26 Oct 2021 | 05:47 PM UTC
Bahamas: Authorities maintain several COVID-19-related restrictions as of Oct. 26; international entry restrictions remain in force /update 43
Bahamas maintains COVID-19-related curfews for multiple islands as of Oct. 26; travel restrictions have been slightly eased.
Event
As of Oct. 26, authorities in the Bahamas have updated their COVID-19-related travel restrictions, easing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers, and for those traveling within the islands. Some domestic restrictions also persist.
International Travel Requirements
All travelers are required to apply for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa. The visa takes 48 hours to process and must be completed ahead of travel. To access the application, click here.
All international travelers are required to purchase health insurance that covers them during their trip.
Fully vaccinated travelers aged 12 years and older (with Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, or AstraZeneca vaccines) are required to have proof of vaccination, and proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test, taken within five days prior to their arrival to the Bahamas. Unvaccinated travelers aged 12 years and older must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within five days prior to their arrival.
Children between 2 and 11 years old must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within five days prior to their arrival to the Bahamas. Children under two years old do not have a pre-travel test requirement.
Unvaccinated travelers who stay for five or more days in the Bahamas must take a rapid antigen test on day five of their stay. They must also fill out a brief daily health questionnaire during their trip.
Domestic Travel
Fully vaccinated individuals traveling within any island of the Bahamas must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within five days prior to their trip. Unvaccinated individuals traveling from New Providence, Paradise Island, or Grand Bahama to another island in the Bahamas must have proof of a negative PCR test (antigen tests are not accepted) taken within five days prior to their trip. The Travel Health Visa is no longer required for travel within the Bahamas.
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.
A nightly curfew remains in effect between 23:59-05:00 for the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, and Exuma. 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.
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
