The Bahamas to Ease Part of Travel Restrictions Next Month

The Bahamas will be easing a number of Covid-related travel restrictions next month as part of Phase 3 of its Tourism Readiness & Recovery Plan, Minister of Tourism Dionisio D'Aguilar informed.

As Travel Weekly reports, beach access will be permitted on all islands as of October 15; hotels and resorts not yet open are expected to begin reopening (although Atlantis and Baha Mar have not yet announced their firm reopening dates), water taxi services and interisland air travel will be permitted and social gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed.

Strict hygiene and safety protocols will be enforced, including a fine for not wearing a mask in public.

Indoor dining and in-store shopping will be allowed on Grand Bahama and the Out Islands but not on New Providence where Nassau and Paradise Island are located.

Attractions, excursions and tours plan to reopen on Nov. 1. However, vendors, personal watercraft operations, casinos, gyms, cinemas, festivals and ferries are not expected to reopen until Phase 4 of the tourism plan, D'Aguilar said. The date is dependent upon the success of Phase 3.

Visitors to the Bahamas still must adhere to the mandatory vacation-in-place protocol, which means quarantining upon arrival for 14 days or the length of their stay, whichever is shorter, at their hotel, private club, rental accommodations such as Airbnb or on a private boat.

Bahama entry requirements for all visitors include results of a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than five days prior to arrival and an approved Bahamas Health Visa, obtainable at www.travel.gov.bs.