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Bahamas Tourism Minister National Address on Recovery and Reopening

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In a national address today, Monday, September 7, Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar announced additional details of the forward-looking recovery and reopening plan for The Islands of The Bahamas. D’Aguilar reiterated the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to revitalizing the country’s tourism industry while emphasizing that the health and well-being of citizens, residents and visitors of The Bahamas remain paramount.

Beginning October 15, The Bahamas will enter Phase 3 of the Tourism Readiness & Recovery Plan ahead of the busy holiday season, which will include the reopening of beaches and major hotels.  

Since 1950, tourism has played an integral role in The Bahamas’ economy, accounting for more than 50% of the country’s GDP and 60% of national employment. The COVID-19 Pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on global tourism and The Bahamas’ economy has felt the impact, particularly following 2019’s record-breaking tourism numbers, where the country welcomed 7.2 million visitors. The country’s in-depth Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan outlines a strategic, phased reopening strategy to ensure a comfort level that The Bahamas is a safe and healthy destination for both visitors and residents to enjoy.

PHASED REOPENING

As part of Phase 3, beaches and major hotels will reopen on all islands. Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar announced that all hotel guests must abide by a 14-day Vacation-In-Place (VIP), which will allow guests access to all amenities, including hotel spas, gyms, bars and more. Additionally, Phase 3 will also see the reopening of attractions, excursions and tours on November 1.

Ahead of the reopening, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is working with airline partners to secure direct airlift from key markets where the curve has been flattened. Additionally, the Ministry’s communication team is prepared to commence an agile marketing campaign, complete with authentic storytelling and aggressive PR and sales strategies, leaning into current travel trends, such as the preference for vacations closer to home, as well as options that afford seclusion and outdoor pursuits.

Following the safe move into Phase 3, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation along with the Ministry of Health and other government agencies will recommend an appropriate date to enter Phase 4, which pertains to the reopening of vendors, select attractions, casinos, cruises and ferries.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The top priority of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation remains the health and safety of its citizens, residents and visitors. In an effort to curb the spread of the virus, the Ministry continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health to establish and evaluate protocols and timelines with respect to the RT-PCR testing in advance of travel.

Effective, September 1, 2020, the Bahamian government announced new entry requirements, including:

  • Approved Bahamas Health Visa available at gov.bs
  • Proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than five (5) days prior to arrival
    • The only applicants who are not required to provide a COVID-19 test are:
      • Children under the age of ten (10)
      • Pilots and crew who remain overnight in The Bahamas.
    • Mandatory 14-day Vacation-In-Place (VIP) Experience at a hotel, private club or rented accommodations (like Airbnb), as well as on a private boat.

It is recommended that all travelers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their party at Bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip, to determine what steps need to be taken to be granted entry. More details on the Minister’s address and the Tourism Readiness & Recovery Plan may also be found at Bahamas.com/travelupdates.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager, Global Communications, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, ajohnson@bahamas.com

The Bahamas Tells Travelers How to Prepare to Visit

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The Bahamas is pleased to be welcoming international travelers back to the beautiful island nation. Just a short flight or boat ride from the U.S., The Islands of The Bahamas are perfectly situated to spoil travelers with an unforgettable tropical escape that’s close to home. With 16 islands to choose from, there is something to appeal to all interests, no matter how social or distant travelers prefer to be. Visitors will find secluded stretches of beaches and turquoise waters, accommodations to satisfy every type of family, and outdoor adventures like boating, fishing and diving.

The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remains the number one priority, and even greater emphasis is being put on ensuring The Bahamas is a safe and clean destination for all to enjoy. When planning a visit, here are a few things travelers need to know before they go:

  • Negative COVID-19 Test Results Required: All incoming visitors must show proof of a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test, taken no more than ten (10) days prior to the date of travel. Upon arrival, any person presenting a test older than ten (10) days will not be allowed entry into The Bahamas. Children under the age of ten (10) do not need a test.
  • Electronic Health Visa Required: All travelers must complete an electronic Health Visa application form prior to departure at travel.gov.bs where they will upload their test results and provide contact information. Health Visa applications take up to 72 hours to process and should be completed with adequate lead time. An approved Health Visa will receive a green code, and proof of confirmation must be presented at check-in and upon arrival in their destination.
  • Face Mask Requirements: Travelers will be required to wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines such as navigating air and sea terminals, collecting luggage, the full duration of taxi rides and while waiting to be seated at dining establishments.

