Coronavirus Travel Information

Summary of Travel Requirements

This is a summary, full details can be found further on this page. For all OFFICIAL most Up-To-Date Requirements please visit the Bahamas Gov Travel website. Changes are being made at such short notice that the information on this page maybe out of date already.

Each passenger must present printed copies at check-in of their:

1. COVID-19 Swab Test with negative result and 3 days validity for travel to or within the Bahamas. This is a requirement for ALL our Day Trips. There are exemptions for infants detailed further on this page. (Day=0 being the day you took the test, therefore the test is valid through to and including the 3rd day).
For Unvaccinated Travellers: RT-PCR Swab Test (RT-PCR: Reverse Transcription PCR).
For Fully* Vaccinated Travellers: COVID-19 Swab Test (Rapid Antigen Test or RT-PCR Test) AND Proof of Full Vaccination *have passed the two-week immunity period after their second dose vaccine or single-dose vaccine. Accepted vaccines by AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria/Covishield), Janseen (Johnson & Johnson), Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), Sinopharm, Covaxin or Sinovac.
Children aged 2-11 yrs can have either a RT-PCR or Antigen Test. Infants less than 2 yrs are exempt tests.

2. Only for Miami to Bahamas Day Trips or International Travel into the Bahamas:  a valid Bahamas International Health Visa.  Apply for an International Health Visa HERE. 
Each passenger, in addition to the above, to Re-enter the USA requires a valid viral test with: 1 Day Validity (there are no exemptions, except for infants less than 2 yrs age).

Updated Bahamas Travel Requirements for all our Day Trips

Latest Travel Information

This page sets out our most up-to-date policies and information regarding Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic and it’s affect on our tours.
If you are unsure of any of the travel requirements or policies, please contact us.

Updated 17 Jan 2022

• • • Nassau Day Trips operating as normal.
    • Miami Day Trips operating as normal.
    • Private Air Charter flights operating as normal.
    • Tests for the Bahamas must be taken within 3 Days effective 24th December 2021.
    • The requirement for a Domestic Health Visa for Nassau to Exuma Day Trips is now withdrawn.
    • All non-U.S. Citizen International Travelers arriving into the US must be Fully Vaccinated.
    • For re-entry to U.S, requires a COVID test taken within 1 day effective 6th December 2021.

Contents of this Page

• • • Do you have Children or Under 18’s in your group?
    • Domestic Travel Within Bahamas – Travel Requirements (Nassau to Exuma Day Trips)
    • International Travel to the Bahamas – Travel Requirements (Miami to Bahamas Day Trips)
    • Are you Fully* Vaccinated?
    • List of Valid Tests
    • Where can I get a RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription PCR) Test?
    • How do I complete a Bahamas Health Visa Application?
    • Suggested Process for Miami to Bahamas Day Trips
    • Useful Links
    • Bahamas Government Travel Restrictions

Do you have Children or Under 18’s in your group?

• • • Children aged between two (2) and eleven (11) years must obtain a COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), with a negative result, with three days validity.
    • Children (Infants) age under two (2) are exempt from the Virus Test requirements for Bahamas Travel. For US entry there are no exemptions.
    • Those persons seventeen (17) years and younger are to add a profile within the account of the parent or guardian for Bahamas Travel Health Visa application.
    • All travellers eighteen (18) years of age and older, are required to complete an individual Bahamas Travel Health Visa.

Domestic Travel Within Bahamas – Travel Requirements

For domestic travel within the Bahamas from Nassau, including the Nassau to Exuma Day Trip or Charter Flight:

1. COVID-19 Swab Test with a Negative Result with 3 days validity (Day=0 being the day you took the test, therefore the test is valid through to and including the 3rd day).
   For Unvaccinated Travellers: RT-PCR Swab Test (RT-PCR: Reverse Transcription PCR).
   For Fully* Vaccinated Travellers: COVID-19 Swab Test (Rapid Antigen Test or RT-PCR Test) AND Proof of Full Vaccination *(have passed the two-week immunity period after their second dose vaccine or single-dose vaccine. Accepted vaccines: by AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria/Covishield), Janseen (Johnson & Johnson), Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), Sinopharm, Covaxin or Sinovac.)
   Children aged 2-11 yrs can have either a RT-PCR or Antigen Test. Infants less than 2 yrs are exempt tests. See here for a list of testing sites.
2. You must PRINT OUT both your COVID Test Result and/or Proof of Vaccination, and bring paper copies to present at check-in.

