Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “New 9th edition Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas” plus 1 more
Lewis Offshore Ltd. is announcing the publication of the latest edition in the Explorer stable of chartbooks for the Bahamas: The EXPLORER CHARTBOOK NEAR BAHAMAS 9TH EDITION, which covers Biminis, Berrys, Abacos, Grand Bahamas, Andros and New Providence.
There are 80 charts in the new book. All charts have been updated with variation on compass roses for 2020, plus much new hydrographic data.
This revision includes four brand new charts:
Victory Cays to South Riding Rock
Great Isaac
Mangrove Cay
Carter Bank (larger scale)
Plus Walkers Cay (new drawing of the marina basin)
Also, you will find the most recent Post-Dorian updates on the Abacos and Grand Bahama facilities and services.
All Need-to-Know Info for each community has been updated, including many new cell phone numbers for local businesses. Land lines are still down in many areas hit by Hurricane Dorian.
Tide Tables are updated for 2021-2022.
The Table of Marinas (spreadsheet of current status of marinas) has been revised as well.
Our new Print on Demand protocol will allow us to make more frequent changes in the future.
The Islands of The Bahamas are currently open and looking forward to welcoming visitors from all countries. There are no restrictions on commercial international travel from any jurisdiction, nor are there restrictions on private planes or boats.
It is recommended that all travellers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their party at Bahamas.com/travelupdatesbefore booking a trip, to determine what steps need to be taken to be granted entry.
Those who booked travel under the former protocols that required an RT PCR test taken seven (7) days prior to travel will be permitted to enter The Bahamas with their Bahamas Health Travel Visa and negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, through November 6, 2020 only.
Travellers planning to visit The Bahamas should also be prepared to:
Monitor business websites (airlines, hotels, attractions, etc.) for changes in protocols.
Avoid travelling when they feel ill.
Follow The Bahamas’ “Healthy Traveller Campaign” which includes the ongoing practice of:
Physical distancing measures
Regularly washing hands
Wearing PPE such as face masks when appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions as of 10.31.20
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: TESTING, INSURANCE AND HEALTH VISA
PRE-TRAVEL TESTING:
Is a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test required to enter The Bahamas?
Yes. All persons travelling to The Bahamas 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.
Upon arrival, any person presenting a test older than five (5) days will notbe allowed entry into The Bahamas.
Children age ten (10) and under, as well as pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas, are exempt from obtaining the RT-PCR test.
Is this also true for domestic inter-island travellers?
Persons travelling inter-island from New Providence to other islands are required to undergo a RT-PCR test no more than five (5) days prior to travel and produce a negative result.
Persons travelling from a Family Island to New Providence do not need to take a RT-PCR prior to travel; however, will need to undergo a RT-PCR before returning to the Family Island from New Providence.
Where can I get a COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test prior to travel?
Contact your health care professional to receive a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test.
Can I use my Antigen or Antibody Test to enter the Country?
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.
COVID HEALTH INSURANCE
Does The Bahamas require separate COVID Health Insurance?
Beginning November 14, all visitors entering The Bahamas will be required to opt into the Health Insurance coverage when applying for their Bahamas Health Visa (More details on Bahamas Health Visa below).
The COVID Health Insurance will cover visitors for the duration of their stay in the event they become ill with COVID-19 while in The Bahamas.
What is included as part of the COVID Health Insurance?
Coverage includes:
Medical expenses incurred on-island due to COVID-19, up to $50,000 (USD)
Trip interruption/delay for necessary quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19, up to $500 (USD) per day/$7,000 (USD) max
Medical evacuation and/or repatriation of remains due to COVID-19, and subject to medical necessity, up to $100,000 (USD)
How much does the COVID Health Insurance cost?
The cost of the required COVID Health Insurance is included in the Bahamas Health Visa and paid in advance of travel.
HEALTH VISA
Who needs to complete an electronic Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
All travellers 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 at travel.gov.bs by selecting the International option and completing all required fields.
It is mandatory that a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result be uploaded to complete the Health Visa application.
Beginning November 14, travellers must also opt in for Health Insurance coverage.
Name of applicant must exactly match name on applicant’s valid passport.
Households are encouraged to use one email address per family/household to receive responses. Groups may opt to use the same method of collecting responses through one email facility.
Is a Health Visa required for domestic inter-island travellers?
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.
