Bahamas Announces New Travel and Testing Protocols

Image: National flag of The Bahamas. (Photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus/barbaraaaa)
Image: National flag of The Bahamas. (Photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus/barbaraaaa)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:17 AM ET, Fri October 2, 2020

The Bahamas announced it would remove the mandatory quarantine for tourists starting on November 1 as long as they pass a coronavirus test before arriving.

Officials revealed The Bahamas would reopen to international tourism on October 15, but all travelers arriving to the island chain will be required to quarantine for 14 days or the length of their stay, whichever is shorter.

Then on November 1, any tourists arriving in The Bahamas with a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than seven days before their travel will be able to skip the mandatory "Vacation in Place" requirement.

Travelers will also need to take a rapid antigen test when they arrive on the islands and again four days later. Once cleared, tourists will be permitted to explore the destination while still following the country's safety protocols.

Some of the health regulations that government officials put in place include mandatory facial coverings in all public places, social distancing guidelines and more.

Only children under the age of 10 and pilots and crew members on commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas will be exempt from obtaining the RT-PCR test.

Earlier this week, American Airlines announced it was working with international governments to begin offering pre-flight COVID-19 testing for travelers flying to other countries, including The Bahamas.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 3Monday, November 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Watch Now!
River Cruises PlusMonday, October 26, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, TravelPulse and leaders from top river cruise companies to get the...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 3Monday, November 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Watch Now!
River Cruises PlusMonday, October 26, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, TravelPulse and leaders from top river cruise companies to get the...