Bahamas: Authorities to impose pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirement for fully vaccinated individuals as of Aug. 6 /update 39

Event

Effective Aug. 6, authorities in the Bahamas will require fully vaccinated individuals to present a negative result from either a COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than five days before the date of arrival in the country. Under current measures, arriving unvaccinated travelers ages 12 and older are required to present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival.

The same requirements based on vaccination status apply for all domestic interisland travel for departures from Nassau and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco, and North and South Eleuthera (including Harbour Island). Children below the age of 2 are exempt from the international arrival and domestic interisland testing requirements. A greater detailing of COVID-19-related domestic measures and international entry restrictions is as follows:

Enhanced National and Localized Measures
COVID-19-related restrictions vary between islands, with the exception of general restrictions that apply nationwide, such as wearing facemasks in public spaces and maintaining a social distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) between individuals not in the same household. On all islands, all social gatherings are also limited to five people, and all attendees must be fully vaccinated.

As part of tightened localized restrictions, nightly curfews are in effect 22:00-05:00 for New Providence, Grand Bahama, and North and South Eleuthera (including Harbour Island). Additionally, the maximum capacity for indoor dining in restaurants on New Providence and Grand Bahama, in particular, is set at 33 percent; customers must be fully vaccinated. Religious services may continue to occur on these islands, but are similarly capped at 33 percent of the venue's capacity. In addition, spa services are suspended, while wedding receptions are limited to 30 persons. Funeral/burial and cremation services on the four islands in question must be held outside and/or graveside, with a limit of 30 attendees.

Domestic Travel
In addition to having a valid Travel Health Visa for all interisland travel, individuals must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test for interisland travel originating from Nassau and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco, and North and South Eleuthera (including Harbour Island). Children under the age of 2 are exempt from this requirement. Exemptions also apply for international arrivals in Nassau and Paradise Island or in Grand Bahama that have spent less than 24 hours there before departing for another island.

International Travel
International travel is permitted with a valid Travel Health Visa. As part of the international arrivals process, the following protocols apply:

• As described above, from Aug. 6, those ages 12 and older must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test, as required based on vaccination status, taken no more than five days before the date of arrival and apply for a Travel Health Visa; children between the ages of 2 and 11 will also be required to upload a negative result from either a COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test when applying for the Travel Health Visa. These new testing requirements are waived for individuals with imminent travel to the Bahamas who have already applied for and received a Travel Health Visa before Aug. 6.

• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated and who are visiting the country for more than five days and four nights must take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test on day five.

• Proof of insurance covering COVID-19 treatment is required.

All measures are subject to amendment at short notice.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base
Government COVID-19 Protocols
Bahamas Travel Health Visa Application
Bahamas Tourism Information