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LPIA COVID-19 Fact Sheet
1 July 2020

As The Bahamas reopens to travel and tourism, travellers should be prepared for a slightly different experience at Lynden Pindling International Airport given COVID-19. The safety protocols that individuals are expected to follow may differ from or be stricter than other airports around the world. Travellers are encouraged to inform themselves of these protocols before they travel. Protocols continue to evolve in response to COVID-19 trends, and so additional guidance will be communicated as details are available. The safety and wellbeing of passengers and employees is a top priority for us.


What to Do Before You Go

  •  Find out Health Visa and testing requirements before travel.
    • All incoming travelers will be required to complete an electronic Health Visa prior to arriving in The Bahamas at travel.gov.bs. For more information Click Here.
    • All incoming visitors, citizens and residents must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test upon arrival. Some exceptions apply.  For more information  Click Here.
  • Check in online (when possible). This will help limit your interaction with airport staff and fellow passengers.
  • Pack and wear a mask. Passengers are required to wear masks or a face covering in all areas inside and outside the airport. Bahamian government regulations require that all individuals wear a mask or face covering when in public and non-compliance can lead to penalties and fines.
    • Exceptions: You are dining at food and beverage locations.
    • You are a child under the age of two.
  • Arrive early. When flying out of LPIA, plan to arrive at least two hours ahead of time for domestic flights and three hours ahead of time for international flights. This will give you extra time to check in, go through security and allow for a longer boarding process. The current recommended travel times may increase as more people begin to travel.
  • Plan to meet up or say good-bye outside of the terminal. We are restricting access to the terminal to passengers only. Family and friends picking up or dropping off travellers will not be allowed to enter the airport.
    • Exceptions:  You are a friend or family member of a passenger requiring mobility assistance.  You are accompanying a minor who is travelling alone.
  • Visit https://www.bahamas.com/tourism-reopening for more details on the reopening of The Bahamas to international visitors. The page includes important information for visitors and the answers to frequently asked questions.

At the Airport

  • No quarantine will be required upon your arrival; however, travelers who show symptoms of COVID-19 may be transferred to an area away from other passengers for further testing and evaluation. Temperature screenings may take place for all incoming visitors.
  • Practise physical distancing. Leave 3-6 feet of space between you and others. Follow the spaced floor markers at check-in counters, security screening, customs hall, baggage carousels and other high-traffic areas.
  • Practise good hand hygiene.
    • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (if not available, use hand sanitizer).
    • Cough or sneeze into your elbow instead of your hand.
    • Discard used tissues immediately after blowing your nose and wash your hands.
  • Wear a mask. Passengers are required to wear masks or a face covering in all areas inside and outside the airport. Bahamian government regulations require that all individuals wear a mask or face covering when in public and non-compliance can lead to penalties and fines.
    • Exceptions:
      • You are dining at food and beverage locations.
      • You are a child under the age of two.

Airport Protocols

Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitization

  • Cleaning and sanitization efforts have been increased in all terminals with a particular focus on frequently touched areas such as handrails, counters, self-serve kiosks, x-ray equipment and bins, and baggage carousels.
  • Hand sanitizer stations have been strategically placed throughout the terminals.

Physical Distancing

  • Distance markers have been placed at check-in counters, security screening, customs hall, baggage carousels and other high-traffic areas to help passengers abide by physical distancing measures.
  • Seating in food court areas and hold rooms have been adjusted to encourage physical distancing.
  • When possible, luggage from multiple flights arriving at similar times will be transported to baggage carousels at separate ends of the arrivals hall in order to allow for the maximum separation of passengers.
  • When possible, flights will be scheduled to every other gate in order to provide more distance between passengers on different flights.

 Staff Interaction

  • Plexiglass partitions have been installed at check-in counters, boarding gates and other key areas where passengers interact with airport staff.
  • Masks will be worn by all staff members.
  • Gloves will be worn by certain staff members (depending on employer protocols).
  • Passengers will be asked to hold their own documents and scan their own boarding passes.

Passengers Only

  • Only passengers travelling on that day will be allowed to access the terminal.
  • Exceptions will be made for people assisting mobility-reduced passengers or minors travelling alone.

Health Checks (at the discretion of health professionals)

  • All passengers may have their temperatures taken.
  • Passengers who present symptoms of COVID-19 will be isolated in a separate area of the airport for further testing and evaluation.

New Carry-On Allowance

  • In accordance with TSA regulations, passengers can now bring one liquid hand sanitizer container of up to 354 mL (12 ounces) per person in their carry-on luggage. This item will be screened separately from their other liquids and gels.

New Immigration Procedures for Incoming Travellers

  • Inbound passengers to The Bahamas should expect immigration officials to:
    • inquire about their travel history
    • request and validate any necessary health visas and certificates
    • collect their contact information (for potential use in contact tracing)

Closed Water Fountains & Play Areas

  • Water fountains and child play areas will remain closed until further notice.

Leaving the Airport

 Ground Transportation

  • A range of ground transportation options are available at the airport including taxis, buses and limousines.
    • Masks must be worn at all times throughout the journey
    • Social distancing is required throughout the journey and passengers should not ride in the front seat
    • Vehicles should reduce the maximum number of passengers by 50%
  • Rental cars are available (AVIS, BUDGET, DOLLAR and HERTZ). Travellers are required to wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols when in the Rental Car Centre.

Curfew

  • During your stay there is a mandatory curfew from 10:00 P.M. each evening to 5:00 A.M. the following morning. Be sure you are at your hotel or local place of residence by 10:00 P.M. each evening.

Wear a mask

  • Wearing a mask or face covering is mandatory within the airport and in all public places throughout The Bahamas including hotels, restaurants, retail stores and other facilities.

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