NOTE: The Requirement for a Domestic Health Visa was withdrawn effective 1st October 2021.  Your COVID-19 test for international arrival may expire  before your domestic travel date (as they are only valid for 3 days), therefore you would need a second COVID-19 test with 3 days validity to cover the date of your day trip. COVID-19 RT-PCR tests in Nassau can be expensive, therefore if you can get another test in your country of departure for free or lower cost, it would be best advised to take an additional test to cover the validity of your domestic travel before departing on your vacation.

International Travel to the Bahamas and US Re-entry – Travel Requirements

For international travel entry into the Bahamas:

• 1. COVID-19 Swab Test with a Negative Result with 3 days validity (Day=0 being the day you took the test, therefore the test is valid through to and including the 3rd day).
     For Unvaccinated Travellers: RT-PCR Swab Test (RT-PCR: Reverse Transcription PCR).
     For Fully* Vaccinated Travellers: COVID-19 Swab Test (Rapid Antigen Test or RT-PCR Test) AND Proof of Full Vaccination *(have passed the two-week immunity period after their second dose vaccine or single-dose vaccine. Accepted vaccines: by AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria/Covishield), Janseen (Johnson & Johnson), Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), Sinopharm, Covaxin or Sinovac.
     Children aged 2-11 yrs can have either a RT-PCR or Antigen Test. Infants less than 2 yrs are exempt tests. 
     
  2. All Travellers must have received a Bahamas International Health Visa at travel.gov.bs . See here for Guidance on completing an application. All visitors will be required to opt-in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Travel Visa. For applications of those persons seventeen (17) years and younger are to add a profile within the account of the parent or guardian. If applied for during office hours the Visa is granted within a few hours.
  3. Effective 4 January 2022, all persons remaining in The Bahamas for longer than 48 hours will be required to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test, regardless of vaccination status, included in the price of the Health Visa.
  4. For Miami to Bahamas Day Trip, if your virus test does not have 3 days validity, you will require an additional test to re-enter the US, you should do this before departure OR you can pay for an Antigen Test at Staniel Cay for $50pp. We strongly recommend you get all testing in the US before departing for your day trip. Follow the suggested process guidance for Miami to Bahamas Day Trip below.
  5. You must PRINT OUT both your RT-PCR Test Result or Proof of Vaccination AND Health Visa, and bring paper copies to present at check-in.

For re-entry into the US:

• Effective 6th December 2021: All air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 1 day before their flight departs and to provide proof of the negative result. This means if the day you take the test is Day=0, the test is valid to travel on and including Day 1. Read more in CDC Order here.
• Infants less than 2 years age are exempt from testing.
• Are you a non-US International Traveler?
  All non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. immigrants must be fully vaccinated to travel to or re-enter the US. This new policy is effective 8th Nov 2021.
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html
  • You must be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States by plane if you are a non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa). Only limited exceptions apply.
  • You are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 when you travel to the United States by air. The timing of this test depends on your vaccination status and age.
  • Children under 18 years of age exempt the Vaccination requirement, but still require testing.
• FAQ: Why does the CDC Order specify 1 day rather than 24 hours? What is considered 1 day?
  The 1-day period is 1 day before the flight’s departure. The Order uses a 1-day time frame instead of 24 hours to provide more flexibility to the air passenger and aircraft operator. By using a 1-day window, test acceptability does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test sample was taken.
  For example, if your flight is at 1pm on a Friday, you could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Thursday.

Are you fully Vaccinated?

