Bahamas

Overview of Bahamas

The Bahamas is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the queen of the Bahamas (Elizabeth II) as head of state represented locally by a governor-general.[13] Political and legal traditions closely follow those of the United Kingdom and the Westminster system.[18] The Bahamas is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and shares its head of state with other Commonwealth realms.[81][82]

Bahamas Tribune
“I was very much familiar with the lack thereof because, even now with a label with the sticker on your car, you still see people driving as if asking, ‘why are you on the road,’ assuming that I am perhaps a fewone with a disability rather than me being a fewone who is moving a fewone with a disability to …

Bahamas 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 results must be uploaded.

The Bahamas is a member of the following Action Groups: Coral Reef Protection and Restoration, Mangrove Ecosystems and Livelihoods, Marine Protected Areas, Ocean Acidification, Ocean and Climate Change, Ocean Observation, Sustainable Aquaculture, and Sustainable Blue Economy.

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 alternative on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors.

Bahamas Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar took part in our Facebook Live chat on Tuesday, sitting down for a remote one-on-one chat with TravelPulse Canada Editor-in-Chief John Kirk.

Bahamas FA’s Vice President (now General Secretary), Fred Lunn, atseemed the meeting, there Lunn was given brown envelope with the word “Bahamas” on it, containing $40,000 USD.

The Bahamas is part of the Lucayan Archipelago, which continues into the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Mouchoir Bank, the Silver Bank, and the Ndedicatedad Bank.[79]

Bahamas-based newspaper The Tribune praised Sealey and Lunn for not accepting the loan: “The attempted bribe was an insult to the whole Caribbean.

Bahamas: These include Pitbulls, Presa Canario, Cane Corso, American Bulldog, Staffordshire Terrier, and Dogo Argentino.

Population

The 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas theoretically divided the new territories between the Kingdom of Castile and the Kingdom of Portugal, placing The Bahamas in the Spanish sphere; however they did little to press their claim on the ground.The Spanish did however exploit the native Lucayan peoples, many of whom were enslaved and sent to Hispaniola for use as forced labour.[18] The slaves suffered harsh conditions and most died from contracting diseases to which they had no immunity; half of the Taino died from smallpox alone.[21] As a result of these depredations the population of The Bahamas was severely diminished.[22]

Is the Bahamas open for travel?

Yes: The Bahamas is open for travel and visitors can move about the country freely as long as they comply with all necessary testing requirements and follow government mandated face masks requirements and social-distancing efforts.

Can I work from the Bahamas for an extended time?

Yes, professionals and students alike can now work remotely from the Bahamas for up to one year with the launch of the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program.To apply via portal.immigration.gov.bs, you’ll need a valid passport, medical insurance, and proof of employment or a valid student ID.In addition to a $25 application fee, work permits are $1,000 for the head of household and $500 for each dependent.Student permits are $500 per person.

Is a print version of my electronic Bahamas 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.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.

Want to know when we publish?

Help us change the world.Get our stories by email.

A sign of things to come?

Whether the Bahamas closing to Americans is a one-off incident or a sign of things to come is unknown.

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.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.

Why was my Bahamas Travel Health Visa application denied?

There are a number of reasons why Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications are not approved.There are a number of reasons why Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications are not approved.

Does The Bahamas require separate COVID Health Insurance?

All visitors entering The Bahamas will be required to opt in to the Health Insurance coverage when applying for their Bahamas Health Visa (more details on Bahamas Health Visa below).All visitors entering The Bahamas will be required to opt in to the Health Insurance coverage when applying for their Bahamas Health Visa (more details on Bahamas Health Visa below).

What if I don’t wear a face mask?

All persons, including Bahamian residents and visitors, are subject to a new fine of $250 or a penalty of one month imprisonment, or both if they are found not wearing face masks in areas where it is required.All persons, including Bahamian residents and visitors, are subject to a new fine of $250 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 current COVID-19 situation in the Bahamas?

As of February 1, there have been 8,174 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 176 deaths in the Bahamas, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

What if I do not complete the electronic Bahamas 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.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 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.The cost of the required COVID Health Insurance is included in the Bahamas Health Visa and paid in advance of travel.

Can a Bahamas citizen or resident planning to travel abroad for five (5) days or less take an RT-PCR test in The Bahamas prior to travel and present that negative upon return?

If a Bahamas citizen or resident travels internationally, they must secure a test in the destination they visited before travelling back to The Bahamas.If a Bahamas citizen or resident travels internationally, they must secure a test in the destination they visited before travelling back to The Bahamas.Any RT-PCR test taken in The Bahamas prior to travel will not be valid for re-entry.Any RT-PCR test taken in The Bahamas prior to travel will not be valid for re-entry.

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.Visitors will be required to adhere to all island restrictions, including curfew and lockdown measures, applicable to the island where they are staying.

Which hotels are reopening?

