Bahamas replaces quarantine for vacationers with COVID-19 test, insurance requirement

Though staying in quarantine for 14 days at a Bahamas resort may not seem like punishment, it will no longer be necessary for visitors under new coronavirus rules.

On Sunday, the Bahamas ended its "vacation in place" requirement, which had been in effect since early September.

Still, the Bahamas will require visitors to show a negative PCR swab test for COVID-19, obtain a health travel visa, submit to a daily questionnaire and take a subsequent rapid antigen test during the visit, if staying for more than five days.

Face masks and social distancing are required in public spaces.

Starting Nov. 14, visitors will be required to obtain COVID-19 health insurance when they apply for the health travel visa. 

The cost is $40 for visitors staying no more than four nights and five days. The cost is $60 for visitors staying more than four nights. Children 10 and under are exempt from the testing requirement, and the COVID-19 insurance is free for them.

Anyone staying more than five days will need to take a second COVID-19 test. This test will be the rapid antigen test that yields a result in about an hour. A positive result would require the visitor to take another PCR swab test, which is considered more accurate.

Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be required to take a rapid antigen test and receive a negative result before they are allowed to continue with their vacation.

Under the old protocols, visitors were required to take a PCR swab test seven days before arrival. Those who booked their travel under these requirements may enter the country through Friday. For everyone else, the PCR swab test must be taken five days before arrival.

As of Oct. 29, the Bahamian Ministry of Health reported a total of 6,644 cases of COVID-19 and 142 deaths.