Emergency Powers Orders – Travel Restrictions, Curfew and Lockdown Information
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 at least 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 1200 May 9
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. Passengers are required to wear face masks. Please contact the airline directly to reserve seats or for more information.
Shared Charter Flight Opportunities – Departing Nassau, Freeport, Exuma and Bimini
Bahamas Charter Flights is seeking to fill shared charter flights to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, as follows. For more information or to secure seats, please contact Diana Gonzales at +1-954-412-0218. Passengers are required to wear face masks.
· Nassau – Departure targeted for Monday, May 11.
· Freeport – Departure date to be determined based on demand and travel needs.
· Exuma – Departure date is targeted for May 14. Four (4) seats available.
· Bimini – Departure date to be determined based on demand. Six (6) seats available.
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
· IBC Airways: +1-954-848-2370
· 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.