NASSAU — After reopening its tourism sector on July 1, The Bahamas has made the “difficult decision” to close borders to U.S. passengers due to the continued increase in COVID-19 cases in the United States.

Effective July 22 at midnight, The Bahamas, which according to Prime Minister Hubert Minnis is also experiencing an uptick in cases, will close its borders to international commercial flights and commercial vessels carrying passengers from the U.S. In addition, Bahamasair will cease outgoing flights to the United States, effective immediately.

Outgoing flights will be permitted to accommodate any current visitors scheduled to return to the U.S. after July 22.

Private flights and charters from the United States, as well as pleasure craft and yachts will be permitted. Travellers from Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union are exempt from the emergency order.

All visitors are required to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test from a referenced lab, taken no more than 10 days prior to the date of travel.

Since opening borders to international travel on July 1, The Bahamas has experienced a deterioration in conditions relative to COVID-19. The destination is now reviewing its restrictions that have been put in place to protect the health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors.