The Bahamas Is Open
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The Bahamas reopened to tourism last year and is currently one of the most accessible international destinations for Americans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The picturesque islands, renowned for their stellar white-sand beaches and unparalleled nature and adventure opportunities, are ideal for travelers of all types, including families, couples, groups and even solo travelers. However, visiting the Bahamas will be different in 2021. Here are some important things travelers should know before they go.
US State Department and CDC Advice
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As of April 20, 2021, the U.S. State Department advises Americans to avoid travel to the Bahamas due to COVID-19 and also encourages travelers to exercise caution in some areas of the country due to crime. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the destination due to COVID-19, advising Americans to avoid all travel to the Bahamas. If they must travel, the CDC urges Americans to get fully vaccinated in advance, wear a mask, wash their hands often, maintain distance from people outside of their travel group and monitor their health for signs of illness. Visitors should also get tested 3-5 days after their trip.
Travel Requirements
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Fully vaccinated travelers visiting the Bahamas will be exempt from testing requirements for entry and inter-island travel beginning May 1, 2021. Unvaccinated travelers visiting the Bahamas will need to secure a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (nasal swab) test taken no more than five days prior to their arrival date. With proof of vaccination or a negative test in hand, travelers must apply for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs and opt-in to the COVID-19 health insurance, the cost of which is included in the travel health visa application fee. Children age 10 and under as well as pilots and commercial airline crew members who remain overnight are not required to take a COVID-19 test.
Travelers should keep in mind that the Bahamas Travel Health Visa application takes up to 48 hours to process. Unvaccinated visitors staying in the Bahamas for longer than four nights and five days are also required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test on day five. The cost of the rapid antigen test is included with the Bahamas Travel Health Visa and paid in advance of travel. Meanwhile, those staying less than four nights and five days can expect to pay $25 for a rapid test, which yields results provided electronically by SMS text message and email in 60 minutes or less. As of January 26, 2021, the CDC requires that all U.S.-bound air travelers age two and older obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result taken within 72 hours of their departure date. Resorts such as Atlantis Paradise Island are offering complimentary on-site testing to make the process affordable and convenient for guests ahead of their return trip home.
Enhanced Health and Safety Protocols
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The Bahamas has implemented the Clean & Pristine certification program across the islands' hotels, restaurants and other consumer-facing tourism entities to mitigate risks for visitors. Enhanced cleaning, capacity limits, employee health monitoring and temperature checkpoints are just a few of the ways the islands are ensuring the safest experience possible. Travelers will need to do their part as well by practicing social distancing measures, washing their hands regularly or using hand sanitizer and wearing face masks. Travelers who violate face mask requirements in the Bahamas could face a $250 fine or up to one month in jail or both.
Revamped Website
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The Bahamas recently revamped its website with additional features and tools to help users plan their ideal vacation. Travelers can use the website's new itinerary planner to view hotels, restaurants and attractions across the islands as well as the "Discover Your Next Adventure" and "Experiences" functions to help craft a personalized getaway.
Travel Deals
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Travelers to the Bahamas can take advantage of special offers and perks this winter, including exclusive savings with Sandals Resorts. The Royal English One Bedroom Walkout Butler Villa Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub at Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau is available from $535 per person per night and is eligible for up to $1,000 instant credit.
Talk to a Travel Advisor
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Traveling to the Bahamas in 2021 will be much easier with the help of a trusted travel advisor who can save you money, time and stress as well as keep you informed and up to date on the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions and requirements. A good travel advisor can not only address your concerns but take your preferences into consideration to help you craft your ideal getaway. Visit TravelSense.org to begin your search based on your ideal destination and the type of trip you have in mind.
