The Bahamas announces Phase 1 Opening for Boaters, Yachters and Private Aviation – June 15 – 30, 2020
The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism announced a “soft opening” of its international borders starting June 15, with the following requirements. The Phase 1 plans and requirements may be subject to change depending on evolving circumstances. Those entering under Phase 1 should be aware that Emergency Powers Orders are still in effect, to include a 9 pm to 5 am daily curfew, as well as restrictions on other activities. All public beaches and parks in Bimini, Grand Bahama, New Providence, and Paradise Island remain closed. You are encouraged to make flexible travel plans, and to regularly monitor http://bahamas.com/tourism-reopening, the U.S. Embassy Facebook page and website, and your travel vendors (air carriers, hotels, and attractions) before your anticipated travel.
International visitors may enter The Bahamas during this period via boat, yacht or private aircraft. Boaters must inform the marina at least 48 hours in advance of the vessel’s arrival.
Each traveler – both domestic and international – must submit a Travel Health Application form online at travel.gov.bs. Users will receive an automated response.
A COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test no more than ten days old must be presented upon arrival, for each traveler over the age of two. (Private pilots who do not deplane are not required to present test results.)
Failure to comply with the COVID-19 test requirements and Travel Health Card Application form submission will result in the denial of entry.
After June 15, no quarantine is required after entering The Bahamas via boat, yacht, or private aviation All incoming passengers will be subject to temperature screenings by health professionals. Travelers who show symptoms of COVID-19 may be transferred to an on-site quarantine area away from other passengers for further testing and evaluation.
During this period, commercial airlines are allowed to bring in Bahamian citizens, legal residents and homeowners qualifying for economic permanent residency, or the immediate family members or significant others of any of these groups. Visitors that do not fall in to one of these categories continue to be barred from entering The Bahamas via commercial flight during the Phase 1 period.
Visitors must practice physical distancing measures (3 to 6 feet), wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks when appropriate, and practice regular hand washing.
Air and sea travel: Face masks are required.
Do not travel when you feel ill.
More detailed information and guidance on travel requirements and safety precautions being implemented by The Bahamas are available at http://bahamas.com/tourism-reopening.
A broader re-opening of the international borders (Phase 2) is targeted for July 1. When the details of the plan are announced through an update to The Bahamas’ Emergency Powers Orders, the Embassy will provide an updated alert.
Actions to Take:
Follow the instructions and regulations coming from the Bahamian government; please consult https://covid19.gov.bs and https://opm.gov.bs/ for the latest information on COVID-19 from the Government of The Bahamas.
Check http://bahamas.com/tourism-reopening regularly for updates on travel requirements to The Bahamas.
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information and recommendations for travelers and high-risk populations.
See the CDC’s latest recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Visit the U.S. Embassy COVID-19 Information Page for information on conditions in The Bahamas.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website for up-to-date information on travel restrictions to the United States.
