Bahamas Now Allows Vaccinated Travelers Skip Testing

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Last Updated 3 years ago

Starting May 1, 2021 The Bahamas will make exceptions to allow fully vaccinated passengers to skip PCR testing and enter the country more easily.

The Bahamian government is requiring vaccinated passengers to bring proof they’ve been inoculated and at least 2 weeks have passed since they’ve received their last shot. With proof of vaccination, no pre-flight PCR testing is required.

Those that are not vaccinated or who want to opt out of vaccinations altogether will still be permitted to enter under current rules, which includes pre-flight PCR testing.

The Bahamas is likely amending their entry requirements to allow easier transit for eager cruising passengers entering Bahamas to board the first cruise ships since the start of the pandemic. Royal Caribbean is scheduled to begin 7-night sailings from Nassau, Bahamas on their Adventure of the Seas ship, starting June 5, 2021. Since Royal Caribbean is requiring all guests to be vaccinated to board, the new rules for entering the Bahamas lines up in tandem with cruise requirements.

Entry Rules For Vaccinated Travelers for the Bahamas

• Obtain a ‘Bahamas Travel Health Visa’ QR code before boarding fight
• Bring proof of being fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to boarding the flight

Entry Rules For Un-Vaccinated Travelers

• Perform a PCR test no longer than 5 days before arrival
• Obtain a ‘Bahamas Travel Health Visa’ QR code and upload negative results from test
• Travelers staying in the Bahamas for longer than 5 days will need to take a Rapid Antigen test on day 4/5.
• Children under 11 are exempt from the above testing rules

The Bahamas joins many other Caribbean and Central American nations who’ve already made exceptions for vaccinated travelers.

Anguilla, Barbados and Bermuda all make partial exceptions for inoculated travelers, like less testing or shorter quarantine measures.  Belize, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala and Panama are all allowing vaccinated passengers to fully skip all testing/quarantines, similar to the new policy in the Bahamas.

25+ nations worldwide have now made visiting much easier for vaccinated tourists, with more countries being added daily as vaccination programs continue to roll out.

Cruise Ports Moving South

Since the CDC conditional sail order is not expiring until November 2021, many cruise lines are looking to reposition their home ports out of the US and into more flexible places throughout the Caribbean. In addition to Royal Caribbean and Crystal Cruises eyeing up sailings out of the Bahamas, Celebrity will return this June out of St.Maarten and NCL is hoping to sail directly out of Jamaica.

Restrictions While in the Bahamas

The Bahamas first reopened July 1, 2020, but since has gone through many changes when it comes to entry requirements and restrictions while on the islands.

If vaccinated travelers are considering visiting the Bahamas, either for a vacation or to catch a cruise, there are still few things to know. While the islands are not experiencing high levels of cases, especially compared to the USA, Canada or Mexico, there are still some restrictions and rules in place for visitors.

Curfews – Many islands still have curfews in place from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am

Beaches – Curfews apply to most beaches as well, from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am. Face masks are not required on the beach.

Restaurants – Most restaurants have resumed both indoor and outdoor dining. Depending on current case levels, it’s possible some will revert to outdoor dining and/or take away only, but it’s on a variable scale.

Read More:

• Travel insurance that covers covid-19 and cruising during the pandemic
• Countries fully open for vaccinated tourists
• A-Z list of countries allowing tourists in 2021
• Countries with no testing/quarantines/vaccine requirements

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