Bahamas outlines plan for cruise ships and tourists to return

The Bahamas Minister of Tourism released a new phased plan for how tourism will return following the global health crisis.

Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D'Aguilar presented his plan to the public on Monday that involves four phases, with cruise ship return part of the final phase.

Phase 3 of the Tourism Readiness & Recovery Plan will begin on October 15, which includes the reopening of beaches and major hotels.  

As part of Phase 3, beaches and major hotels will reopen on all islands. Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D'Aguilar announced that all hotel guests must abide by a 14-day Vacation-In-Place (VIP), which will allow guests access to all amenities, including hotel spas, gyms, bars and more. Additionally, Phase 3 will also see the reopening of attractions, excursions and tours on November 1.

Once Phase 3 is complete and working well, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation along with the Ministry of Health and other government agencies will recommend an appropriate date to enter Phase 4, which pertains to the reopening of vendors, select attractions, casinos, cruises and ferries.

What you need to get into the Bahamas

Effective, September 1, 2020, the Bahamian government announced new entry requirements, including:

• Approved Bahamas Health Visa available at travel.gov.bs
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than five (5) days prior to arrival
  • The only applicants who are not required to provide a COVID-19 test are:
    • Children under the age of ten (10)
    • Pilots and crew who remain overnight in The Bahamas.
• Mandatory 14-day Vacation-In-Place (VIP) Experience at a hotel, private club or rented accommodations (like Airbnb), as well as on a private boat.