Our Commitment To Our Communities Will Never Change

“Thankfully, due to the wise counsel of our public health team, the hard work of our essential workers, and the compliance of the majority of Bahamians, we have had a better health outcome than many countries during this crisis.” — The Most Honorable Dr. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister

The Bahamas remains under a national shelter-in-place order through May 30, 2020.

As of now, The Bahamas government is looking at a possible opening date for commercial travel on or before July 1st. This date will be adjusted based on public health trends which are being monitored daily.

Current mandates and safety measures  include*:

 

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Local resorts, airports and seaports are finalizing health and safety protocols necessary to provide for a re-opening.

• Air Travel: All international airports and private airports are closed to passenger traffic.Commercial courier, cargo and emergency flights are allowed.
  • Repatriation Flights: Flights are scheduled on Thursday, May 21, and Saturday, May 23, from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau to return Bahamians home from abroad. A COVID-19 negative test certificate is required. Below is a list of all the criteria that must be met to travel:
    • Travelers must present one of the following:
      • Valid Bahamian passport or
      • A valid passport + a valid residency card or current work permit
    • Homeowners must provide a valid passport + proof of homeownership (utility bill, property tax statement, etc.)
    • All passengers must quarantine at home or in a government facility for 14 days as decided by Bahamas Immigration and the Bahamian Ministry of Health.
    • COVID-19 negative test certificate must be valid within 10 days of travel date.
    • Must be a PCR certificate from a valid lab.
    • Certificate must be provided a minimum of 48 hours before scheduled travel.
    • Original certificate must be presented at time of travel.
    • All passengers must wear a protective face mask that covers both nose and mouth.
  • Interisland Travel:
    • Travel is permitted between islands that have been re-opened to commercial activity. The Ministry of Health has developed a policy and protocol for the approval and monitoring of individuals traveling to these islands.
      • Islands Open for Commercial Activity: Cat Island, Long Island, Abaco, Andros, Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, Rum Cay and Ragged Island.
      • Islands Closed: Bimini is under 24-hour lockdown through May 30^th.
    • Phase one allows residents of approved Family Islands to return home if protocols are met. COVID-19 Travel Authorization Card issued by Ministry of Health must be presented.

 

Seaports: Seaports are closed; no inter-island sailing (except for freight); No visitors permitted to enter or disembark including transiting through The Bahamas.

HOTELS

Hotels can remain open; on-site restaurants are open for take-out/room service only. Hotel amenities such as casinos, spas and gyms are closed.

COMMUNITY  RESTRICTIONS

Nationwide Curfew

• The Bahamas is under 24-hour curfew. Residents may leave their home for essential purposes 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Exercising outside for 1.5 hours is allowed during these hours. Exercise is also allowed from 5 a.m. – 8 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
• Every Bahamian and resident going out in public should have a valid government issued ID (passport, NIB Card, driver’s license or voter’s card).
• Ongoing Lockdowns: 9 p.m. Fridays to 5 a.m. Mondays every weekend through May 30, 2020.

Business Operations

• Essential business (banks, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, grocery stores, landscaping and maintenance, sanitation, garbage pick-up, pool cleaning.) will operate with adjusted hours.
• The following businesses can now open on assigned days of the week:
  • Auto Parts Stores: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday.
  • Hardware and Home Stores: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
  • Plant Nurseries: 6 a.m.-Noon Monday and Thursday
  • Road Traffic Department: The Road Traffic Department is open with a newly implemented “drive-through” service; clients must remain in their vehicles for most of, if not all of, the process and must wear a mask while conducting business at the department.
• During weekend lockdowns all services are prohibited except hospital & healthcare workers; police; utility companies; import/export trade; and, media.

Driving

Driving is not allowed on public or private roads. Exceptions are essential workers and driving for essential purposes (ie: driving to a pharmacy, grocery store, doctor).

Public Beaches & Parks: Closed.

Liquor Stores:  Open for curbside service and delivery.

Masks:

• Wearing non-medical masks in public is mandatory.
• Employers will face fines if their employees are not wearing a facial mask.
• Store owners will also be fined if customers enter the establishment without a face covering.

 

Suspension of Government Fees

Licenses, permits and visa renewals: Temporarily waived.

Insurance premiums: Temporarily waived.

Investment approvals: Fast-tracked

International Business Companies Act: Fees temporarily waived.

*As of May 18, 2020; all information subject to change as updates occur.