State Department, CDC Lower Travel Advisories for The Bahamas

The U.S. State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have lowered their travel advisories for the Bahamas from Level 3 to Level 2 ahead of the holidays.

As of Monday, the CDC warns of a moderate level of COVID-19 in the islands while the State Department encourages Americans to exercise increased caution in the country due to the pandemic and crime. The CDC's Level 2 Travel Health Notice, which recommends travelers get vaccinated before visiting the Bahamas, evaluates risk based on COVID-19 case counts and trajectory as well as vaccination rates, among other factors.

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"We view this lowered advisory favorably as it is proof that our protocols and protective measures to combat COVID-19 in The Bahamas are working," Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester, Cooper Bahamas Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said in a statement. "However, this is not the time to let up on our stringent protocols which are working to keep both visitors and the Bahamian people safe. I ask that all those enjoying the beauty of our islands remember this pandemic is not over and that it is our collective responsibility to do our part to help stop the spread."

Currently, fully vaccinated visitors to the Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken no more than five days prior to arrival. As part of the Bahamas Travel Health Visa application, travelers are required to upload the results in addition to proof of vaccination confirming that they have passed the two-week immunity period such as a valid CDC card.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated individuals ages 12 and older will need a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than five days prior to arrival while children between the ages of 2 and 11 must have a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken no more than five days prior to arrival.

All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must opt into the Bahamas' COVID-19 health insurance, the cost of which is included in the Travel Health Visa application fee. The fee depends on vaccination status as well as the duration of the stay. Travelers should also remember that the visa application can take up to 48 hours to process.

For the latest insight on travel to the Bahamas, check out this interactive guide:

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