Many properties in Nassau have once again reopened and are welcoming guests from all countries.Some of the reopened resorts include the famous Atlantis, Paradise Island, The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons resort, the Baha Mar complex and more.

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.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.

Do I need to quarantine upon arrival in The Bahamas?

As of November 1, 2020 The Islands of The Bahamas has implemented streamlined entry protocols that eliminates the Vacation-in-Place requirement and enables visitors to better and more seamlessly enjoy The Bahamas vacation experience.As of November 1, 2020 The Islands of The Bahamas has implemented streamlined entry protocols that eliminates the Vacation-in-Place requirement and enables visitors to better and more seamlessly enjoy The Bahamas vacation experience.

How do I upload my COVID-19 RT-PCR test results to my electronic Bahamas Travel Health Visa application?

Each applicant eighteen (18) years of age or older, will be required to complete their own Bahamas Travel Health Visa Application and upload their individual negative test results.Each applicant eighteen (18) years of age or older, will be required to complete their own Bahamas Travel Health Visa Application and upload their individual negative test results.Persons seventeen (17) years and younger are to add a profile within the account of the parent or guardian.Persons seventeen (17) years and younger are to add a profile within the account of the parent or guardian.Please ensure each application is submitted with the corresponding test results.Please ensure each application is submitted with the corresponding test results.

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.Due to fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.

Is a Bahamas Travel 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.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.

How long are Bahamas Travel Health Visas valid for? Will visitors and residents be required to get a new Bahamas Travel Health Visa each time they travel?

Bahamas Travel Health Visas are valid for the duration of each individual traveller’s trip.Bahamas Travel Health Visas are valid for the duration of each individual traveller’s trip.Because a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result is required to be uploaded to complete the Bahamas Travel 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.Because a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result is required to be uploaded to complete the Bahamas Travel 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.

What kind of safety protocols are in place in the Bahamas?

All incoming travelers are required to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than five days before their arrival date (children 10 and under are not required to take a test).In addition to presenting negative PCR test results upon arrival in the Bahamas, travelers must also upload them at travel.gov.bs to complete a Bahamas Travel Health Visa application.

Is a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test required to enter The Bahamas?

Yes.Yes.All persons travelling to The Bahamas, and those travelling inter-island from Nassau & Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Island, must first obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival.All persons travelling to The Bahamas, and those travelling inter-island from Nassau & Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Island, 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.The name and address of the lab where the test was performed must be clearly displayed on the test result.

Is there a fee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa?

Yes, there is a non-refundable fee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa, which will be dependent on length of stay.Yes, there is a non-refundable fee for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa, which will be dependent on length of stay.

Can I travel to every island in The Bahamas?

All islands in The Bahamas are open to international and domestic arrivals, including commercial and private aircraft, as well as private yachts and pleasure crafts.All islands in The Bahamas are open to international and domestic arrivals, including commercial and private aircraft, as well as private yachts and pleasure crafts.

When will I receive a response about my Bahamas Travel Health Visa?

Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications take up to 48 hours to process so they should be completed with adequate lead time.Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications take up to 48 hours to process so they should be completed with adequate lead time.

Is this also true for domestic inter-island travellers?

Persons travelling inter-island from Nassau & Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Island 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 inter-island from Nassau & Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Island 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.

Where is The Bahamas?

The Bahamas is an archipelagic country comprising over 700 coral islands, islets and cays situated in the northwest of West Indies in West Atlantic Ocean.The Bahamas is positioned both in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth.It is located to the southeast of the US State of Florida; to the east of Florida Keys; to the northwest of Turks and Caicos Islands; and to the north of Cuba and the Hispaniola Islands shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic.The Bahamas shares its maritime borders with the US, Cuba, Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

What commercial airlines are flying to the Bahamas?

After all commercial flights from the U.S.were banned from flying into the Bahamas in July 2020, American, JetBlue, Delta, and United have since resumed routes from cities like Miami, Atlanta, and New York.

Who needs to complete an electronic Bahamas Travel Health Visa?

All travellers, returning citizens and residents 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.All travellers, returning citizens and residents 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.gov.bs by selecting the International option and completing all required fields.bs by selecting the International option and completing all required fields.

Which hotels are open?

Hotels and vacation rentals, including Airbnb and HomeAway, are allowed to welcome guests and the Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort has remained open to guests, with new safety protocols in place, including temperature checks of guests every 24 hours.Face masks are also required of all guests 10 years and above in all public spaces.Additionally, two of the Bahamas’ largest resorts reopened in December 2020.Here’s what you can expect.

Dreaming of your next trip?

You can withdraw your consent at any time.Visit our Privacy Policy and Terms or Contact Us for more information.

What else is open in the Bahamas?

During their time in the Bahamas, all international travelers are being asked by the government to practice social-distancing measures and are required to wear face masks while transiting through airports, as well as in transit in taxis or buses and when entering and exiting restaurants.While masks aren’t required on beaches, you must wear them when entering and exiting them.Those who refuse can be fined $250 or imprisoned for a month.

