Daily Archives: February 4, 2021

Yes. All persons travelling to The Bahamas, and those travelling inter-island from Nassau & Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Island, must first 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.

Persons travelling inter-islandfrom Nassau & Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Islandto other islands are required to undergo a RT-PCR test no more thanfive (5) days prior to travel and produce a negative result.

If a Bahamas citizen or resident travels internationally, they must secure a test in the destination they visited before travelling back to The Bahamas. Any RT-PCR test taken in The Bahamas prior to travel will not be valid for re-entry.

Contact your health care professional to receive a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test.

No, only a negative RT-PCR (swab) test from a referenced lab will be considered a VALID test to be granted entry into The Bahamas.

All visitors entering The Bahamas will be required to opt in to the Health Insurance coverage when applying for their Bahamas Health Visa (more details on Bahamas Health Visa below).

Coverage includes:

The cost of the required COVID Health Insurance is included in the Bahamas Health Visa and paid in advance of travel.

All travellers, returning citizens and residents arriving via commercial flights, as well as by private planes, private boats, yachts or pleasure craft, are required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa attravel.gov.bsby selecting the International option and completing all required fields.

Yes, all those travelling inter-island both residents and visitors will be required to complete an electronic Travel Health Visa, via the domestic or international sections, as appropriate.

Yes, there is anon-refundablefee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa, which will be dependent on length of stay.

All Bahamas Travel Health Visas include standard administrative costs, such as the application fee for the Health Visa, as well as relative IT and distribution costs.

The final price of an individual Bahamas Travel Health Visa for visitors, returning citizens and residents is dependent on length of stay and any applicable testing, healthcare related costs, or insurance requirements. (More details on rapid testing below)

Domestic Travel (within The Bahamas):

International Travel:

Each applicant eighteen (18) years of age or older, will be required to complete their own Bahamas Travel Health Visa Application and upload their individual negative test results. Persons seventeen (17) years and younger are to add a profile within the account of the parent or guardian. Please ensure each application is submitted with the corresponding test results.

Travellers should upload ALL pages of the test results report, even if there are multiple pages.

Please ensure your test results state clearly the following information:

For U.S. travellers, an accredited lab can be found athttps://www.cdc.gov/clia/LabSearch.html

For travellers from other countries, labs that have been accredited by the local medical health officials should be used.

Children age ten (10) and under are exemptfrom requiring a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test; they will, however, be required to have their application submitted by a parent/guardian.

Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications take up to48hoursto process so they should be completed with adequate lead time.

Applicants will receive an automated responsewithin 1 hourof submission indicating the application is being processed. Travellers should not apply again unless they do not receive the automated response within the hour.

An approved Bahamas Travel Health Visa will receive a green code, and proof of confirmation should be presented at check-in and upon arrival in the destination.

If a Bahamas Travel Health Visa application is pending, visitor will receive a yellow code which means it requires additional review.

If a Bahamas Travel Health Visa application is denied, visitor will receive a red color code and will not be permitted entry to The Bahamas.

Travellers shouldnotsubmit more than one application per person travelling (per trip). Do NOT submit multiple applications.

For all questions regarding the Bahamas Travel Health Visa process, or to check on the status of your application, contacthealthvisa@bahamas.com.

There are a number of reasons why Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications are not approved. Among the most common are:

Yes, please ensure you print your Approved (Green) Bahamas Travel Health Visa response issued electronically by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas Ministry of Health.

Travellers who fail to complete an electronic Travel Health Visa application form or provide a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test from an accredited lab will be denied entry to The Bahamas and are subject to fines and possible imprisonment.

Bahamas Travel Health Visas are valid for the duration of each individual travellers trip. Because a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result is required to be uploaded to complete the Bahamas Travel Health Visa application with test date no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival, it is necessary for all travellers to apply for a new Health Visa with each trip.

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COVID-19 Status - The Bahamas

Covering an area of 13,878 sq. km, The Bahamas (all coral in origin) occupies larger part of Lucayan Archipelago and comprises a group of nearly 700 (atolls) ring-like coral islands, and (cays) small, low islands composed largely of coral or sand. The islands were mostly created by the disintegration of coral reefs and seashells, and low scrub covers much of their surfaces. As observed on the map, the highest point is located on Cat Island, where limestone rock rises to 63m (206ft) above sea level. There are a handful of small freshwater lakes and just one small river located on Andros Island.

