Coronavirus Travel Information

Summary of Travel Requirements

This is a summary, full details can be found further on this page. Each passenger must present printed copies at check-in of their:

1. RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription PCR) COVID-19 Swab Test with negative result and 5 days validity for travel to or within the Bahamas. This is a requirement for ALL our Day Trips. There are exemptions for children and these are detailed further on this page.
-OR-
Proof of Full* Vaccination, and have passed the two-week immunity period (*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).

2. Bahamas Health Visa
For Nassau to Exuma Day Trips you require a Domestic Health Visa.
For Miami to Bahamas Day Trips you require an International Health Visa.

For Miami to Bahamas Day Trips each passenger, in addition to the above, requires a valid viral test with 3 days validity for US re-entry (there are no exemptions).

Domestic Health Visa Applications    International Health Visa Applications

Valid Tests for Travel to or within the Bahamas

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

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 07 Jul 2021

• • • Miami Day Trips operating as normal.
      
    • Nassau Day Trips operating as normal.
    • Private Air Charter flights operating as normal.

Contents of this Page

• • • List of Valid Tests for Travel to or within the Bahamas and re-entry into USA
    • Do you have Children or Under 18’s in your group?
    • Are you fully Vaccinated*? New Bahamas Travel exemption effective 1st May 2021
    • Domestic Travel Within Bahamas – Travel Requirements (Nassau to Exuma Day Trips)
    • International Travel to the Bahamas – Travel Requirements (Miami to Bahamas Day Trips)
    • 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 age eleven (11) and under are exempt from the RT-PCR Test requirement 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.

Are you fully Vaccinated? New Bahamas exemption effective 1st May 2021

• • • *Fully Vaccinated persons (after receiving both doses [see below]) and who have passed the two-week immunity period are exempt from Bahamas Testing requirements.
    • Vaccine exemption is applicable for travel to and within the Bahamas.
    • 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 Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca.
    • Travellers should upload a copy of their proof of vaccination (such a government issued vaccine record card) and ensure the name and date of vaccination(s) are clearly stated.
    • You must still apply for the Bahamas Health Visa.
    • NOTE about Visa Application: Upload your Vaccination Record Card in lieu of the PCR Test. Write “FULLY VACCINATED” in spaces requesting details of the PCR test.
    • You must present a physical copy of your Proof of Vaccination at check-in, along with printed copy of your Bahamas Health Visa.
    • 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.

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. RT-PCR COVID-19 Swab Test with a Negative Result (RT-PCR: Reverse Transcription PCR) result with 5 days validity (Day 0 being the day you took the test, therefore the test is valid through to the 5th). See here for a list of testing sites. (Antigen, Rapid Tests or 5th Day Antigen Test for guests staying more than 4 days on vacation, are NOT valid for Domestic inter island travel). Children 11 and under are exempt.
   OR Proof of being Fully Vaccinated with a 2 week immunity period. Proof of Vaccination must be uploaded in lieu of Test results during Visa application process. 
2. Bahamas Domestic Health Visa. Apply online: at travel.gov.bs There is a $25pp fee. See here for Guidance on completing an application. An International Health Visa is NOT valid for domestic travel. For applications of those persons seventeen (17) years and younger are to add a profile within the account of the parent or guardian.
3. 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.

NOTE: You may already have an International Health Visa and a RT-PCR test for your international arrival into the Bahamas. The International Health Visa is NOT valid for domestic travel, you must apply separately for the Domestic Health Visa. Your RT-PCR for international arrival may expire  before your domestic travel date (as they are only valid for 5 days), therefore you would need a second RT-PCR test with 5 days validity to cover the date of your day trip. 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.

NOTE: Out Island to Out Island travel (charter flights), that do not go via Nassau, do not require the RT-PCR Test requirement, only a valid Domestic Health Visa. Persons travelling inter-island from Nassau & Paradise Island, Harbour Island*, Eleuthera* or Grand Bahama Island to other islands are required to undergo a RT-PCR test no more than five (5) days prior to travel and produce a negative result.
*New emergency powers announced 4/1/2021 for Harbour Island & Eleuthera.  Link here.

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

For international travel entry into the Bahamas:

• 1. RT-PCR COVID-19 Swab Test with a Negative Result (RT-PCR: Reverse Transcription PCR), must be presented upon arrival, with 5 Days Validity: Day 0 being the day you took the test, therefore the test is valid through to the 5th Day. Children 11 and under are exempt.
     OR Proof of being Fully Vaccinated with a 2 week immunity period. Proof of Vaccination must be uploaded in lieu of Test results during Visa application process. A valid test is still required to re-enter the USA, there are no exemptions to USA entry testing requirements.
     
