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PRE-TRAVEL TESTING

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

• Yes, through Saturday, 18, June, 2022, , all unvaccinated persons ages twelve (12) and older must obtain a negative COVID--19 RT-PCR Test taken no more than three days (72 hours) 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.
  
  • Acceptable tests include NAAT, PCR, RNA, RT-PCR and TMA 
  • The day the test is taken is considered Day 0; for example, if a test was taken on Monday, travel must be completed by Thursday in order for the test to be valid for entry.
  • Through Saturday, 18 June, 2022, unvaccinated children between the ages of 2 and 11 may present either a negative Rapid Antigen Test or RT-PCR Test. 
    
    
  • Children under the age of two (2) are exempt from obtaining the COVID-19 test.
    
    
  • Pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas, are exempt from obtaining the COVID-19 test. 
    
    
• Effective 19 June 2022, all unvaccinated travellers ages 2 and older will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test — either a negative RT-PCR test or a Rapid Antigen test — taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to travel and present the negative test results before boarding their flight to The Bahamas.

Is this also true for domestic inter-island travellers?

• 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).

Can an unvaccinated Bahamian citizen or resident planning to travel abroad for three days or less take a COVID-19 RT-PCR test in The Bahamas prior to travel and present that negative test result upon return?

• If an unvaccinated Bahamian citizen or resident travels internationally, they must secure a test in the destination they visited before travelling back to The Bahamas. Any COVID-19 RT-PCR Test taken in The Bahamas prior to travel will not be valid for re-entry.
• Persons travelling internationally from The Bahamas and returning within a 24-hour period will not be required to undergo a new COVID-19 test to re-enter The Bahamas.

Where can I get a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test prior to travel?

• Contact your health care professional to obtain a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test.

I have recently recovered from COVID-19. Can I submit a letter of recovery in lieu of a negative test?

• Requests to enter The Bahamas with a letter of recovery will be evaluated by Bahamian health authorities.
• Unvaccinated persons who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may submit the following documentation to bthv@bahamas.gov.bs:  
• A copy of their positive RT-PCR test test taken within 10-90 days prior to their travel date.
• A clearance letter from a licensed physician confirming the person is no longer exhibiting symptoms, has completed the appropriate quarantine period, and is fit for travel.
• Clearance letter must be printed on the official letterhead of the healthcare provider and include physician signature and stamp if available. Handwritten letters are not acceptable.
• Submissions should include island destination and travel date, which must be a minimum of 11 days after testing positive.
• Documents will be reviewed, and a decision made within 24 hours of submission.
• If approved, a travel exemption letter will be provided via email with further instructions.

Can I use my COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test or COVID-19 Antibody Test to enter the Country?

• No, if unvaccinated, only a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (including PCR, NAA, NAAT, TMA or RNA) or rapid antigen test from a referenced lab will be considered a VALID test to be granted entry into The Bahamas.

I am vaccinated but my vaccine is not approved in The Bahamas. How can I be granted entry?

• Visitors who have received non-approved vaccines must follow the same protocols as unvaccinated travellers to be granted entry to The Bahamas.  The Bahamas Government (Ministry of Health) will only be accepting vaccinations by AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria/Covishield), Janseen (Johnson & Johnson), Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), Sinopharm, Covaxin, or Sinovac at this time.

BAHAMAS TRAVEL HEALTH VISA

Please Note: Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, 19 June 2022, travellers will no longer need to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa in order to enter the country.

Who needs to complete an electronic Bahamas Travel Health Visa application?

• Through Saturday, 18 June, 2022, all visitors – vaccinated and unvaccinated – arriving via commercial flights, as well as by private planes, private boats, yachts or pleasure crafts, are required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at gov.bs by selecting the International option and completing all required fields.

• All travellers eighteen (18) years of age and older are required to create an account/profile and then complete an individual Bahamas Travel Health Visa application.
• Persons seventeen (17) years and younger are to add a profile within the account of the parent or guardian and then complete an individual Bahamas Travel Health Visa application.

How do I apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa as an unvaccinated traveller?