The Bahamas (officially, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas) is divided into 31 districts. In alphabetical order, the districts are: Acklins, Berry Islands, Bimini, Black Point (Exuma), Cat Island, Central Abaco, Central Andros, Central Eleuthera, City of Freeport (Grand Bahama), Crooked Island, East Grand Bahama, Exuma, Grand Cay (Abaco), Harbour Island (Eleuthera), Hope Town (Abaco), Inagua, Long Island, Mangrove Cay (Andros), Mayaguana, Moores Island (Abaco), North Abaco, North Andros, North Eleuthera, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, South Abaco, South Andros, South Eleuthera, Spanish wells (Eleuthera) and West Grand Bahama.

Covering an area of 13,878 sq. km, The Bahamas occupies larger part of Lucayan Archipelago and comprises a group of 700 ring-like coral islands, islets and cays. Located on the island of New Providence is, Nassau the capital and the largest city of The Bahamas. Nassau is a primate city, a busy sea port and a major administrative, educational, economic and commercial center of the country. Its spectacular scenery attracts tourists from all over the world.

The Bahamas is an archipelagic country comprising over 700 coral islands, islets and cays situated in the northwest of West Indies in West Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas is positioned both in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth. It is located to the southeast of the US State of Florida; to the east of Florida Keys; to the northwest of Turks and Caicos Islands; and to the north of Cuba and the Hispaniola Islands shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Bahamas shares its maritime borders with the US, Cuba, Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Regional Maps: Map of North America

This page was last updated on November 11, 2020

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The Bahamas Maps & Facts - World Atlas

The Bahamas appeals to travelers looking for warm winter getaways and romantic Valentine's Day escapes.

Bahamian Hotels Provide On-Site COVID Testing Hotels across Nassau Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and the Out Islands are providing on-site COVID testing for guests in accordance with new U.S. international travel requirements. Baha Mar, Atlantis and The Ocean Club are just a few of the hotels and resorts with on-site testing on Nassau Paradise Island along with Out Island hotels, including Caerula Mar Resort and Abaco Beach Resort. For a full list of COVID testing sites and the latest travel and entry protocols, visit Bahamas.com/TravelUpdates.

SLS and Rosewood Baha Mar to Reopen March 2021 Baha Mar will enter into its final phase of reopening on March 4 with the reopening of Rosewood and SLS. The Nassau resort first welcomed back guests at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in December 2020.

Harbour Island's Rock House Hotel Launches Villa Rock House Hotel on Harbour Island has launched its Rock House Rental Villa, a private vacation home with all the amenities of a hotel. While the hotel and restaurant remain closed, up to 20 guests can enjoy the fully staffed private villa that comes with a private chef and concierge to take care of guests' every need. Booking is available on Vrbo.

Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course Reopens With the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort's reopening on February 24, golfers can once again enjoy the award-winning Greg Norman course. Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course is frequently recognized as one of the most scenic courses in the Caribbean, with 18 holes set against The Exumas' famous turquoise waters and white-sand beaches.

Breezes Bahamas Welcomes Back Guests with Be Smart + Safe Initiative Upon its reopening in December 2020, Breezes Bahamas has safely welcomed guests with its Be Smart + Safe initiative. The initiative provides guests and team members with protocols on social distancing, face coverings and more.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit http://www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Atlantis Couples Getaway Package Couples can plan a romantic Bahamian getaway at Atlantis this Valentine's Day. Celebrate with your partner while receiving daily complimentary breakfast, a quiet dinner for two, and late checkout.

Cape Santa Maria Beach Lovers Vacation Escape to Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort on Long Island for a romantic retreat. Relax with a complimentary massage, welcome cocktails and more when staying three nights or more.

Breezes Bahamas Winter Sale Breezes Bahamas is offering guests savings up to 53% for travel booked by February 28, 2021 as part of its Winter Sale.

ABOUT THE BAHAMASWith over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transportstravelersaway from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer atwww.bahamas.comor on Facebook, YouTubeorInstagramto see why It's Better in The Bahamas.

