The Bahamas: No Quarantine for Visitors as of Nov. 1

People traveling to the Bahamas will be allowed to skip the islands’ mandatory quarantine starting Nov. 1 if they continually prove they are negative for COVID-19, the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation said.

According to an article posted by Travel + Leisure, the new protocols will allow visitors to freely roam the islands if they obtain a negative PCR test no more than seven days before traveling, and then get a rapid antigen test upon arrival and another four days after that. Travelers will also need to apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa, which includes the cost of rapid tests.

Children 10 years old and younger will not need to get tested.

Before that, starting Oct. 15, visitors can “Vacation in Place” for 14 days (or less if their trip is shorter), taking advantage of the Bahamas’ pristine beaches and gorgeous surroundings from its over-the-top resort buyouts to sweet boutique hotels (and even the concept of an ultra-luxurious private island retreat). In that case, travelers will have to get a PCR test prior to arrival and remain in their hotels, but can use all the amenities and resort facilities.

The Bahamas, which requires everyone to wear masks in public places, first opened its borders to private planes and yachts on June 15 followed by commercial airlines on July 1.