It is recommended that all travelers review requirements and Frequently Asked Questions at Bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking to determine what steps need to be taken to be granted entry. For all questions regarding the Health Visa application process, or to check on status of your application, contact healthvisa@bahamas.com.

More news about The Bahamas.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager, Global Communications, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick, Public Relations, Bahamas@webershandwick.com

Bahamas Tourism Issues Travel Requirements for Visitors

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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation has issued clear guidelines for those wishing to visit. Step by step, here are the procedures before departure, as well as while on island.

PRE-DEPARTURE & ARRIVAL

Prior to Departing for The Bahamas:

STEP 1:  Travelers are required to complete an electronic Health Visa at www.travel.gov.bs  Health Visa applications take up to 72 hours to process and should be completed with adequate lead time.

STEP 2:  Travelers must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test with a negative result. Test must be taken no more than 10 days prior to the date of travel. Test results must be uploaded in the Health Visa portal and presented upon arrival. Any person presenting a test older than 10 days will be not be allowed entry into The Bahamas. Children under 10 years of age are not required to take a test. No quarantine is required, and visitors must wear a face mask.

Check Your Health Visa Application Status:

Green means you have an Approved Health Visa, and must present confirmation on arrival.

Yellow means you have a Pending Health Visa, and your application requires additional review.

Red means you have been Denied a Health Visa, and entry will not be permitted.

DURING TRAVEL

While traveling to The Bahamas and once arrived, visitors must wear a face mask while entering and transiting in terminals, at security and customs screenings, at baggage claims, and during check-in and boarding. Travelers must hold and scan their own boarding passes or mobile devices, and passengers will be screened for temperature readings.

ON-ISLAND EXPERIENCE

Once on island, visitors must wear a face mask when traveling in a taxi, when standing in line at attractions, before being seated at a restaurant, and while checking into a hotel.

A mask is also required when entering and exiting beaches, but not while on the beach. Beach gatherings are restricted to 5 people or less, and social distancing is mandatory. A mask must also be worn before and after exercise and visible on the person during exercise.

Travelers must return to their accommodations and remain on the property between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am daily. Guests can move around the property during curfew hours.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROTOCOL

Travelers who do not complete a Health Visa or present a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test with a negative result will be denied entry. Also, travelers who show symptoms of COVID-19 may be transferred to an area away from others for further testing and evaluation, and quarantine may be required by health personnel.

A $200 fine, or a penalty of one month imprisonment, or both is to be enforced for visitors or residents found not wearing face masks in areas where it is required.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation urges tourists to always practice social distancing and proper handwashing procedures. To learn more, visit www.bahamas.com/travelupdates For questions or to check on the status of a Health Visa application, contact HealthVisa@Bahamas.com

More news about The Bahamas.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick, Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

Bahamas Ministry of Health updates Protocol for Incoming Visitors

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The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that travelers must complete a Bahamas HealthVisa application and present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test with a sample taken within ten(10) days of arrival.

Effective immediately, all travelers will be required to complete an electronic Bahamas HealthVisa application before departure from the place of embarkation. This can be found at travel.gov.bs. Travelers are required to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test and provide contact information.

The Government of The Bahamas will accept the negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test if thes ample was taken within (10) ten days of arrival. Tests over ten (10) days old will not be accepted. An automated response will be provided once the application is completed. The only persons approved to travel are those who have received a green color-coded response, as proof of approval.

This confirmation must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas. The Health Visa application process will take twenty-four to forty-eight (24-48) hours and should be completed with adequate lead time.