• All visitors must apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs by selecting the International option and completing all required fields. 
• Effective 27 December 2021 unvaccinated visitors ages 12 and older entering the country must first obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR Test taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival, to be uploaded with their complete Bahamas Travel Health Visa application.
  • Travellers should upload ALL pages of the test results report, even if there are multiple pages. 
  • Please ensure your test results state clearly the following information:
    • Name of Applicant (must match the name used on the application form)
    • Confirmation of a negative result
    • Type of test – COVID-19 RT-PCR (not a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test nor a COVID-19 Antibody Test)
    • Date the test was administered (collection date), not to exceed three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival 
    • Name and address of the accredited lab where test was performed
      • For U.S. travellers, an accredited lab can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/clia/LabSearch.html
      • For travellers from other countries, labs that have been accredited by the local medical health officials should be used.
    • Each applicant eighteen (18) years of age or older will be required to complete their own Bahamas Travel Health Visa application and upload their individual negative test results.
    • Persons seventeen (17) years and younger are to add a profile within the account of the parent or guardian. Complete their own Bahamas Travel Health Visa. Please ensure each application is submitted with the corresponding test results.  
    • Effective 27 December 2021 children between the ages of 2 and 11, wishing to enter The Bahamas will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (either a Rapid Antigen Test or RT-PCR), taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.
      • Applications are required to be submitted by a parent/guardian
      • Proof of age must be uploaded (applicable passport page).
    • Children under the age of two (2), are exempt from any COVID-19 testing requirements.
    • Effective 19 June 2022, the Travel Health Visa requirement for visitors will be discontinued. Instead, unvaccinated visitors will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test at check in prior to departure.
• As part of the Bahamas Travel Health Visa application, travellers will be required to opt in to COVID-19 health insurance which covers them for 30 days in The Bahamas. The cost of insurance is included in the Bahamas Travel Health Visa application fee.

• Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications can take up to 24 hours to process and should be completed with adequate lead time.

Where should I apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa?

• Applicants should only apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa on  travel.gov.bs,  which is the official website developed by the Government of The Bahamas.
• Travellers should not use any third-party vendors claiming to have the ability to process Bahamas Travel Health Visa
  • No additional third-party vendors are authorized to issue Bahamas Travel Health Visas.
  • The Government of The Bahamas is not responsible for any misfortunes that occur from using a third-party vendor including denied entry into the country or the loss of application fees.

Is a Bahamas Travel Health Visa required for domestic inter-island travellers?

• Effective 1 October 2021 a Travel Health Visa is no longer required for inter-island travel within The Bahamas.

Is there a fee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa?

• Yes, there is a non-refundable fee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa for unvaccinated visitors, which will be dependent on length of stay.
• All Bahamas Travel Health Visas include standard administrative costs, such as the application fee for the Health Visa, as well as related IT and distribution costs.
• The price of an individual Bahamas Travel Health Visa also includes  COVID-19 insurance as well as a return COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test for countries that require a negative test prior to departure.  

Domestic Travel (within The Bahamas):

• Effective 1 October 2021 a Travel Health Visa is no longer required for inter-island travel within The Bahamas.

International Travel:

• RETURNING BAHAMIAN CITIZENS/RESIDENTS
  
  
• Effective 13 December 2021 the Travel Health Visa requirement for citizens and residents was discontinued. Instead, Bahamian citizens and residents are required to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR Test at check in prior to departure.
• Effective 27 December 2021 the COVID-19 RT-PCR Test must be taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. 
  
  
• U.S. & CANADIAN CITIZENS/RESIDENTS
  
  
• $60 (non-refundable) – unvaccinated visitors 
  
  
• TRAVELLERS FROM ALL OTHER INTERNATIONAL COUNTRIES

• $70 (non-refundable) – unvaccinated visitors

• Exemptions:
• Children eleven (11) years and under (COVID-19 insurance coverage included) are free.
• Pilot/crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas are exempt.

When will I receive a response about my Bahamas Travel Health Visa?

• Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications take up to 24 hours to process, so they should be completed with adequate lead time.
• Applicants will receive an automated response within 1 hour of submission indicating the application is being processed. Travellers should not apply again unless they do not receive the automated response within the hour.
• An approved Bahamas Travel Health Visa will receive an approved visa with QR Code, and proof of confirmation should be presented at check-in and upon arrival in the destination.
• If a Bahamas Travel Health Visa application is pending, visitor will receive a pending notification which means application is under review.
• If a Bahamas Travel Health Visa application is denied, visitor will receive a denied notification and will not be permitted entry to The Bahamas.
• Travellers should not submit more than one application per person travelling (per trip). Do NOT submit multiple applications. 
• For all questions regarding the Bahamas Travel Health Visa process, or to check on the status of your application, contact healthvisa@bahamas.com.

Why was my Bahamas Travel Health Visa application denied?

There are a number of reasons why Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications are not approved. Among the most common are:

COVID-19 Testing Reasons for Denial

1. Incorrect COVID-19 test provided.Only COVID-19 RT-PCR Tests are accepted. COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test or COVID-19 Antibody Tests are NOT (Please note: additional details on how to upload a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test result to your visa application are outlined in questions above).
2. Submitted COVID-19 RT-PCR Test has a positive result.Only negative results are accepted.
3. Incorrect name. The name of patient on the submitted COVID-19 RT-PCR Test result must match the name of the traveller submitting the application for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa.
4. Effective 27 December 2021, test results do not meet time criteria. COVID-19 RT-PCR Test must be administered (based on collection date of), within three days (72 hours) of the date of arrival. Any tests older than three days (72 hours) will be considered expired by the arrival date.
5. COVID-19 RT-PCR Test result has insufficient information.Test result must display: patient name, date sample was collected, type of test performed, test result, and name and full address of lab facility to be valid.
6. COVID-19 RT-PCR Test result is illegible. Please reapply and upload a clearer image.
7. Lab facility where COVID-19 RT-PCR Test was performed is not accredited.Only results from accredited labs are accepted. For U.S. travellers, an accredited lab can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/clia/LabSearch.html

Is a print version of my electronic Bahamas Travel Health Visa required?

