The Government of The Bahamas has taken a phased approach to restarting air travel to, from and within The Bahamas. Policies and Procedures for all travellers visiting The Bahamas beginning July 1 are as follows. Plans continue to evolve in response to COVID-19 trends, and so additional guidance will be communicated as details are available.
Starting Wednesday, July 1, 2020:
- All incoming visitors must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test upon arrival. Those arriving in The Bahamas between July 1 and July 7 must present results no more than ten (10) days old. Those arriving in The Bahamas after July 7 must present results no more than seven (7) days old. Select individuals will not be required to provide a test:
- Children under the age of two (2)
- Children between the ages of 3-10, provided their state or county of residence does not administer tests for children under that age. Parent or guardian must provide proof of testing restriction upon arrival.
- Private pilots who do not deplane
- Bahamian citizens, residents and homeowners who are returning to The Bahamas from English speaking CARICOM countries
- Bahamian citizens and legal residents who are returning to The Bahamas from countries where they cannot obtain a COVID-19 RT-PCR (Swab) Test. Proof of their inability to receive a test must be presented upon arrival and the traveler will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Quarantine time may be reduced if the traveler opts to take a test at their expense and receives a negative result.
- Bahamian citizens and legal residents who have been out of The Bahamas for less than 72 hours; however they will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Quarantine time may be reduced if the traveler opts to take a COVID-19 RT-PCR (Swab) Test, at their expense, and receives a negative result.
- All travelers will be required to complete an electronic Health Visa prior to departure at gov.bs. Each traveler will need to upload their test results and provide contact information that is crucial for contact tracing purposes. An automated response will be provided upon completion, and it is essential that travelers present proof of confirmation upon arrival in their destination.
- No quarantine will be required upon 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 will take place for all incoming visitors.
- Bahamian government regulations require that all individuals wear a mask or face covering when in public – this includes at the airport, on a plane and in other modes of transportation like buses, taxis and private limousenes.
- We recommend that travellers arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their flight’s scheduled departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights in order to give themselves extra time to check in and go through security as well as to allow for a longer boarding process. The current recommended travel times may increase as more people begin to travel.
- Visit https://www.bahamas.com/tourism-reopening for more details on the reopening of The Bahamas to international visitors.
Q&A
- Do I need to wear a mask?
- Bahamian government regulations require that all individuals wear a mask or face covering when in public – this includes at the airport, on a plane and in other modes of transportation like buses, taxis and private cars.
- What if I don’t have my own mask? Are they available at the airport?
- We strongly encourage all travellers to bring their own mask to the airport. In the event that a traveller does not have a mask or if the mask breaks, masks will be available for purchase from airport vendors. The wearing of masks or face covering is mandatory and non-compliance can result in penalties and fines.
- Will my temperature be taken?
- Health officials reserve the right to conduct temperature checks on all travellers. Passengers who present symptoms of COVID-19 will be isolated in a separate area of the airport for further testing and evaluation.
- Will food and beverage operators be open?
- Most food and beverage vendors will be open. However, their menu offerings and service hours may be reduced. There will also be reduced seating in dining areas to allow for physical distancing.
- Can I bring hand sanitizer in my carry-on luggage?
- 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 your other liquids and gels.
- Do I need to arrive at the airport earlier than usual?
- We recommend that travellers arrive at the airport at least three hours early for international flights and two hours early for domestic flights in order to give themselves extra time to check in and go through security as well as to allow for a longer boarding process. The current recommended travel times may increase as more people begin to travel.
- I’m experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Can I still travel?
- Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (which include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches) must stay at home, self-isolate and contact their physician for appropriate care until they are better.
- I was experiencing some COVID-19 symptoms a few days ago, but they have since gone away. Can I still travel?
- It depends. Anyone who has experienced COVID-19 symptoms (which include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches) in the past 14 days should refrain from travelling unless they have since tested negative for COVID-19.
- I was in contact with someone in the last two weeks who tested positive for COVID-19. Can I still travel?
- It depends. Anyone who has been in contact with someone with a presumed or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days should refrain from travelling unless they have since tested negative for COVID-19.
- What changes should I expect aboard my flight?
- Please check with your airline for the latest onboard protocols prior to travelling.