Failure to comply with the stated requirements will result in denied entry. It is recommended that all travelers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their traveling party at www.bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip. For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit www.bahamas.com/travelupdates. You may also contact the Ministry of Tourism COVID-19 travel hotline at (242) 502-0829 Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM, or via email at [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick, Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

#rebuildingtravel

Bahamas Tourism Readies to Open for Phase 2 of July 1 Reopening

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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is preparing for Phase 2 of the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, which will begin on Wednesday, July 1 and allow for the resumption of international travel to The Bahamas, with the exception of visitors from China, Iran, Italy and France.

Policies and Procedures for all travellers visiting The Bahamas beginning July 1 are as follows. Plans continue to evolve in response to COVID-19 trends, and so additional guidance will be communicated as details are available.

  • Due to the recent increase of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., and in an abundance of caution for the health and safety of both travellers and residents, all incoming visitors must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test upon arrival. Results must be no more than ten (10) days old.
    • Select individuals will be exempt from testing, which includes children under the age of two, private pilots who do not deplane, and Bahamian citizens, residents and homeowners returning from English speaking CARICOM countries.
  • All travellers will be required to complete an electronic Health Visa. Additional information is forthcoming.
  • No quarantine will be required upon arrival, however, travellers who show symptoms of COVID-19 may be transferred to an area away from other passengers for further testing and evaluation.
  • All inter-island travellers must complete an electronic Domestic Travel form at travel.gov.bs prior to departure and for any inter-island travel within The Bahamas. An automated response will be provided upon completion. All travellers must have their confirmation on hand upon arrival to their destination. This is a crucial step for contact tracing purposes.
  • At airports and seaports, healthcare personnel will conduct temperature screenings for all incoming visitors. Travellers will be required to wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as when entering and transiting air and sea terminals, while navigating security and customs screenings, and at baggage claim.

As part of Phase 2, hotels and vacation rentals, including Airbnb and HomeAway will open to guests. Domestic and International airlines are permitted to resume service, and many are beginning to announce plans for their return to The Bahamas:

  • Delta Airlines will be resuming its twice daily Atlanta to Nassau service July 2
  • United Airlines announced its daily Houston to Nassau service will resume July 6 and the Saturday-only Denver to Nassau service will resume July 11.
  • American Airlines will resume flights to Nassau and Exuma on July 7.
  • Air Canada is scheduled to resume flights from Toronto to Nassau on July 3, 2020

Additional airlift resumptions are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Travellers should check with airlines directly for details on recommencement of service and any protocols for travel.

This July 1 tourism re-entry builds on and supports existing government rules and regulations, which already allows for the resumption of travel for international boaters, yachters and those traveling on private aviation as well as inter-island domestic travel for Bahamian citizens and residents.

Once on island, travellers should expect to follow The Bahamas’ “Healthy Traveler Campaign” that encourages both visitors and residents to continue practicing social distancing measures, regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizers, and pack appropriate PPE such as face masks, just as they would their swimsuits and sunscreen.

A Certification Agency has been established – representing a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, and other regulatory agencies – to enforce a Clean & Pristine certification program across the islands. All tourism related, customer-facing entities in The Bahamas must verify they have in place and are adhering to the Government approved health and safety guidelines to receive Clean & Pristine certification. Adequate signage outlining policies will be clearly displayed at all locations helping to guide staff and visitors. Travellers are encouraged to visit direct business websites prior to booking or traveling to ensure they are aware and comfortable with the policies they will need to abide by. Additional details about on-island protocols can be found at www.bahamas.com/travelupdates.

Reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by The Bahamas government and health officials. Reopening dates are subject to change based on COVID-19 trends, if there is a deterioration in improvement or if government and health organizations deem these phases unsafe for residents or visitors.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation believes it is an absolute baseline requirement for consumers to have a comfort level that The Bahamas is a safe and healthy destination to visit, and the ultimate goal is for that to remain the case. For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit: www.bahamas.com/travelupdates.

All COVID-19 inquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Health. For questions or concerns, please call the COVID-19 hotline: 242-376-9350 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT) / 242-376-9387 (8 p.m. – 8 a.m. EDT).

