twotall

( Tourism Today Bahamas )has Announced today That international travel to the Bahamas by private plane and boat will open on June 15. International Commercial travel will open on July 1. There will be no quarantine required.

hotfoot5

Do you have a credible link to this? That’s a new development if it’s true..

cntdr

Article from The Bahamas Tribune states that July 1 is the start of approved international travel by plane and boat.

leduardol

Here is the link to the Facebook live stream: https://www.facebook.com/tourismtoda...8182500275816/

They allude to an "online" process to apply for entry.

Kiwi Mike

there was a press conference this morning.

JAGSARE1

Negative test results still required?

cntdr

The PM understands the logistics of presenting a Covid 19 test report to the Bahamas within a 10 day time frame.
He is leaning towards no test at all. However, that is not official yet. This info is from The Tribune.

pas

A little after the 5:00 min mark he says the will start on June 15th with Boaters, private aircraft, & yachts to test, before the general opening on July 1st. also commercial air travel for Bahamians, residents, homeowners but with a negative test, not clear if that applies to the first group as well.

The Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) has received deep interest and reassurance from the boating

community expressing its readiness to resume activities upon the relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions. While this is positive, the ABM is aware that several states’ destination promotion agencies, visitors and convention bureaus are seeking federal funding for tourism promotion. This could produce domestic competition for travel out of country. Gas prices are at all time low globally – however, these decreases are not reflected in fuel prices in The Bahamas. As such, it is recommended that the government provide a re- opening incentive/goodwill gesture by waiving the cruising permit fees for a period of time.

Boaters:

• Two options for consideration regarding clearance procedures:
  - Have boaters pre-clear in Ft Lauderdale, requiring no further clearance procedure on arrival.
  - Add COVID-19 testing to existing clearance procedures and provide a sterile area at local ports of entry. Testing standards should conform to standards in the US.
  * Provide a pre-clearance on-line checklist for completion before departure.
  
• In either case, boaters must complete the Maritime Declaration of Health (See Annex C) Note: This Health Declaration Form should be available on-line.
  
• On arrival (having cleared at local ports of entry), anyone disembarking at a marina must be subject to any other test mandated by Ministry of Health.
  
• Marinas must be informed at least 48 hours prior to vessel’s arrival.
  
• While in port:
  
  - Crew and passengers are required to wear a mask, covering the nose and mouth
  
  - NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets, or cloth items.
  
• During Phase Four of the five-stage re-opening process, the ABM will observe the guidelines now
  
  in place in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is expected that boaters from Florida will be familiar, and comfortable with, similar arrangements. As time goes on, these could be relaxed after review under Ministry of Health supervision.
  

You can download and ready for yourself here:
https://www.bahamas.com/pressroom/ba...reopen-tourism

leduardol

Went through the reopen document they posted online. Here is the doc: https://www.tourismtoday.com/sites/d..._for_email.pdf

Things to note:
- Limited food in the islands. Bring your own.
- Fuel prices are high. A quick check seems to indicate all gas stations are selling around the $5/gallon mark. This were last update in late April/May.
- Same social distancing rules as the US. Boats need to be 50ft apart, no rafting, no beaching.
- They allude to a new Health Form that needs to be filled out, but there are no details about testing or the like.

pas

URGENT UPDATE FOR BAHAMAS BOATING

The Bahamas borders WILL open to private boaters (and private aviation) on June 15th. You will need to fill out pre-arrival health questionnaire and declaration that will be on our www.bahamasmarinas.com website shortly.

We will send out announcement when that form is live.

FloridaDore

Will hotels/rentals be open then as well? Or is the only lodging option to stay on board your own boat?

Ironworker

Very good news. Nothing like a week in the Bahamas to get away from the crazies in the US.

pas

My understanding is no, but I could be wrong. I have a place in GHC so I can go stay at my place.

I also think they are sorting out the details and more information is coming as the 15th approaches.

alacrity

it appears that it is open for international visitors on June 15 but hotels and other places for rent are not open until July 1.

JAGSARE1

Did read that they expect you to wear a mask at all times. Not going to the Bahamas for vacation and wear a mask.

Ironworker

Mask and snorkel

JAGSARE1

I'll look kinda funny drinking rum through a snorkel.....although I am sure I wouldn't be the first.

Onyx42LR

Yea everyone should stay home. Nothing to do in the Bahamas. I’d be surprised if they have fuel.

eric.reedy

I'm confused. The June 15th date is the start of phase 1. The statement said Bahamians and Residents can restart commercial travel. You still require an application and a specific negative covid test. Then starting on July 1st they start phase 2 still with an application, covid test within 10 days of travel and everything submitted no less that 48 hours before departure.

Did this change in today's announcement?

Ironworker

Yes it did.

There is still details to be worked out for entry on the 15th The Bahamas is trying to reopen. Be respectful around folks that can't afford to get sick.