The Islands Of The Bahamas are officially open for visitors
For Immediate Release
NASSAU, Bahamas, November 9, 2020 – Calling all island lovers: The Bahamas is open and welcoming visitors. With new, streamlined entry protocols put in place by the government of The Bahamas, travelers planning to embark on an adventure to the island nation can better and more seamlessly enjoy a Bahamas vacation experience, while ensuring that our islands remain a safe and healthy destination for all to enjoy.
Many hotels, resorts and local businesses throughout The Bahamas are operating and accommodating guests with enhanced cleaning and safety measures, including those on the Out Islands, ideal for travelers seeking a more socially-distanced, secluded vacation.
The destination also recently announced the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) initiative, which allows visitors to work and study remotely across the country's 16 islands for up to a year. The one-year residency permit is designed to allow professionals and students to work from paradise due to the shift from face-to-face to virtual as COVID-19 has brought unprecedented flexibility to the traditional work from home environment.
“While this year’s virtual World Travel Market may look and feel different, our goal remains the same: evoke the feeling of our tropical, hospitable and culturally vibrant vacation experiences that travelers across the globe have grown to love,” said Joy Jibrilu, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation. “As so many of us here understand, tourism is the lifeline of our economy and we are optimistic that with these strong measures in place, we will be able to continue to offer a Bahamian getaway in a safe way, while keeping the heartbeat of our nation alive.”
Effective November 1, 2020, The Bahamas requires all travelers, citizens and returning residents to:
· Obtain a COVID-19 RT-PCR test five (5) days prior to arrival.
· Apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at travel.gov.bs.
· Take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on Day 5 of the visit (unless departing on day 5)
· Always wear a mask and always social distance in public places.
In addition, beginning November 14, 2020, all visitors will be required to opt in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Travel Visa. The insurance will cover travelers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.
Notwithstanding any health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travelers abiding by these new protocols will be permitted to move about and explore the beauty and vibrant culture of The Bahamas beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations.
The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles, which means conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors. Travelers should check the status of their island destination before traveling by visiting our tourism reopening page, where they can also review entry requirements applicable to each member of their party before booking a trip.
The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case. The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority of public health officials. It is important to note, however, that due to the fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.
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ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
With over 700 islands and cays, and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.
PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager, Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
ajohnson@bahamas.com
Weber Shandwick, Public Relations
Bahamas@webershandwick.com
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