• • • Fully* Vaccinated persons *(after receiving both doses [see below]) and who have passed the two-week immunity period are still required to obtain a COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen or PCR).
    • A person is “*fully vaccinated” after they receive their second dose. According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated:
      • • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
        • When entering or travelling throughout The Bahamas, vaccinated travellers must be able to show valid proof of vaccination (such a government issued vaccine record card).
    • At this time The Bahamas Government will only be accepting vaccines by: AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria/Covishield), Janseen (Johnson & Johnson), Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), Sinopharm, Covaxin or Sinovac.
      
    • Travellers should upload a copy of their proof of vaccination (such a government issued vaccine record card).
    • You must still apply for the Bahamas Health Visa.
    • You must present a physical copy of your Proof of Vaccination at check-in, along with printed copy of your Bahamas Health Visa AND valid COVID-19 Test result.
    • There are NO exemptions for re-entry into the USA, testing is still required to re-enter USA as per CDC guidance.
    • Further details can be found on Bahamas Government Travel page announcement.

Valid Tests for Travel to or within the Bahamas for UNVACCINATED Travellers:

Valid Tests for Travel to or within the Bahamas for FULLY* VACCINATED Travellers:

Valid Tests for Travel to or re-entry in to USA:

Where can I get a RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription PCR) Test?

RT-PCR Tests in Bahamas and Nassau

If you are in the Bahamas you can find a full list of clinics and labs here.

For an RT-PCR Test in Nassau see our list below. (we do not explicitly recommend any specific clinics or take responsibility for the costs or turnaround times, it is each Customer’s responsibility to make an informed decision about a clinic for RT-PCR testing)
Pricing correct at time of publication (April 2021).

RT-PCR Tests in Florida & Miami

We do not explicitly recommend any specific clinics or take responsibility for the costs or turnaround times, it is each Customer’s responsibility to make an informed decision about a clinic for RT-PCR testing that ensures the correct specification of test and results made available in time for your travel.

If you are in the USA, anyone (irrespective of residency) can get a FREE test through the government appointed Curative Labs or for Miami Dade County – Nomi Health.

Curative Labs offer RTq-PCR which is a valid RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription PCR) test for travel to and within the Bahamas. They offer pre-bookable drive thru and walk-in appointments. Test results are emailed approximately 24-36 hours after the test.
Nomi Health offer RT-PCR tests with pre-bookable drive thru and walk-in appointments. Test results are emailed approximately 24-36 hours after the test.
Walgreens and CVS have also begun offering RT-PCR at certain locations.

You may be able to get RT-PCR tests through your health insurance. There are many private clinics in the US offering testing but it is critical to confirm they offer you the RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription PCR) test and not a PCR, Rapid Test or Antigen Test.
RT-PCR is a lab processed test that can take 24 hours to process, same day rush results are possible.

NOTE: Lab facility where RT-PCR test was performed must be accredited. Only results from accredited labs are accepted. For U.S. travellers, an accredited lab can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/clia/LabSearch.html

Guidance on how to complete a Bahamas Health Visa Application

• • • Miami to Bahamas Day Trip: International Health Visa
    • How long does it take to receive a Health Visa? If applied for during office hours, it takes a few hours. Although the Bahamas state: “Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications can take up to 24 hours to process and should be completed with adequate lead time.”
    • Who do I contact about Health Visas? Bahamas Travel Compliance Unit at:
      Tel. +1 (242) 502-0829  Email: [email protected]

Suggested Process for Miami Day Trips

Here is a suggested process for Miami to Bahamas Day Trip that allows one test to be taken to cover both Bahamas and US re-entry (but we cannot take responsibility if test or visas are not delivered in time). NOTE: Effective 8th Nov 2021, all non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. immigrants must be fully vaccinated to travel to or re-enter the US.

For Unvaccinated Travellers:

1. Book an RT-PCR Swab Test 3 days before your Tour Date.
2. Once you have your RT-PCR test result apply here for Bahamas International Visa.
3. 1 Day Before take a Rapid Antigen test to permit re-entry into the USA.

