The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is working on a reopening strategy, known as the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, alongside the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, to welcome travelers back to the country. The collaboration will work to reopen the tourism sector and resume international commercial travel beginning July 1.

The approved plan will be used as a comprehensive health and safety guide and post-COVID-19 protocol to be used across the country. The plan will include procedures for everything from entering and departing the Bahamas though airports and seaports, as well as the Clean & Pristine certification program, implemented throughout the country’s consumer-facing tourism locales and activities, including hotels, restaurants and other public touchpoints.

The phased approach will work to protect tourists and locals alike.

Phase 1 begins June 15, allowing international boaters, yachters and private aviation to return to the Bahamas. Hotels will re-open so staff can begin working on measures required to welcome guests by Phase 2. The smaller groups allow for a controlled, easily measured approach to safe travel.

Also during Phase 1, commercial airlines can fly Bahamian citizens, including legal residents, homeowners qualifying for economic permanent residency and immediate family members and spouses. Returning citizens still have to register at a Bahamas embassy and test negative for COVID-19.

Phase 2 will begin July 1, and will see international travel resume, including both domestic and international commercial airlines; vacation rentals and hotels; and all transportation, including taxis, buses and jitneys.

The remaining phases and reopening dates are to be determined.

Travelers will be expected to continue social distancing, regularly wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer, as well as pack appropriate PPE and face masks — the accessory is just as essential to the trip as sunscreen and swimsuits.

Travelers should also expect temperature screenings for all incoming visitors by healthcare personnel at airports and seaports, and will be required to wear a facemask in air and sea terminals, through security and customs screenings and at baggage claim.

Reopening will continue to be monitored by health officials and the Bahamas government. Dates are subject to change. Read more here on the reopening and safety measures travelers and locals can expect in the Bahamas.