Event: Update on re-opening of The Bahamas’ international borders
June 15 – 30, 2020 travel to The Bahamas – “Soft Opening” of International Borders
For Boaters, Yachters and Private Aviation only (Phase 1)
For the travel requirements and guidelines related to The Bahamas’ “soft opening” of its international borders from June 15 to June 30 only, please see https://bs.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-nassau-the-bahamas-33/.
July 1, 2020 (until further notice) travel to The Bahamas –
Reopening of International Borders to Commercial Airline Travel (Phase 2)
On June 24, the Bahamian government updated the Emergency Powers Orders. Some of the key updates are provided below. You are encouraged to read the Emergency Powers update here, the Prime Minister’s June 28 national address, 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.
As of July 1, 2020, the borders of The Bahamas will be open to all travelers, including visitors, via commercial airlines, private aviation, and vessels. Visitors should contact commercial airlines directly for flight information.
Each traveler must submit a Travel Health Visa Application form online at travel.gov.bs. Confirmation will be provided via email. Each traveler must have their confirmation on hand upon arrival at their destination. Travelers must also upload their negative COVID-19 test result (see the following paragraph) at this same website.
Each traveler* must also have a COVID-19 RT PCR (molecular swab) test in advance of travel with a negative result. All incoming visitors must upload the COVID-19 RT PCR test results when completing the Travel Health Visa Application prior to arrival. For visitors entering from July 1 through July 6, the test must have been taken no more than ten (10) days prior to the date of arrival. For visitors entering July 7 until further notice, the test results must not have been taken more than seven (7) days prior to arrival. *The following are exempt from the requirement to present a RT PCR (molecular swab) test with a negative result: Children under the age of two; private pilots who do not deplane; and Bahamian citizens and residents who have been outside of The Bahamas for fewer than 72 hours. Bahamian citizens and residents (only) that are unable to acquire a test abroad and can demonstrate its unavailability, may re-enter The Bahamas without a negative RT PCR (molecular swab) test but will be subject to home quarantine for 14 days or subject to testing upon return at their own expense.
No quarantine is required after entering The Bahamas. All incoming passengers will be subject to thermal temperature screenings. 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.
Visitors must practice physical distancing measures (3 to 6 feet), wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks when appropriate, and practice regular handwashing. Failure to wear a face mask is subject to a fine of $200 or imprisonment. Travelers 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. More detailed information and guidance on travel requirements and safety precautions being implemented by The Bahamas are available at http://bahamas.com/tourism-reopening.
All individuals must comply with the daily curfew, from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., 7 days per week. Everyone shall remain confined to their place of lodging or residence/yard during curfew.
Everyone must carry a government-issued ID card and produce it when required to do so by a peace officer.
Effective June 29, all public beaches throughout The Bahamas will be opened. Social distancing protocols must be adhered to. No groups larger than 5 people are permitted to congregate at beaches and parks.
Effective July 1, taxi service and public/private buses may resume operations provided they operate at 50% occupancy.
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.
For Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas
#42 Queen Street, Nassau / +1-242-322-1181
For U.S. Citizens in an Emergency:
Call State Department – Consular Affairs at
1 888-407-4747 (when dialing from within the U.S.)
+1 (202) 501-4444 (when dialing from overseas)
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.