COVID-19 and Diving in the Bahamas 2021 Updates
It was great to put 2020 behind us but unfortunately the start of 2021 is still a tough time to travel. The ever changing travel regulations and restrictions. The worsening global pandemic. COVID-19 testing and even vaccination requirements for travel. Because of these factors, it is nearly impossible for most guests to plan their travel. Divers considering traveling to the Bahamas for shark diving will need to check several resources prior to travel. Here are the latest updates (as of this writing).
US Centers for Disease Control
The US CDC continues to recommend against all non-essential travel. They have implemented new restrictions for international air travel arriving into the US. All arriving passengers, even US citizens returning home, must have a negative COVID-19 test within 3 days of boarding the flight.
Bahamas Entry – COVID-19
Air travel to and from the Bahamas has several restrictions. What used to be as simple as booking an airline ticket is now more complicated. Importantly, to enter the Bahamas, divers will need to apply for a health visa directly from the Bahamas government. Everyone over the age of 10 will need to have a negative RTPCR COVID-19 molecular diagnostic test and the results of this need to be uploaded during the health visa application. These tests are only valid if taken within 5 days of entry to the Bahamas. The date you get your test is Day Zero.
Applicants for health visa will receive an automated response upon completion. As a result, only those who receive a green color-coded response can travel. You will need to travel with all documentation including negative COVID-19 test results.
While in the Bahamas, divers will need to report to a testing center on their fifth day in the country. Even those not staying for 5 days will likely need to devote a day of their trip to getting tested for return flight purposes, for example.
Failure to comply with the COVID-19 test requirements and heath form submission will result in denied entry.
For the duration of the visit, divers must complete a daily online health questionnaire for symptom tracking purposes.
We are certainly looking forward to getting on the other side of this pandemic. We are certain guests will be able to travel more comfortably once the virus is under control. The sharks will be waiting for your return and nothing beats a no-stress shark diving vacation.