Is there a fee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
Yes, there is a fee for the Travel Health Visa, which will be dependent on length of stay. Fees include costs for required COVID insurance, as well as the rapid antigen tests for those staying more than four (4) nights, five (5) days. (More details on rapid testing below)
$40 – Visitors staying up to four (4) nights and five (5) days
$40 – Citizens and returning residents
$60 – Visitors staying more than four (4) nights
Free – Children ten (10) years and under
How do I upload my COVID-19 RT-PCR test results to my electronic Travel Health Visa?
Each applicant will be required to upload their individual negative test results. Please ensure each application is submitted with the corresponding test result.
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:
Name of Applicant (must match the name used on the application form)
Confirmation of a negative result
Type of test – RT- PCR (not an antigen test nor an antibody test)
Date the test was administered (collection date of swab), not to exceed five (5) days prior to the date of arrival
Name and address of the accredited lab where test was performed
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 exempt from requiring a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test; they will, however, be required to have their application submitted by a parent/guardian.
Proof of age must be uploaded (applicable passport page, birth certificate and/or other government-issued ID).
When will I receive a response about my Bahamas Travel Health Visa?
Health Visa applications take up to 72 hours to process so they should be completed with adequate lead time.
Applicants will receive an automated response within 1 hour of 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 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 Health Visa application is pending, visitor will receive a yellow code which means it requires additional review.
If a 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 Travel Health Visa process, or to check on the status of your application, contact healthvisa@bahamas.com.
Is a print version of my electronic Travel Health Visa required?
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.
What if I do not complete the electronic Travel Health Visa application form?
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.
How long are Health Visas valid for? Will visitors and residents be required to get a new Health Visa each time they travel?
Travel Health Visas are valid for the duration of each individual traveller’s trip. Because a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result be uploaded to complete the 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.
POTENTIAL FOR CHANGES TO REQUIREMENTS
What is the plan for the tourism industry should The Bahamas see a dramatic rise in cases?
Due to fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.
The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles, which means conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors.
Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.
Will persons wishing to travel from an island with a higher number of cases be permitted to enter an island with a low number of cases?
All travellers must follow appropriate testing, visa and insurance protocols to be granted entry to any island.
Per the current Emergency Orders, there are restrictions for persons travelling from an island with mandatory lockdown orders in place.
A person should not be permitted to travel from an island for which notice has been given of an impending lockdown order or for which additional measures and restrictions have been imposed.
Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling, by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.
ARRIVAL PROCESS: TESTING PROCEDURES (AS OF NOVEMBER 1)
INSURANCE, CONTACT TRACING AND RAPID ANTIBODY TESTS (NOV 14 AND LATER)
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival in The Bahamas?
Beginning November 1, The Islands of The Bahamas will have streamlined entry protocols that will remove the Vacation-in-Place requirement and enable visitors to better and more seamlessly enjoy The Bahamas vacation experience.
What are the updated travel and entry protocols?
Specifics of the new protocols, which go into effect on November 1, are as follows:
·
Prior to Travel:
o COVID-19 RT-PCR Test: All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more thanfive (5) daysprior 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.
· Children age ten (10) and under, as well as pilots and crew of commercial airlines, who remain overnight in The Bahamas, are exempt from obtaining the RT-PCR test.
o Travel Health Visa: Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, all travellers will then be required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs (click on the International Tab) where the required test must be uploaded.
· Beginning November 14, all visitors will be required to opt in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Visa.
o The insurance will cover travellers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.
· A fee for the visa will be dependent on length of stay (ranging from $40-60 USD) and includes expenses for COVID Health Insurance and rapid antigen testing as appropriate.
o Children age ten (10) and under will be covered at no extra charge and are exempt from taking a rapid antigen test. (more on visa pricing above)
· Upon Arrival
o Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing (if applicable): all persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.
· All visitors departing on or before five days will not be required to obtain this test.
· The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via SMS text message and email.
· Many hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.
· All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
· All other visitors, returning residents and citizens – those staying or returning to private residences or rental properties such as Airbnb – will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
o Any visitor who exhibits COVID symptoms upon arrival or at any time during their stay will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation.
· If a person tests positive they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test.
Who has to take a rapid antigen test?
All persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.
Children age ten (10) and under are exempt from taking rapid antigen tests.
Where can I make arrangements to take a rapid test if I’m staying longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days?
Many hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.
All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
All other visitors, returning residents and citizens – those staying or returning to private residences or rental properties such as Airbnb – will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
How much does the rapid test cost?
The cost of the rapid antigen test is included in the Bahamas Health Visa and paid in advance of travel.
How long until rapid test results are ready?
The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically by SMS text message and email.
What if I have a positive result on my rapid antigen test?
All positive test results are reported to the Ministry of Health who will conduct additional clinical screening per their own mandates.