PRESS INQUIRIES

Anita Johnson-PattyBahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation[emailprotected]

Weber ShandwickPublic Relations[emailprotected]

SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

http://www.bahamas.com

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What's New In The Islands Of The Bahamas In February - PRNewswire

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Bahamas is close to finally monetizing its airspace, according to Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio DAguilar, who noted that legislation debated in Parliament yesterday seeks to make that possible.

DAguilar led debate on a compendium of bills, namely the Civil Aviation Bill, 2021, the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas Bill, 2021 and the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority Bill, 2021.

The Free Town MP noted that introduction of the Air Navigation Services Authority Bill with the insertion of the new terminology of Bahamas Administered Airspace, Bahamas Aircraft and Bahamas Territory provides The Bahamas with more economic control over its sovereign airspace and expands its aircraft registry capabilities. Section 5 of the bill allows the new civil aviation authority to enter into arrangements or partnerships with respect to the air navigation service.

DAguilar noted that Section 20 of the bill gives the new authority, with the approval of the minister, the power to develop, recommend and impose fees and service charges for the provision of air navigation services in The Bahamas, such as overflight fees for aircraft that transit Bahamian administered airspace, but neither land in nor depart from The Bahamas; air navigation service fees for services rendered within airspace of The Bahamas, including air traffic management, communications, navigation, radar surveillance, separation services, flight information services, procedural control and training; air navigation services training; and any other service related to air navigation services in The Bahamas.

The passage of this bill seeks to set up the infrastructure so that we can finally begin to monetize one of our greatest natural resources the airspace above us, said DAguilar.

We dont have to dig, drill, mine, extract, dredge anything to start making money from our airspace. We just have to figure out how to bill and how to collect a fee every time a plane flies into, or out of, or through, our airspace.

For the 48 years that have elapsed since independence, The Bahamas has never been able to realize one red cent from the airspace above our country. We are so close to changing that.

DAguilar also noted that the bill also gives the authority the ability to impose penalties for late payments and apply statutory liens on aircraft operators who do not pay their fees and/or service charges.

He noted the 2017 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Safety Oversight Audit had revealed that The Bahamas aviation legislation and the Bahamas Civil Aviation structure were largely outdated, non-compliant and unable to keep up with the ever-evolving standards and recommended practices outlined in the UN Convention on International Civil Aviation and its annexes.

As a result of this audit, the Bahamas Effective ImplementationScore fell from an average of 56.98 percent to an average of 31.98 percent in late 2017, said DAguilar, noting that this score put The Bahamas at the bottomof the list of Caribbean countries.

DAguilar noted that the ICAO auditors will return this November, 2021, to follow up on this nations corrective action plans and to determine whether previously identified safety deficiencies have been satisfactorily resolved.

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D'Aguilar: Bahamas very close to monetizing airspace - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen said as The Bahamas continues preparations for a COVID-19 vaccine to be made available in-country, it is likely that The Bahamas will distribute more than one approved vaccine.

During a BAAWMAR panel discussion on the vaccine moderated by Dr Khandra Sears, a board member of the NGO Brennen suggested The Bahamas preference is to access vaccines more suited for its climate and geographic makeup, including those that do not require ultra-low temperatures, which could present transportation challenges.

However, he said the country will remain flexible instead of restrictive.

We are trying not to be restrictive, but we do know that some of the issues being an island nation, being in a tropical setting, being spread out and not being one singular landmass, present particular challenges for us, he said.

And so, we are designing our vaccine deployment strategy around that to be able to make sure that what we bring in-country can be used as efficiently as possible and the vaccines that fit in that criteria are the ones that are more likely to be used in-country.

But it is not going to be one vaccine for the entire country.

We are preparing such that if we receive allocates of one that cant fulfill the entire requirement, well be able to use that one first, and then as we get another one, well still be able to deliver that other one as well and using the advantages of an advanced digital age to be able to track who gets what vaccine, so that if they need two doses, they get two of the same and we pay attention to some of those details.

Asked which vaccine will be made available in The Bahamas and the discussions surrounding that decision, Brennen said as a member state of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), The Bahamas will use the mechanism that goes with approval under WHO in order to decide which vaccines we are going use.