  2. All Travellers must have received a Bahamas International Health Visa at travel.gov.bs . See here for Guidance on completing an application.
     See fees further below. 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.
  3. For travellers staying more than 4 days: A Rapid Antigen test conducted on Day Five (96 hours after arrival), included in the price of the Health Visa.
  4. For the duration of the visit, complete a daily online health questionnaire for symptom tracking purposes.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

• All air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 3 days 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 3. Read more in CDC Order here.
• Children are NOT exempt, unlike the Bahamas Requirement, therefore children aged 11 and under will still need a virus test re re-enter the US.
• 5th Day Antigen tests are valid for re-entry into the US, so long as the test was taken within 3 days before your flight to the US.
• Exuma currently has zero covid cases. However the CDC classifies the Bahamas as a Level 3 Covid Destination. Therefore there is CDC Guidance regarding what you should do after returning from International Travel that includes quarantine and testing.
• FAQ: Why does the CDC Order specify 3 days rather than 72 hours? What is considered 3 days?
  The 3-day period is the 3 days before the flight’s departure. The Order uses a 3-day timeframe instead of 72 hours to provide more flexibility to the traveler. By using a 3-day window, test validity does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test was administered.
  For example, if a passenger’s flight is at 1pm on a Friday, the passenger could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Tuesday or after.

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

• • • Nassau to Exuma Day Trip: Domestic Health Visa
    • Miami to Bahamas Day Trip: International Health Visa
    • How much does a Health Visa Cost? Table of Health Visa Fees here.
    • 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).

1. 3 Days Before Travel take an RT-PCR Swab Test (RT-PCR: Reverse Transcription PCR). This means if the day you take the test is Day=0, the test is valid to travel on and including Day 3.
   In Miami these are free for anyone (paid for by the US CARES Act), can be booked online in advance for Drive Thru or Walk-in appointments: Miami Dade COVID Testing (Test Provider is Nomi Health) or Curative Labs Testing Sites
2. Nomi Health or Curative Labs RT-PCR Test Results usually available approximately 24-36 hours by email. Print it out and bring with you.
3. As soon as you have your test result apply here for Bahamas International Visa.
   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 48 hours for processing”.

Bahamas International Health Visa Process

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

1. 1. 1. One RT-PCR test result that is valid for both entry to Bahamas and Re-entry to US.
      2. A valid Bahamas Health Visa.
      3. The entire process can be completed within 2 days.

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 3 days validity & Bahamas International Health Visa.
  • Nassau to Exuma Day Trip: COVID-19 Swab Test(s) with 5 days validity (you may need to get an additional RT-PCR test in Nassau to the one used to enter internationally, so that you have a valid negative result) and Bahamas Domestic Travel Health Visa.

Useful Links

• Bahamas Travel Requirements (Government Website)
• Bahamas Travel Protocols in Full (Government Document)
• Bahamas Health Visa Application (Government Website)
  • Guidance for International Health Visa
  • Guidance for Domestic 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 (updated 26 January)

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.

Below is the most recent synopsis: [we do not keep this synopsis updated, please visit Bahamas Travel Visa website for latest information]

Prior to Travel:

1.     COVID-19 RT-PCR Test

• • All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival.
    • The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result.
  • NOTE: Requirement is for a RT-PCR Swab Test. This is NOT the same as a test at home PCR test kit. RT-PCR is generally taken in a clinic.

• • Exemptions:
    • Children age eleven (11) and under.
    • Pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas.

2.     Bahamas Health Travel Visa & Fees

• • Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at TRAVEL.GOV.BS
  • The non-refundable fee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa, which will be dependent on length of stay. All Bahamas Travel Health Visas include standard administrative costs, such as the application fee for the Health Visa, as well as relative IT and distribution costs. The final price of an individual Bahamas Travel Health Visa for visitors, returning citizens and residents is dependent on length of stay and any applicable testing, healthcare related costs, or insurance requirements.

Domestic Travel (within The Bahamas):

• • • $25 (non-refundable) – Departing New Providence (Nassau) or Grand Bahama Island (Freeport)

International Travel:

• • • $40 (non-refundable) – Returning citizens/residents of The Bahamas
    • $40 (non-refundable) – Visitors (citizens/residents USA & Canada) staying up to four (4) nights and five (5) days
    • Includes cost of Travel Health Insurance; a day five rapid antigen test is not required
    • $50 (non-refundable) – Visitors (citizens or residents of all other countries) staying up to four (4) nights and five (5) days
    • Includes cost of Travel Health Insurance; a day five rapid antigen test is not required
    • $60 (non-refundable) – Visitors (citizens or residents of USA & Canada) staying longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days
    • Includes costs of Travel Health Insurance and rapid antigen test on Day 5
    • $70 (non-refundable) – Visitors (citizens or resident of all other countries) staying longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days
    • Includes costs of Travel Health Insurance and rapid antigen test on Day 5
    • Free – Children ten (10) years and under (insurance coverage included)
    • EXEMPT – Pilot/crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas

• Is a print version of my electronic Bahamas Travel Health Visa required?
  Yes, please ensure you print your Approved (Green) Bahamas Travel Health Visa response issued electronically by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas Ministry of Health.