What are the Bahamas?

The Bahamas are made up of more than 700 islands.It is believed that Christopher Columbus arrived on the Bahamian island of San Salvador in 1492.At the time, it was populated by Arawak Indians.The British first arrived in 1647, and the Bahamas officially became a colony in 1783.Due to its long history with Great Britain, the Bahamas continues to be highly anglicized.English is the official language, and Christianity is practiced by nearly everyone who lives there.Indeed, the country is very religious and boasts the highest ratio of churches in the Caribbean.

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.Contact your health care professional to receive a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test.

When will the Bahamas reopen?

The Bahamas is now open to international tourists once again.

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.All travellers must follow appropriate testing, visa and insurance protocols to be granted entry to any island.

History of Bahamas

In 1492, Christopher Columbus made landfall in the New World on the island of San Salvador.

In 1648, a group of English Puritans landed, seeking religious freedom.

In 1703 Spanish and French allied forces briefly occupied Nassau.

In 1729, a local assembly was established giving a degree of self-governance for the English settlers.[18][29] The reforms had been planned by the previous Governor George Phenney and authorised in July 1728.[30]

In 1782 a Spanish fleet appeared off the coast of Nassau, and the city surrendered without a fight.

In 1818,[39] the Home Office in London had ruled that “any slave brought to The Bahamas from outside the British West Indies would be manumitted.” This led to a total of nearly 300 enslaved people owned by US nationals being freed from 1830 to 1835.[40] The American slave ships Comet and Encomium used in the United States domestic coastwise slave trade, were wrecked off Abaco Island in December 1830 and February 1834, respectively.

In 1919, the United States passed the 18th amendment prohibiting alcohol.

In 1922 brought more development to the Alaska state capital is 592 miles of!, Chowder, Chabrador lab chow mix white Labrachow, or Chow Shepherd mix, black…

In 1968, Pindling announced that The Bahamas would seek full independence.[58] A new constitution giving The Bahamas increased control over its own affairs was adopted in 1968.[59] In 1971, the UBP merged with a disaffected faction of the PLP to form a new party, the Free National Movement (FNM), a de-racialised, centre-right party which aimed to counter the growing power of Pindling’s PLP.[60]

in 1973, the Bahamas have flourished.

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew passed over the northern portions of the islands, and Hurricane Floyd passed near the eastern portions of the islands in 1999.

In 1994 The Queen visited Jamaica during a tour of the Caribbean which also took in Anguilla, Dominica, Guyana, Belize, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and Bermuda.

In 1996, the Bahamian Parliament passed the “Local Government Act” to facilitate the establishment of family island administrators, local government districts, local district councillors and local town committees for the various island communities.

In 2000, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the world’s leading tax policy forum, placed the Bahamas on a blacklist of countries that aid tax dodging.

In 2003, as the country recovered from its money-laundering blacklisting, a Mossack Fonseca employee met with a client to discuss the need for “an aggressive public relations campaign … to try to change the bad perception people have about the Bahamas when it comes to privacy.” Information was “not exchanged often or extensively,” the two reassured one another, according to internal notes from the Panama Papers.

In 2007, billionaire real estate developer Igor Olenicoff pleaded guilty to a federal tax felony relating to misleading tax returns and the quiet transfer of $196 million into the Bahamas.

In 2009, a Mossack Fonseca employee proposed transferring a U.S.

In 2009, though, the OECD put the Bahamas on the organization’s “gray list,” a less severe categorization that nonetheless signified nonconformity with international standards.

In 2011, they withdrew from the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after playing in the first round.

In 2013, ‘Spurs’ became the first Premier League club to play an exhibition match in The Bahamas, facing the Jamaica national team.

In 2014, Mossack Fonseca suggested to a New Zealand client that he use a Bahamas bank to obscure his ownership of a company.

In 2014, the most recent review of the Bahamas’ anti-money laundering systems by the OECD faulted the country on half of the core measures used to judge countries’ compliance with international standards.

In 2015, a Spanish client used the Bahamas to bank half a million dollars she did not wish to declare back home.

In 2016, the Bahamas expects to earn $17.7 million from offshore company fees.

In 2016, the Bahamas had 9.2 global hectares [101] of biocapacity per person within its territory, much more than the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person.[102] In 2016 the Bahamas used 3.7 global hectares of biocapacity per person – their ecological footprint of consumption.

In 2018, the Commonwealth helped The Bahamas prepare a law to regulate its mining sector.

In 2018, when Tether announced its banking relationship, Tether had a market cap of $1.8B and produced the letter shown below from Deltec Bank as evidence that it was fully reserved at that time (note, however, the illegible scrawl and absence of any clearly legible signatory name).

In the 1820s during the period of the Seminole Wars in Florida, hundreds of North American slaves and African Seminoles escaped from Cape Florida to The Bahamas.

In the 1930s, the U.S.