Usually they have a very stringent, regulatory mechanism that is set up for approval in order to make sure that vaccines have been tested and we know the kind of issues that are related to them the cold chain from manufacturing to delivery, he said.

Vaccine in-country all happens in a very systematic way. And so, we use the mechanism to reassure the Bahamian people that what we are doing meets an international standard.

And so, while we are now moving in many of these areas to emergency usage you know WHO uses it as an emergency use listing, places with other stringent regulatory authorities like the [FDA] may use terminology like emergency use authorization but either way, what you are saying is it hasnt gone through what would otherwise be seen as the usual process, but because of the issues of a pandemic, theyve been approved for emergency use.

We are going with a policy decision in-country to use the approval through WHO emergency use listing or another stringent regulatory authority that says we have done the research; we have gotten the information on the vaccine, looked at that data and said it can be approved for emergency use.

And so, there are a number of those that we trust to be able to do so.

And then with some of our Caribbean colleagues, we use the Caribbean Public Health Agency and the regional authority when it comes to reviewing vaccines to be able to ensure that emergency use listing or authorization can now be translated to the jurisdiction based on what is proposed by a manufacture to be sent to us; that it still meets that same level of stringent review that has been done so what has been approved is being sent and in that approach, the thought is we would have built in some levels of safeguards to ensure what we are going to get in-country meets at least that level of scrutiny, so we can assure the people.

The WHO granted emergency use validation to BioNTech-Pfizer last December.

Other country-specific emergency use vaccines such as Moderna and AstraZeneca, among others, continue to be examined by the WHO.

The Bahamas is expected to get access to a COVID-19 vaccinethrough the Pan American Health Organizations COVAX Facilitywithin the first quarter of this year, though that date has yet to be narrowed down.

Last week, Minister of Health Renward Wells said the government plans to order nine vaccine coolers in preparation for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines in The Bahamas, and will have a vaccine facility that can hold up to 300,000 doses on New Providence and 50,000 doses on Grand Bahama.

The government hasmade a down paymentto secure 80,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to vaccinate 20 percent of the population when the vaccine becomes available in-country.

Yesterday, Brennen said while The Bahamas continues to prepare to receive a vaccine in-country, including procuring coolers and a facility to store doses, the need to keep doses at low temperatures does present a little bit of a challenge for us with transporting doses across the archipelago.

While we are putting in place the mechanisms to be able to use those types of vaccines when they become available to the country, like a Pfizer or a Moderna, we also know what would be better in our situation is if we have vaccines that take advantage of the same mechanisms that we have [been] using to keep our vaccination coverage in-country in the 90 to 95 percent range for so many of our antigens that are out there already, he said.

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Brennen: Bahamas likely to access more than one COVID-19 vaccine - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Opposition to Bahamas Petroleum Companys (BPC) offshore oil drilling activities continue to mount from within the United States and particularly neighboring Florida, with the commissioners of the city of Coral Gables having approved a resolution urging the Bahamian government to revoke the companys offshore oil drilling licenses and ban offshore drilling in The Bahamas.

The City of Coral Gables City Commission urges the Bahamian government to revoke offshore oil drilling exploration licenses issued to Bahamas Petroleum Company and urges the Bahamian government to permanently ban all offshore oil drilling activities in the Bahamas, the document states.

The City of Coral Gables City Commission further urges Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida to oppose such offshore oil drilling and work with the Bahamian government in such efforts.

It also noted that the city clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis and Bahamian Ambassador to the United States Sidney S Collie, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, Governor Ron DeSantis on behalf of the State of Florida and to all municipalities in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

BPC began drilling its exploratory well on December 20 and has indicated that Bahamians could learn in a matter of weeksif The Bahamas is an oil-rich nation.

A Supreme Court judge hasgranted environmentalists leaveto seek judicial review of the governments approvals for BPC to drill an exploratory well in Bahamian waters. The judge, however, denied the applicants application for a stay of theongoing drilling exercise.

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City of Coral Gables Commission calls for BPC's licenses to be revoked; push for ban on offshore drilling in The Bahamas - EyeWitness News