If an on-island rapid test returns positive, that person will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test.
With a positive result, the traveller may either:
Leave the destination via approved medical transportation (using either insurance or personal resources)
Quarantine at their booked place of stay
There is no mandatory government facility where visitors will be sent.
How will the Ministry combat the risk of asymptomatic persons?
The Ministry is implementing these new protocols to mitigate the risk by ensuring multiple testing touch points which include testing prior to arrival as well as tracking, monitoring and an additional test 5 days upon arrival.
ON ISLAND EXPERIENCE: TOURISM PROTOCOLS
Restaurants, Businesses and Attractions
Are on-island businesses, restaurants and attractions operating normally?
Notwithstanding any public health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travellers abiding by these new protocols will be permitted to move about and explore the beauty and vibrant culture of The Bahamas beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations.
Conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors.
The current situation in Grand Bahama Island,Nassau & Paradise Island and Abaco requires increased restrictions.
Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.
What are the requirements for travellers who are staying on an island that has curfew or lockdown measures in place?
Visitors will be required to adhere to all island restrictions, including curfew and lockdown measures, applicable to the island where they are staying .
Hotel guests must stay within hotel grounds for the duration of the lockdown or curfew period, however, are permitted to move about the property and access all available amenities.
What is the status of beaches?
Beaches are operating normally, with a few exceptions:
New Providence and Abaco are abiding by weekend lockdown orders, and so beaches and parks on these islands will be closed for the weekend, from 8 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. Monday (excluding Green Turtle Cay, Grand Cay, Man-O-War Cay and Elbow Cay).
When do I have to wear a face mask?
All travellers must wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as:
When entering and transiting air and sea terminals
During security and customs screenings
At baggage claim
When checking in and boarding aircraft, vessel or other form of transportation
When travelling in a taxi
When standing in lines
When entering any establishment
While checking into a hotel
Do I have to wear a face mask at the beach?
Face masks are not mandatory on the beach but must be worn in all other public spaces that surround the beach and while entering and exiting the beach.
Social distancing is mandatory on the beach
What if I don’t wear a face mask?
All persons, including Bahamian residents and visitors are subject to a new fine of $200 or a penalty of one month imprisonment, or both, if they are found not wearing face masks in areas where it is required.
What is the “Clean & Pristine”Certification?
A Certification Agency has been established – representing a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, Ministry of Health, and other regulatory agencies – to enforce a “Clean & Pristine” Certification Program.
All tourism related, customer-facing entities in The Bahamas must verify they have in place and are adhering to the Government approved health and safety guidelines to receive Clean & Pristine certification. Adequate signage outlining policies will be clearly displayed at all locations, helping to guide staff and visitors.
What are the safety measures in place for front line staff and those that work in the tourism industry at all points of entry?
All tourism related, customer-facing entities in The Bahamas must verify they have in place and are adhering to the Government approved health and safety guidelines outlined by the Clean & Pristine certification (more on Clean & Pristine certification below).
All visitors, staff and residents are required to practice social distancing and adhere to mandatory mask wearing in public places.
What does this mean for Taxis and Independent Cars?
Passengers to wear masks at all times throughout journey
Passengers should not ride in front seat
Vehicles to reduce the maximum number of people by 50%:
Sedans = 2 persons or a family travelling together
SUVs = 4 persons
What does this mean for Hotels, Resorts and Vacation Rentals?
Extensive health and safety protocols enforced; details will be clearly stated by specific institutions
Enhanced cleaning for guest rooms
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant readily available
Employee health monitoring
Limiting guests in elevators
What does this mean for Restaurants, Food & Beverage Services?
Buffets discontinued until further notice
All meals must be served at individual tables where social distance is adhered to, or meals must be prepackaged
Disposable menus offered or displayed on monitors or chalkboards
Seating to accommodate for physical distancing of guests; limiting number of guests
What does this mean for Excursions, Tours, Local Attractions and Shopping?
Maximum number of guests and duration of guest visit limited
Guests to use personal gear (such as snorkeling gear) as appropriate
Guests will not be allowed to touch products unless purchasing
Cashless sales encouraged
Beach chairs to allow 6ft. physical distancing between family units; gatherings limited to 5 persons
Cleaning timetable / checklist to be maintained
What does this mean for Vessel and Ferry Operations?
Maximum passengers onboard reduced by 50%
Passenger seating assigned to ensure proper distancing
Vessel sanitizing:
Before any passenger embarks
Between all passenger exchanges
On high touch surfaces consistently during passage
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