Just before the school season starts again, what could be a better way to spend the rest of the vacation but to enjoy it in the islands of the Bahamas. However, with continued efforts to provide a safe and healthy experience, new testing requirements have been announced for persons applying for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa to enter The Bahamas or travel inter-island within The Bahamas. These new testing protocols took effect last August 6, 2021, as follows:
Those from Other Countries entering the Bahamas:
All fully vaccinated travelers, as well as children ages 2-11, are required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (either a rapid antigen test or PCR test). This must be taken not more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.
Unvaccinated travelers ages 12 and older must still obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test, while all children under the age of 2 are exempted from any testing requirements. The COVID PCR Test must be taken not more than 5 days prior to the date of arrival.
Inter-Island traveling within The Bahamas from the islands of Nassau & Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco, and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island:
● All fully vaccinated persons, as well as children ages 2-11, who wish to travel within The Bahamas, will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (either a rapid antigen test or PCR test). This must be taken not more than five (5) days prior to the date of travel.
● Unvaccinated persons ages 12 and older must still obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test, while all children under the age of 2 are exempted from any testing requirements. The COVID-19 PCR test must be taken not more than 5 days prior to the date of travel.
Cruise Passengers
● Guests on cruises must still apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa and follow the new testing requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals that originate in and return to The Bahamas.
● Vaccinated persons must provide a negative PCR test or rapid antigen test. This must be taken not more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.
● Unvaccinated persons are also required to obtain a negative PCR test which must be taken not more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.
● All travelers that originate in the U.S. and enter The Bahamas on cruises will be subjected to the testing requirements mandated by the cruise line and approved by the Government of The Bahamas.
● Travelers should check with their cruise line for specific details pertaining to their cruise as Cruise lines may have different requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests.
These new testing protocols are for all travelers applying for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa from which started August 6, 2021, and onwards. However, these protocols will be waived for any person with imminent travel who has already applied for and obtained a Bahamas Travel Health Visa.
What awaits in the Islands of the Bahamas, plenty of hot deals, and low-fare flight options are up for grabs.
To help raise funds in support of youth and environmental projects, managed by the Briland Aid organization and the Bahamas National Trust respectively, Grammy Award-winning musician Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics released a new song, “Love’s Coming Back,” featuring warm vocals from Bahamian artist Daytona.
Complete with 11 distinct dining options and an on-site waterpark, Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts made a splash with a successful downtown ribbon-cutting ceremony for the all-new 300-room Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau.
Beginning November 2, 2021, Frontier Airlines announced new weekly routes to Nassau from Orlando International Airport with fares as low as $69. Reservations are now available.
With three ports of embarkation: Nassau on Saturdays, Bimini on Sundays, and Miami on Mondays, Crystal Cruises now offers Luxury Bahamas Escapes voyages.
Beginning November 2021 Palm Star Travel is scheduled to launch new non-stop services from major U.S. cities including Jacksonville, Nashville, and Raleigh. Booking will be available later this summer.
Promotions and Offers
Visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages for a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas. After more than a year on the front lines, essential workers have earned a tropical escape, and now is the time! Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line launched a “Hometown Heroes” initiative, giving essential workers free two-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing now through September 30, 2021.
Book a participating seven-night getaway now through April 2022 to the unspoiled Out Islands and get two free round trip air or ferry tickets from Nassau. Booking window: now – August 31, 2021. Two Fly or Cruise Free from Nassau – U.S. and Canadian travelers are encouraged to use those PTO days.
Book accommodations of 14 days or longer at Grand Isle Resort and receive up to 50% off. Booking/travel window: now – December 31, 2021. From the sapphire-blue water to the friendly swimming pigs, Exuma is worth an extended stay.
Is August a good time to go to the Bahamas?
The country’s peak season is between November and April as during these times there is less rain than the summer months, thus lots of sunshine and warm temperatures. In July and August, the temperatures are very high which averages at 28 degrees Celsius, hence this is the best time to go for a tan in the Bahamas when temperatures would often rise to the low-30s.
About The Bahamas
The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travelers away from there every day, with over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations. There are a lot of fun and exciting activities waiting for families, couples, and adventurers in The Islands of The Bahamas. It offers world-class fishing, diving, boating, birding, and nature-based activities, thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water, and pristine beaches.
Visit www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas and explore all the islands have to offer.
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