Bahamas Criteria for IATA commencing 1 July 2020
As of 1 July 2020, the border of The Bahamas will be open to all travellers:
- Nationals and Legal Residents
- Visitors from all countries, who meet the entry requirements
- Commercial Airlines
- Private aviation – Planes and charters
- Cruise ships
- Private ships and charters
The requirement for a COVID-19 test is mandatory and it must not be older than ten (10) days.
All persons are required to do the RT PCR (molecular swab) test in advance with a negative/not detected result from a laboratory that is accredited or certified by CAP (College of American Pathologists), CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments), COLA Inc, JCI (Joint Commission International) or similar accrediting/certifying body for the jurisdiction.
All incoming visitors must present the COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test results upon application for the Bahamas Health Visa and upon arrival.
Select individuals will be exempt from testing, which includes children under the age of two, private pilots who do not deplane, and Bahamian citizens, residents and homeowners returning from English speaking CARICOM countries.
Children under 10 should not require a test provided such test is prohibited by the departing State's Policy and such policy should be confirmed in writing.
In addition, Bahamian citizens and Legal Residents who have been out of The -Bahamas for less than 72 hours will not require a COVID-19 RT-PRC Test to re-enter.
All travellers will be required to complete an electronic application to obtain a Bahamas Health Visa Card, which can be found at travel.gov.bs. An automated response will be provided upon completion. Travellers should also upload their COVID-19 test result at this same website. All travellers must have their confirmation on hand upon arrival at their destination. This is a crucial step for contact tracing purposes.
For most travelers, no quarantine will be required upon arrival; however, travellers who show symptoms of COVID-19 will be transferred to an area away from other passengers for further evaluation. Bahamian residents who arrive in country without the appropriate test results will be required to quarantine.
Travellers will be required to wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as when entering and transiting air and sea terminals, while navigating security and customs screenings, at baggage claim and in public spaces.
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