Last Updated
Update Nov 1:
Due to extremely frequent changes to entry requirements, this article will no longer be updated. Please refer to the Bahamas Covid-19 Entry Requirements Guide for all the latest updates
The Bahamas is officially reopening for tourism on July 1st, 2020.
They will be accepting tourists from all countries as long as they follow the pre-entry protocol we have outlined below.
Update July 26:
On July 26 the PM of the Bahamas, Hubert Minnis, held a press conference to update the surge of new cases since reopening borders July 1st.
Effective July 27, 2020, The Bahamas will require that all arriving travelers complete a 14 day quarantine at a state run facility, plus bring a negative PCR test no older than 5 days before arrival.
Beaches are also closing and curfews being reinstated, see the breaking story here
Follow-Up August 3:
The Bahamas have slightly relaxed their entry requirements from the announcement a few days ago. The 14-day quarantine can now be done in private accommodation. Full details below.
The Islands Of The Bahamas is reopening its borders and welcoming international tourists back to its shores on the 1st of July. The original plan set out by the Bahamian government stated, as long as travelers have not been exposed to the virus, nor showing any symptoms, they will be granted entry with no quarantine period. However, things have changed after weeks of being open, and cases surging because of it.
July 1st marked Phase 2 of their reopening, which has less restrictions and will provide travelers with more things open inside the country. This is the time when commercial and chartered flights will start bringing tourists back to the islands.
What Are The Rules For Visiting The Bahamas?
Important Update August 3:
All travelers regardless on where they are flying from will face the 14 day quarantine. Then visitors will undergo a PCR COVID-19 test at the end of their isolation period again at the cost of the traveler before they are able to begin their vacation.
Entry Requirements for the Bahamas
1– Travel Health Certificate: All passengers must apply for a Travel Health Certificate before traveling.
2– PCR Test: All travelers must take a PCR test and upload the negative results within 5 days prior of arrival.
Travelers from the USA: The PCR test must be taken ONLY at an accredited lab from the CDC.
Travelers from all other countries: Labs that have been accredited by the local medical health officials should be used.
3- 14-day Quarantine:
All visitors and returning residents are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival into The Bahamas. Quarantine can occur in one of the following:
- A private residence or rented accommodation (like AirBnB) where the person can quarantine in an unoccupied bedroom with its own connected bathroom.
- A hotel or private club where the person can quarantine in an unoccupied bedroom with its own connected bathroom.
- A private boat.
- If the traveler cannot quarantine in (a) or (b) or (c) above, they will be directed into a Government Mandated Quarantine Facility (Poinciania Inn on Bernard Road) at their own expense.
4- Contact Tracing App
Once Ministry of Health officials approve/verify the intended quarantine site, the HubbCat APP will be installed on their telephones for purposes of contact tracing to be performed exclusively by the COVID Enforcement Unit. (A visitor who refuses to quarantine and have the HubbCat APP installed on their telephones for the purposes of contact tracing will be deported and placed in mandatory quarantine in a government facility until such deportation.)
5- 2nd PCR Test
At the end of the 14-day quarantine period, the visitor will require another PCR test to be released from quarantine.
All entry requirements can be seen on their Government Entry Policy page
Have Flights Resumed To The Bahamas?
Yes! Many airlines have already resumed flights to the Bahamas and are adding more flights based on demand. Since the official reopening was just announced, more flights are expected to be added constantly. As of June 14th, here are some of the flights scheduled to Nassau from July 1st onwards:
Update: With news of the new 14 day quarantine flights are being cancelled daily so these flights may change without notice.
From Canada
- Montreal on Air Canada starting July 3rd
- Toronto on Air Canada starting July 3rd
From USA
- NYC on JetBlue starting July 3rd, United starting July 6th
- Charlotte on American starting July 7th
- Atlanta on Delta starting July 2nd
- Houston on United starting July 6th
- Orlando on Bahamas Air starting July 2nd
- Miami on Bahamas Air starting July 2nd
- Fort Lauderdale on Bahamas Air starting July 2nd
From International
Flights are also showing between the Bahamas and Cuba, Jamaica and Haiti in July.
What’s Open in the Bahamas
As of July 1st, many things will be open for tourists to enjoy in the Bahamas. However, some of these below services may have capacity limits, reduced hours, or different protocols than normal.
- Many hotels and resorts
- Vacation homes, Airbnb’s and Homeaway’s
- Public Transport like taxis, jitneys and buses
- Restaurants and cafes
- Shopping malls, boutiques and shops
- Excursions and tours
- Beaches and parks
It's official, Sunny Days Are Ahead, we are reopening on July 7th, 2020! #PositivelyParadise #OpenForBusiness
— AtlantisBahamas (@atlantisbahamas) June 12, 2020
Click here for all the amenities that will be available during phase one: https://t.co/M59zkm7v3h pic.twitter.com/5AfPTk1R5h
Atlantis, one of the most popular resorts in the Bahamas, is getting ready to welcome guests again on July 7th. They have implemented enhanced sanitary measures, social distanced pool chairs, rotating opening hours for water rides, and disinfection protocols for guest rooms.
“Our top priority has and will always be our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors” said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Director General Joy Jibrilu. “We are putting an even greater emphasis on making sure The Bahamas is safe and clean for everyone, and look forward to once again providing travelers with the tropical experience our islands are known for.”
Disclaimer: Bahama’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry before traveling.
See the complete list of countries reopening their borders to tourism
Sources: Bahamas.com / Bahamas Tourism Ministry / travel.gov.bs
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Karley
Wednesday 1st of July 2020
The Atlantis hotel will re-open it’s stays after July 30TH!
ATD Gaming (@AlbertBartlett)
Tuesday 30th of June 2020
1 small change was made on the 28JUN. The 10 day window for covid test has shrunk to 7 days for pax arriving July 7th or later.
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 30th of June 2020
Thanks so much for the tip- We will look into this and update!