• Yes, please ensure you print your Approved Bahamas Travel Health Visa issued electronically by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas Ministry of Health. 

What if I do not complete the electronic Bahamas Travel Health Visa application form?

• Travellers who fail to complete an electronic Bahamas Travel Health Visa application form will be denied entry to The Bahamas and are subject to fines and possible imprisonment.
  • Vaccinated travellers must provide valid proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test from an accredited lab. 
  • Unvaccinated travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR Test from an accredited lab.

How long are Bahamas Travel Health Visas valid for? Will visitors and residents be required to get a new Bahamas Travel Health Visa each time they travel?

• Effective 27 December 2021, Bahamas Travel Health Visas are valid for 3-days from the date of the COVID-19 test sample was collected for entry into The Bahamas.
• Bahamas Travel Health Visas are valid for a 30-day period in The Bahamas as it pertains to the COVID-19 Health insurance. Yes, visitors will be required to get a new Bahamas Travel Health Visa each time they travel.

 COVID-19 HEALTH INSURANCE

Does The Bahamas require separate COVID-19 Health Insurance?

• All visitors entering The Bahamas – vaccinated and unvaccinated – are required to opt into the Health Insurance coverage when applying for their Bahamas Travel Health Visa.
• The COVID-19 Health Insurance will cover visitors for up to thirty (30) days of their stay, in the event they become ill with COVID-19, while in The Bahamas.

What is included as part of the COVID-19 Health Insurance?

• Coverage includes:
• Medical expenses incurred on island due to COVID-19, up to $50,000 (USD)
• Trip interruption/delay for necessary quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19, up to $500 (USD) per day/$7,000 (USD) max
• Medical evacuation due to COVID-19, and subject to medical necessity, up to $50,000 (USD)

How much does the COVID-19 Health Insurance cost?

• The cost of the required COVID-19 Health Insurance is included in the Bahamas Health Visa and paid in advance of travel.

Do I need to quarantine upon arrival in The Bahamas?

• No, there are currently no quarantine requirements for those travelling with approved Bahamas Travel Health Visas.

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. 

What documents are required for travellers to bring to the approved testing sites?

• All travellers will have to bring their approved Travel Health Visa with QR code used to enter The Bahamas along with a Government-issued form of identification (Passport, Driver's License, etc.).

Am I required to complete a daily Health Questionnaire as a vaccinated traveller?

• No, fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from completing the daily Health Questionnaire.
• Any visitor who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival or at any time during their stay will be required to take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation.
• If a person tests positive, they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test. 
• If a person tests negative with the follow-up COVID-19 RT-PCR Test, they are permitted to continue with their vacation.
• If a person tests positive with the follow-up COVID-19 RT-PCR Test, they will be required to isolate for 5-14 days depending on the severity of the symptoms. Person must have a consultation with a Public Health Official to receive a release from isolation.

Do I need to quarantine upon arrival in The Bahamas?

• No, there are currently no quarantine requirements for those travelling with approved Bahamas Travel Health Visas.

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.  

Daily Health Questionnaire: All unvaccinated persons travelling into and throughout The Bahamas will be required to complete a short daily Health Questionnaire.

• The questionnaire must be completed upon arrival and each day thereafter for up to 14 days, or the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter.
• This includes the day of departure, if travelling less than 14 days.

Any visitor who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival or at any time during their stay will be required to take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation.

• If a person tests positive, they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test.
• If a person tests negative with the follow-up COVID-19 RT-PCR Test, they are permitted to continue with their vacation.
• If a person tests positive with the follow-up COVID-19 RT-PCR Test, they will be required to isolate for 7-14 days depending on the severity of the symptoms. Person must have a consultation with a Public Health Official to receive a release from isolation.

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).

What happens if I don’t complete the daily Health Questionnaire?

• Compliance with the daily Health Questionnaire is required for all unvaccinated travellers, and those who fail to comply will be subject to penalties.
• Unvaccinated visitors who fail to complete the daily Health Questionnaire will be deported. 

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. 

Restaurants, 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?

• All 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?

• Face masks are not mandatory on the beach but must be worn in all other public spaces that surround the beach and while entering and exiting the beach.
  • Social distancing is mandatory on the beach.

What if I don’t wear a face mask?

• 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).
• All visitors, staff and residents are required to practice social distancing and adhere to mandatory mask wearing in public places.

What does this mean for Taxis and Independent Cars?

• 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

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