As part of the Bahamas' continued efforts to provide a safe and healthy island experience for everyone, new testing requirements have been announced for persons applying for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa to enter the country or travel inter-island within the Bahamas.
Effective Friday, August 6, 2021, the following protocols will take effect:
- All fully vaccinated travelers, as well as children ages two through 11, will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (either a rapid antigen test or PCR test) taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival to the Bahamas (or date of travel within the country).
- Unvaccinated travelers ages 12 and older must still obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival (or date of inter-island travel).
- All children under the age of two are exempt from any testing requirements.
The regulation for traveling within the Bahamas includes Nassau and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island.
Guests on cruises that originate in and return to the Bahamas must still apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa and follow the new testing requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals:
- Vaccinated persons must provide a negative PCR test or rapid antigen test taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival to the Bahamas.
- Unvaccinated persons are required to obtain a negative PCR test taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.
- All travelers entering the Bahamas on cruises that originate in the U.S. will be subjected to the testing requirements mandated by the cruise line and approved by the Government of The Bahamas.
Note that cruise lines may have different requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated guests. Travelers should check with their cruise line for specific details pertaining to their cruise.
The new testing protocols are for all travelers applying for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa from Friday, August 6 and onward. Good to know: These protocols will be waived for any person with imminent travel who has already applied for and obtained a Bahamas Travel Health Visa.
For full details, visit www.bahamas.com/travelupdates.
What's New in the Bahamas in August
Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau
Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau Welcomes Vacationers – Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts hosted it downtown ribbon-cutting ceremony for the all-new 300-room Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, complete with 11 dining options and an on-site waterpark.
Frontier Airlines Adds Even More Non-Stop Flights to Nassau – Frontier Airlines announced new weekly routes to Nassau from Orlando International Airport beginning November 2, 2021. Reservations are now available.
Crystal Cruises Crystal Serenity Offers Third Round-Trip Option – Crystal Cruises now offers “Luxury Bahamas Escapes” voyages, with three ports of embarkation: Nassau on Saturdays, Bimini on Sundays and Miami on Mondays.
Palm Star Travel Announces Non-Stop Trips for East Coast Travelers – Palm Star Travel is scheduled to launch new non-stop services from major U.S. cities, including Jacksonville, Nashville and Raleigh beginning November 2021. Booking will be available later this summer.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Gives Back to Essential Workers – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line launched a "Hometown Heroes" initiative, giving essential workers free two-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing now through September 30, 2021.
Two Fly or Cruise Free from Nassau – Book a participating seven-night getaway now through April 2022 to the Out Islands and get two free roundtrip air or ferry tickets from Nassau. Booking window is open through August 31, 2021.
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