The Bahamas is open for tourism. Vaccinated travelers can skip testing requirements from May 8. There is no mandatory quarantine but all unvaccinated visitors still need to bring a COVID-19.
Below you can find the most up to date policies and requirements for traveling to the Bahamas.
The Bahamas reopening – Latest Updates
June 16 – The Bahamas has lifted its lockdowns on Central and North Andros and Cat Island as of June 14
The “Enhanced Local Measures” that forced people on Central and North Andros and Cat Island to remain home at all times except for essential reasons were lifted on June 14.
This does not mean that the pandemic is over on these islands. The strict lockdown measures were replaced with curfews that will run from 18:00 to 05:00 on Central Andros and from 20:00 to 05:00 on Cat Island.
There is still an ongoing concern about the spread of the virus, but epidemiology data show that COVID-19 infections have decreased.
Over the last 3 weeks the country has seen an average of 27 new infections per day which is 23% of the highest peak reported so far.
Source: (The Bahamas Government)
May 8 – The Bahamas to lift COVID-19 testing for vaccinated visitors
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism decided to lift testing requirements for vaccinated travelers starting today.
Back in May, the country had reopened for international travelers who still needed to bring a negative COVID-19 test result. As of now, travelers who have been administered two doses of a Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson or AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 can now skip coronavirus testing.
Regardless of vaccination status, the Bahamas still requires visitors aged 18 and older to apply for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa and to opt-in to the country’s COVID-19 health insurance. Additionally, they need to observe a series of biosecurity protocols while on the island, according to the country’s official website.
Dec 18
Starting December 7 visitors to the Bahamas no longer need to quarantine if they wish to embark on inter-island travel. The quarantine has been replaced with proof of negative PCR test results.
However, some islands may be completely out of reach due to their COVID-19 figures. As of today Grand Bahama Island, Nassau & Paradise Island, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera have curfews and lockdown measures (meaning traveling in or out of these islands is restricted. Activities within the island are still allowed.)
What are the requirements to be allowed entry to the Bahamas?
- First thing you need to do is submit your Travel Health Visa Application (you will need to have at hand your negative PCR nasal swab COVID-19 test results)
- You will need to purchase the islands’ health insurance (USD 40-60 for both)
- Within 72 hours they will let you know if your application has been approved.
- Don’t forget to bring your application confirmation and the original PCR test results with you! Airport authorities will check them before boarding your plane and once again after landing in the Bahamas.
For further inquiries call the COVID-19 travel hotline +1 (242) 502 0829 or send a message to [email protected]
Do visitors need to provide their contact and personal information?
Yes. Through the Travel Health Visa Application.
Do travelers need to quarantine?
No, unless they show COVID-19 symptoms during airport or seaport health screenings. In which case they will be asked to quarantine until they can produce negative COVID-19 test results. These patients can self-isolate at
- Their own homes
- Rented accommodations (AirBnB)
- A hotel room with a private bathroom
- A private boat
- Government quarantine facilities (at their own cost)
Are beaches open to the public?
Yes. They are. However some of them have restrictions on the number of people (groups no bigger than 5 people) and the curfew (if any) set in place for that island.
Is health insurance needed?
Every traveler will be compelled to acquire a COVID-19 health insurance package at the moment of completing their Travel Health Visa Application.
Are sea ports open?
Yes, some of them are open but different conditions apply. See below
THE ABACOS
- Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina (Fuel Dock Only)
- Treasure Cay Resort and Marina (Fuel Dock Only)
ANDROS
- Congo Town
- Fresh Creek
- San Andros
BERRY ISLANDS
- Great Harbour Cay
- Chub Cay
BIMINI
- Alice Town
- Cat Cay
- South Bimini
- Ocean Cay
- Sea Crest Marina
- Bimini Blue Water Marina
CAT ISLAND
- Arthur’s Town
- Bennett’s Harbour
- Hawk’s Nest
- New Bight
- Smith’s Bay
ELEUTHERA ISLAND
- Governor’s Harbour
- Harbour Island/North Eleuthera
- Rock Sound
- Spanish Wells
THE EXUMAS
- Black Point
- Great Exuma & George Town
- Staniel Cay
LONG ISLAND
- Clarence Town
- Deadman’s Cay
- Salt Pond
- Simms
- Stella Maris
GRAND BAHAMA PORTS OF ENTRY
- East End Grand Bahama
- Freeport Harbour & Freeport City
- Port Lucaya & SOuth Freeport Intels
- West End Grand Bahama
SAN SALVADOR
- Riding Rock Resort and Marina
If travelers show symptoms of COVID-19 they will have to quarantine immediately until they can prove they are healthy through a COVID-19 test.
Do visitors need to wear a mask?
Yes. It is mandatory to wear a mask on indoor businesses and public places, as well as outdoors when social distancing is not possible. visitors could get fined up to US $200 for refusing to comply with this health measure.
Is it safe to visit the Bahamas now?
According to the CDC, the risk is high and traveling to the Bahamas is not recommended during COVID-19. (Source: CDC.gov – Bahamas Warning Level 3)
Recommended: Places to Visit During COVID-19 for US citizens
What is the current COVID-19 situation in the Bahamas?
As of June 16, the country has reported 12,225 cases and 239 deaths caused by the virus.
