Location: The Bahamas
Event: April 27, 2020 Update
Emergency Powers Orders Extended until May 30, 2020
On April 27, the Prime Minister announced the extension of the Emergency Powers Orders until May 30. The Prime Minister’s full remarks are available here.
All airports and seaports of The Bahamas will remain closed to incoming international flights carrying visitors until May 30 (including private airports). Under these orders all domestic inter-island traffic by air or boat within The Bahamas also remains temporarily banned, unless vessels are departing The Bahamas directly in accordance with the Bahamian government’s general protocols for private craft.
The 24-hour curfew regulations will continue throughout the month of May, with full lockdowns taking place each weekend in May from 9:00 p.m. on Fridays through 5:00 a.m. on Mondays. During the lockdown periods, virtually all businesses and service providers will be closed. Hospitals, hotels with guests, law enforcement and essential utility personnel are excepted from these around the clock shutdown restrictions. We urge all U.S. citizens still in The Bahamas and its territorial waters to shelter in place or stay in your home and yard, on your vessel, or in your hotel/lodging during these lockdown periods, until the regular 24-hour curfew regulations resume at 5:00 a.m. on the following Monday.
Scheduled Commercial Airline Flights to the United States as of 1400 EDT April 27
International scheduled commercial flights and private charter flight options, while limited, currently still exist in The Bahamas. U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make commercial arrangements as soon as possible unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.
JetBlue plans to operate flights from Nassau to Fort Lauderdale on Thursdays during the month of May. Please contact the airline directly to reserve seats or for more information.
Private Charter Flights to the United States
Some private charter companies have confirmed their ability to provide flights into the United States directly from The Bahamas. We encourage you to contact charter companies directly with questions regarding availability and cost.
Air Care 1: aircareone.com, +1-502-242-7760
All Bahamas Courier Services: +1-242-727-4165
Aztec Airways: +1-954-351-9313
Bahamas Charter Flights: +1-954-359-0320
Island Air Charters: +1-954-359-9942
Island Wings – USA: +1-954-617-8804
Makers Air – FXE: +1-954-771-0330
Noble Air Charter: +1-305-685-9634
Silver Airways charter flights: +1-801-401-9103
Trans Island Airways: sales@tia.aero
Treasure Air Charters: 1-305-741-0489
Tropic Air Charters – FXE: +1-954-267-0707
Tropic Ocean Airways – FLL: +1-954-210-5569
Tropix Air/Island Wings Ltd.: +1-242-424-4260
This list is not an endorsement. Additional operators not listed above may be available.
Departure of Private Vessels from The Bahamas
On April 14, 2020, the Bahamian government established general protocols for private watercraft in The Bahamas. Please read the full text at https://bs.usembassy.gov/covid-19-private-vessels.
The private Association of Bahamas Marinas has created The Bahamas Safe Passage Home and
Sea Quarantine as an orderly way to help vessels either remain moored or leave Bahamian waters. The program exists within the existing guidelines of the Bahamian government’s emergency powers orders and service will NOT be offered on days where a total shutdown has been ordered. There are now strategically placed participating marinas through the country available and open to accept vessels if arrangements are made prior to arrival. Details about the program and participating marinas can be found here:
This is not an endorsement. Additional operators not listed above may be available.
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.
- 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 the most up-to-date information on travel restrictions to the United States.
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 Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.