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Bahamas Changes Its Mind: Keeps Covid Test for Foreign Boaters

The Bahamas opened up for foreign boaters on June 15, two weeks ahead of the opening for general tourism as long as entrants came with documentation of a negative Covid-19 test. The requirement had been set to expire but the government has changed its mind and will continue the to ask for evidence of negative results indefinitely. The test in question is a specific one—the RT-PCR test approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

No reason was given for the change in policy. However, most Bahamas-bound boats depart the U.S. from ports in Florida, which has seen a marked increase in Covid-19 cases over the past two weeks.
 
This is the full announcement from the Association of Bahamas Marinas:

REQUIREMENTS FOR BOATERS AND BAHAMAS MARINAS FOR 2020
 
  • COVID-19 PCR Swab Test results (not more than 10 days old) to be handed in upon arrival in The Bahamas to Customs & Immigration. This requirement will not end on July 1.
  • Children under the age of two are not required to have the test.
  • Health form to fill out prior to travel https://travel.gov.bs/ including uploading test results. Users will receive immediate automated response with travel name and approval. Print this response.
  • Customs & Immigration Forms – fill out and print prior to arrival
  • Have copies of ALL forms, copy of passport and test results to present to Customs & Immigration upon arrival in The Bahamas.
  • Marinas must be informed at least 48 hours prior to vessel’s arrival.
 
Boaters Requirements once in The Bahamas
  • On arrival (having cleared at local ports of entry), anyone disembarking at a marina will be subject to potential additional screening mandated by Ministry of Health, such as taking of temperature.
  • While clearing Customs & Immigration, crew and passengers are required to wear a mask, covering the nose and mouth.
  • There are no restrictions for inter-island travel within The Bahamas. Domestic travel needs to be logged in at https://travel.gov.bs/.
 
What Our Boating Guests Can Expect at an ABM Member Marina

Marina Facilities:
  • Hand sanitizing dispensers will be placed in restrooms and at an easily accessible location in the office area.
  • Frequently touched surfaces (e.g. doorknobs, handles, etc.) in offices and common areas will be wiped with a disinfecting agent at the start of the workday and in the afternoon.
  • Main office doors will be kept locked and managed to admit only those wearing masks.
  • Amenities like gym and exercise rooms, dining areas, laundry rooms, pool areas and other facilities must operate under strict observance of the Government’s guidelines for publicly occupied spaces.
  • Provisioning – each marina will provide boaters with list of stores and restaurants that will deliver to the marina.
Marina Personnel:
  • All marina personnel will wear masks, covering the mouth and nose.
  • Fuel Attendants will wear masks and gloves and may hand customers the fuel dispenser nozzle but should remain ashore. Customers are to remain onboard the vessel.
  • Office personnel will always wear masks and observe regular hand washing regimen.
  • Staff will maintain at least two metres /six feet distance between each other and guests.
  • Staff will isolate anyone who is coughing or sneezing until appropriate tests can be performed.
 
Please note: International commercial flights will be available starting July 1, 2020. Private aviation is permitted starting June 15, 2020. Requirements are part of Tourism Readiness & Recovery Plan from the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.  For more information visit www.bahamas.com/Covid19Statement and www.bahamas.com/tourism-reopening.