The Bahamas is set to launch a new set of travel and testing protocols that would remove the country’s existing mandatory quarantine for visitors. 

Beginning Nov. 1, The Bahamas will remove the mandatory “vacation in place” requirements for all visitors, “enabling everyone to move about and explore the destination beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations,” the Ministry of Tourism said in a statement. 

The new protocols will require visitors, returning citizens and residents to obtain a negative result on an RT-PCR swab test no more than seven (7) days prior to their travel of The Bahamas. 

In addition, all travelers will take a rapid antigen test upon arrival in The Bahamas — and then again 96 hours after arrival in The Bahamas. (Children 10 and under will be exempt from the antigen test requirement). 

All travelers will have to obtain a Bahamas Health Travel Visa before their trip, with the cost of the visa dependent on the length of stay. 

The rapid test will take place at approved ports of entry. 

For those arriving by air, antigen tests will take place in Nassau, Freeport, Marsh Harbour, North Eleuthera, Georgetown, Bimini and San Andros. 

For those arriving by sea, approved ports of entry include Nassau (Atlantis, Bay Street Marina, Lyford Cay, Albany and Nassau Yacht Haven); Grand Bahama (West End – Old Bahama Bay and Freeport – Lucaya); Abaco (Marsh Harbour Government Dock); Eleuthera (Spanish Wells Marina); Berry Islands (Chubb Cay Club); Bimini (Big Game Club and Cat Cay Club); Exuma (Georgetown Government Dock).

The rapid tests yield results in 20 minutes or less. 

Many hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.  

All arrivals on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant site.

All other visitors, returning residents and citizens will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website, according to the Ministry. 

“The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case,” the Ministry of Tourism said in a statement. “The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority of our public health officials.  It is important to note, however, that due to fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.”

For more, visit The Bahamas.

— CJ