour, North Eleuthera, Georgetown (Exuma), Bimini (and Cat Cay) and San Andros (Andros).
If arriving by sea, an approved Port of Entry will be: Nassau (Atlantis, Bay Street Marina, Lyford Cay, and Albany); Grand Bahama (West End – Old Bahama Bay and Freeport – Lucaya); Abaco (Marsh Harbour Government Dock); Eleuthera (Spanish Wells Marina); Berry Islands (Chubb Cay Club); Bimini (Big Game Club and Cat Cay Club); Exuma (Georgetown Government Dock).
American Airlines has indicated that, beginning in late October, it will provide each passenger travelling to The Bahamas from Miami with a Rapid COVID-19 antigen test before boarding the plane. These passengers, along with those of any other airlines wishing to provide a similar service, will not be required to complete the Rapid Test upon arrival in The Bahamas.

AFTER ARRIVAL

All person who entered The Bahamas and who are staying longer than four nights and five days, will be required to take a second Rapid COVID-19 antigen test. All visitors departing on Day Five will not be required to obtain this test.
The cost of rapid tests on and after arrival will be included in the cost of the visa. They are easy, quick and will yield results in 20 minutes or less, with results being provided electronically. Many hotels will provide information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests. All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft and all other visitors will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.

ON ISLAND

All islands in The Bahamas require the wearing of masks and appropriate social distancing in public areas.