COVID-19 Update: Bahamas

08 Jan 2021 / Bahamas

Local health officials have confirmed that the results of the COVID-19 RT-PCR test required by the Bahamas Government to conduct crew changes are now available within a 24hours turnaround. This new accelerated turnaround time allows for crew change operations to be conducted not only safely but now expeditiously.

For your ease of reference please see below the current commercial flight operation schedules into Grand Bahama. If the current commercial flight times are not suitable or unavailable, we can also arrange private flight charters for your convenience.

COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OPERATION SCHEDULE

*American Airline Embraer 145 – 50-seater current daily flight information for Grand Bahama as follow: MIA – FPO 10:42am – FPO – MIA 13:13*

*Silver Airline Saab fleet Double Engine – 42-seater current flight information for Grand Bahama as follow: Saturday one flight only FLL -FPO 11:45 – FPO – FLL 13:05*

Mandatory Vacation-in-Place Requirement is replaced by COVID-19 Health Insurance, Monitoring Procedures, and On-Island Rapid Testing for Those Staying Longer Than Five Days.

All travellers are required to:

  1. Obtain a COVID-19 RT PCR test five (5) days prior to arrival.
  2. Apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at https://travel.gov.bs/
  3. Take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on Day 5 of the visit (unless departing on day 5).
  4. Always wear a mask and always social distance in public places.
  5. All visitors will be required to opt-in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Travel Visa. The insurance will cover travellers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.

Specifics of the protocols are as follows:

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.

Exemptions:

  • Children age ten (10) and under
  • Pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas.

2. Bahamas Health Travel Visa

Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at https://travel.gov.bs/

Click on the International Tab and upload test results and other required documents.

Fees for the Bahamas Health Travel Visa, inclusive of Day 5 Rapid Antigen Test and mandatory health insurance, are as follows:

  • $40 – Visitors staying up to four nights and five days.
  • $40 – Citizens and returning residents.
  • $60 – Visitors staying more than four nights.
  • Free - Children 10 years and under

Upon Arrival

1. Comply with Monitoring Protocols:

Any visitor who exhibits COVID symptoms at any time during their stay will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation.

If a person tests positive they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test.

2. Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing (if applicable):

All persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four nights/five days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.

All visitors departing on or before five days will not be required to obtain this test.

The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via SMS text message and email

Hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.

All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.

All other visitors, returning residents and citizens will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.

Notwithstanding any health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travellers abiding by these new protocols will be permitted to move within the Bahamas.

Kindly note information will be provided as they become available, as information can change at any time

For information about operations in the Bahamas, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at [email protected]

Source: Elnet Maritime – GAC agent

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.