Bahamas: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related restrictions as of Sept. 24; international entry restrictions remain in force /update 42

Event

As of Sept. 24, authorities are maintaining movement and travel restrictions to stem the spread of COVID-19. Officials have implemented a daily 23:59-05:00 curfew in the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, as well as Great and Little Exuma. Other restrictions continue.

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. Social gatherings remain limited to five people on all islands, and attendees must be fully vaccinated.

As part of tightened localized restrictions, nightly curfews are in effect 23:59-05:00 for several islands. Additionally, the maximum capacity for indoor dining in New Providence and Grand Bahama, in particular, is set at 33 percent; officials require customers to be fully vaccinated. Religious services are permitted on these islands but are capped at 33 percent of the venue's capacity. In addition, spa services remain suspended, while wedding receptions are limited to 30 persons.

Domestic Travel
Individuals must have a valid Travel Health Visa for all inter-island travel. Persons must also present a negative result from a COVID-19 antigen test for inter-island travel originating anywhere in the country except New Providence or Grand Bahama. For inter-island travel from New Providence or Grand Bahama, a PCR test is required of all travelers. An exemption remains for vaccinated travelers who may opt to be tested via an antigen test instead. Children under the age of 2 are exempt from this requirement.

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. Such arrivals must also apply for a Travel Health Visa. Children between the ages of 2 and 11 will 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 incoming cruise passengers aged 12 and older are required to provide proof of full vaccination, except in cases of valid medical exemptions.

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