The Bahamas has entered a new phase of its tourism reopening — and the country’s mandatory vacation-in-place requirement has been waived.

The Bahama’s new travel protocols officially took effect this weekend: all travelers need to obtain a negative PCR test five days prior to arrival and apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa (you can find it here).

For travelers who stay five days or longer, a Rapid Antigen Test is required on Day 5 of their trip (that doesn’t apply for those departing on day 5).

All travelers have to wear masks and always social distance in public spaces during their stay.

Beginning Nov. 14, all visitors to The Bahamas will have to opt-in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Travel Health Visa. The insurance will cover travelers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.

The PCR testing requirement does not include children age 10 and under or pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas.

The cost of a Bahamas Travel Health Visa is free for children 10 and under, and starts at $40, rising to $60 for trips longer than four nights, according tourism officials.

“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 Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism said in a statement. “The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority of 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