Before you book your next Bahamas vacation package, there are somethings that you should be aware of. Effective January 26th, a negative COVID-19 test must be taken within 72 hours of flying back into the U.S. including U.S. citizens. This order was put into place by the CDC earlier this month. Airlines must deny passengers boarding if they do not provide a negative COVID-19 test result or show proof of a recent positive viral test.
Keep in mind that this is in addition to needing a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than five days before you arrive in the Bahamas. Guests who stay for more than 4 nights / 5 days will require a second antigen test 96 hours after arrival.
Once you have your COVID-19 RT-PCR test, travelers can apply for their required Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs. Travelers must opt in for the health insurance coverage at the time of completing the application. The cost of the Travel Health Visa is dependent on length of stay. It is $40 pp for a 4 night stay, $60 pp if you are staying longer than that.
Bahamas Hotels Offering COVID Tests
Albany Bahamas ($25)
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar ($17)
Ocean Club Bahamas ($25)
Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort (Free)
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island (Free)
SLS Baha Mar ($25)
RIU Palace Paradise Island (Free)
Atlantis Bahamas
Tests are done by clinical technicians or registered nurses at the resort’s Beach & Royal towers. Drive-thru testing is available at the Beach ower Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm. It is also available at the Royal Tower at Atlantis in the Hospitality Suite, across from Plato’s Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. An appointment is required. Rapid Antigen test cost: $20 (Free of charge for registered guests return travel to the United States) RT-PCR test cost is $165. You can make online appts at the following link: www.atlantisbahamas.com/testing
Baha Mar Hotel Complex
This ground of hotels includes Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, SLS Baha Mar, the Baha Mar Casino, and Sportsbook & Melia. This hotel has a more intense protocol. Not only do you need the negative COVID tests that are required to fly into the Bahamas, but the resort gives you a rapid test when you arrive. They will quarantine you in a room until the resorts come back which usually takes around 30 minutes. Only after a negative result will they provide you with a wrist band so you can enjoy the amenities. To get an antigen test to come back to the U.S., the cost is $25. Optional PCR tests are available for $125. Their mandatory health insurance that runs around $40 to $60 pp, covers up to $50,000 in COVID-19 related expenses, as well as up to $7,000 in quarantine related expenses up to $500 per day. It also covers medical evacuation due to COVID-19 for up to $100K subject to medical necessity.
Please note that this information is subject to change. We recommend asking for your appointment at the time you check into the hotel.