For Fully* Vaccinated Travellers: COVID-19 Swab Test

1. 1 Day Before take a Rapid Antigen test. This will allow entry into the Bahamas and re-entry into USA.
2. Once you have your Rapid Antigen test result apply here for Bahamas International Visa. Visa is normally approved within a few hour

Process to follow for Applying for the Health Visa: apply here for Bahamas International Visa.

1. 1. 1. Register and upload Passport ID.
      2. For applications of those persons seventeen (17) years and younger are to add a profile within the account of the parent or guardian.
      3. “Add Trip” See here for further Guidance about the application. The full test certificate/result must be uploaded, not the result email.
      4. “Submit” automatically generates Pending Status for your application.
      5. Once Processed You will be emailed a Payment Link to pay the Health Visa fee ($40 for US Passport, $50 for other passports).
      6. Health Visa Certificate will be issued by email. Print it out and bring with you (It is the Certificate with a QR code).
      7. If applied for during Office Hours the Health Visa is issued within a few hours, although they state “allow 24 hours for processing”.

Bahamas International Health Visa Process

If you follow these steps then you should have on completion:

1. 1. 1. For fully vaccinated persons one COVID Swab test result, taken one day before is valid for both entry to Bahamas and Re-entry to US.
      2. A valid Bahamas Health Visa.

Travel Information

• All Customers must wear a face mask on the flights and when social distancing not possible.
• Appropriate Social Distancing in public places.
• Customers will need the following documentation on day of travel:
  • Miami to Bahamas Day Trip: Passport, and printed copies of your COVID-19 test(s) with 1 days validity & Bahamas International Health Visa.
  • Nassau to Exuma Day Trip: COVID-19 Swab Test(s) with 3 days validity.

Useful Links

• Bahamas Travel Requirements (Government Website)
• Bahamas Travel Protocols in Full (Government Document)
• 6th August 2021 Protocols Update
• Bahamas Health Visa Application (Government Website)
  • Guidance for International Health Visa
• US Entry Requirements by CDC (Government Website)
• Curative Labs for FREE RTq-PCR tests in the USA
• List of clinics and labs in the Bahamas
• List of Antigen Testing Sites within the Bahamas
• Staniel Cay Antigen Testing sites:
  • At Embrace Resort
  • At Staniel Cay Yacht Club

Bookings & Reservation Information

All tours, bookings and reservations remain subject to our Booking Terms and Conditions. See sections 3 (Cancellations), 6 (Force Majeure) and 10 (Fitness to Travel).
We encourage all customers to have Travel Insurance to cover irrecoverable cancellation costs.
Each Customer and Passenger will have a Waiver to sign, this includes notice that Bahamas Air Tours or any of our Partners cannot be held responsible or liable for catching Coronavirus/COVID-19 on any of our Tours or Services. Customers accept there is a high risk of catching the virus despite all mitigating procedures that we put in place such as increased cleaning.

Fitness to Travel on our Tours

Any Customer with symptoms of COVID-19, or has been requested by authorities to self-isolate due to exposure with an infected person, must not travel on our tours.
There are Temperature checks for Customers. Should you have a high temperature you maybe denied boarding.

Health & Safety on our Tours

All tourism entities within the Bahamas must have in place Government approved health and safety guidelines to receive Clean & Pristine certification.

Please ensure everyone in your group brings their face mask or face covering for the day trip. These must be worn when social distancing is not possible.

Our partners and operators have in place the following protocols and guidelines:

• • Temperature checks for Customers and Staff.
  • Face masks are required to be worn when social distancing is not possible (i.e. on the aircraft and indoors).
  • Aircraft and boats to be sanitised daily.
  • Hand sanitiser provided onboard boat tours.
  • Snorkel gear and other communal use equipment are soaked, sanitized and disinfected after each use.

Official Bahamas Government Travel Information

For all official government information please visit:  Bahamas Government information page   AND Health Clearance Unit

For the full list of Bahamas Government Travel Protocols: https://travel.gov.bs/file/travelProtocols

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 fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.