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The government has changed the Bahamas travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2
The U.S. State Department updated the Travel Advisory page for The Bahamas on March 28 and lowered the travel advisory level from “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” to “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution”. It is now safer to visit The Bahamas!
According to the recent information shared by the State Department, American travelers visiting The Bahamas should remain vigilant due to COVID-19 and Crime.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also updated the risk status recently for this destination to “Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19 in the Bahamas”. It states that travelers still risk getting and spreading the virus, but possibilities have been reduced, especially for vaccinated travelers.
Regarding crime, the U.S. State Department reports that the majority of crimes take place in New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands, and violent crime — like burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault— is more frequent in non-tourist areas.
Tourists must avoid remote locations. The State Department also warns travelers to stay alert when practicing recreational watercraft activities, some companies don’t have certifications, watercraft aren’t often maintained and jet-ski operators have committed sexual assault on tourists.
Those interested in visiting The Bahamas, must stay up to date with covid restrictions and carefully read the government travel recommendations.
Now that The Bahamas’ Travel Advisory has been lowered and the tropical archipelago has eased entry requirements, more travelers will be eager to visit this spectacular destination.
What You Should Know Before You Visit The Bahamas
A few weeks ago, the government of The Bahamas facilitated travel entry for foreign tourists. A PCR test is no longer required for vaccinated visitors and travelers can show a negative Rapid Antigen Test result, it must be taken 72 hours prior to arrival.
Before visiting The Bahamas, visitors must apply for a Travel Health Visa. Travelers need to create an online profile on the government’s website and include personal information (including health questions), details about the trip, the negative test, and vaccination dates. Since the beginning of the year, 94,000 Health Visa applications have been requested.
Vaccinated North Americans over 12 years old, must pay $40 for the Travel Health Visa, other international vaccinated visitors have to pay $50. For non-vaccinated travelers, the visa costs $60 for Americans and $70 for other nationalities. The visa includes local health insurance and all travelers must apply before entering the archipelago.
On the Bahamas Travel website, tourists must read and understand the most recent measures which might change depending on age, location, and vaccination status. After getting the visa approved, travelers can enter and will not have to quarantine and can visit all of the 700 islands.
Regarding safety measures once in the Bahamas, the US government recommends those visiting New Providence —especially in the “Over the Hill” area— and Grand Bahama to exercise caution. In the hotels, the State Department alerts tourists not to answer the door unless it is someone known.
Tourism to the Bahamas
Even though the travel visa might seem uneasy, once approved, travelers can enjoy this paradisiacal destination bearing into consideration the US Government Travel advisory and the CDC recommendations.
The CDC has also lowered travel warning level for cruises, so visiting The Bahamas on a cruise is also a great way to discover all the magical places in this archipelago.
Visitors can now visit the top beaches in the Bahamas, like Pig Beach in Big Major Cay and take unique photos and swim with local pigs in crystal clear water, or be amazed by the beauty of Cabbage Beach in Paradise Island and enjoy the white sand and stunning water. Tourists can also take tours, visit the themed park Aquaventure or explore natural waterfalls and less touristy landscapes on the islands
Read More:
Bahamas and Barbados Ease Entry Requirements
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022
Royal Caribbean Will Launch The World’s Largest Cruise Ship In March
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