Bahamas: Authorities tighten curfew hours for various islands as of Aug. 25; international entry restrictions remain in force /update 40

Event

As of Aug. 25, authorities have tightened curfews for mainland Abaco and its cays as well as mainland Exuma; curfew hours now run 20:00-05:00 in those localities as well as in North, Central, and South Andros. Most other restrictions remain unchanged since early August. Other COVID-19-related domestic measures and international entry restrictions are 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, social gatherings are limited to five people, and attendees must be fully vaccinated.

As part of tightened localized restrictions, nightly curfews are in effect 21:00-05:00 for New Providence and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, and Bimini. A 20:00-05:00 curfew is in place for mainland Abaco and the Abaco Cays; mainland Exuma; and North, Central, and South Andros, while a curfew running 22:00-05:00 is in force for 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 are permitted 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.

Domestic Travel
Individuals must have a valid Travel Health Visa for all interisland travel. Persons must also present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test for inter-island 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:

• Travelers aged 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.

• 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 of their stay.

• 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