More news about The Bahamas.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Statement on COVID-19

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  • No visitor shall be permitted to enter and disembark for any reason including transiting through The Bahamas.
  • All airports throughout the entire Bahamas, including private airports and fixed-base operations (FBOs), shall be closed to all flights.
  • All sea ports shall be closed to regional and international seafaring and private boating.
  • Air and sea restrictions do not apply to: cargo flights or cargo ships, commercial courier flights, emergency medical flights or emergency flights approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.
  • All international visitors currently in The Bahamas should be prepared to stay for an indefinite period of time.
  • No person shall offer for hire or seek to travel on any mail boat, sailing inter island, except for transport of freight; or inter island private commercial sea transport.
  • All residents will be placed on a 24-hour curfew and are to remain at home to avoid contact outside of their family, except for those who have been deemed essential workers, or have special permission from the Commissioner of Police.
  • Residents can leave their homes for essential travel to the doctor, grocery store, bank, pharmacy or to refuel; as well as for outside exercise, not exceeding an hour and a half per day between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., provided that the exercise is conducted in one’s yard or one’s immediate neighborhood and no person shall drive to any place to exercise.
  • Proper social distancing guidelines of at least six feet (6 ft.) must be followed at all times while outside the home.
  • All public beaches, markets and docks will be closed, and no vehicles are permitted on any public or private roads for any purpose other than stated above.

Full details of this order and the previous Emergency Order may be found at opmbahamas.com.

The Bahamas is conducting COVID-19 testing and has been actively employing several measures used globally to screen visitors and residents and to manage the response to individuals of concern, in line with international health best practices. Traveller health questionnaires and a screening protocol have been used at ports, hotels and rental properties to identify guests who may require surveillance or treatment. In addition, all Bahamian nationals and residents returning to The Bahamas through any point of entry from any of the restricted countries​ or an area where community infection and spread is present, have been quarantined or placed under self-isolation upon arrival and are expected to follow the protocols of the Ministry of Health.

A destination-wide education campaign continues to remind the public of the basic hygiene practices that can be used to prevent the spread of the virus including frequent, proper hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, frequent disinfection of surfaces and avoiding close contact with those exhibiting signs of respiratory illness.

All COVID-19 inquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Health. For questions, or concerns, please call the COVID-19 hotline: 242-376-9350 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT) / 242-376-9387 (8 p.m. – 8 a.m. EDT).

PRESS INQUIRIES

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation Official Statement on COVID 19

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The Bahamas Ministry of Health is working closely with all pertinent government agencies throughout the destination to execute the Bahamas National Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19.  At this time, there is one confirmed case of coronavirus in Nassau, The Bahamas. The patient is in isolated quarantine following the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Ministry of Health is currently conducting full contact analysis and more details will be shared as they become available.

The Ministry of Health is encouraging preventative measures and protocol to minimize the potential spread of the illness, and The Bahamas implemented new border control and quarantine measures for persons traveling from highly infected areas. Given the growing public health concern and to protect the health and well-being of the population of The Bahamas, effective Thursday, March 19, expanded travel restrictions will be introduced.

Foreign nationals and foreign individuals who have traveled within the last 20 days from the United Kingdom, Ireland and​ Europe will be prohibited entry into The Bahamas.​ This is in addition to restrictions already in place for China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea.​ This restricted travel list of countries will be continuously monitored and updated as necessary.​

The Bahamas is conducting COVID-19 testing and is actively employing several measures used globally to screen visitors and residents and to manage the response to individuals of concern, in line with international health best practices. Traveler health questionnaires and a screening protocol are used at ports, hotels and rental properties to identify guests who may require surveillance or treatment. In addition, all Bahamian nationals and residents returning to The Bahamas through any point of entry from any of the restricted countries​ or an area where community infection and spread is present will be quarantined or be placed under self-isolation upon arrival and are expected to follow the protocols of the Ministry of Health.

A destination-wide education campaign is underway to remind the public of the basic hygiene practices that can be used to prevent the spread of the virus including frequent, proper hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, frequent disinfection of surfaces and avoiding close contact with those exhibiting signs of respiratory illness.

All COVID-19 inquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Health. For questions, or concerns, please call the COVID-19 hotline: 242-376-9350 (8am – 8pm EDT) / 242-376-9387 (8pm – 8am EDT).

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick, Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com