All vaccinated and nowhere to go?!

So here you are, fully vaccinated and ready to resume international travel; but, you have one major issue, travel restrictions. During this pandemic it appears as if every country has their own protocols and they vary as much as the cost of each ticket on the flight you’re hoping to take. Some countries require a mandatory quarantine upon arrival that can last longer than your anticipated stay. According to Kayak.com, as of April 21^st, 2021, there were 7 countries open, 101 countries open with restrictions and 113 countries closed. These numbers can change with each new wave. This can be further complicated if your trip takes you to multiple destinations.

There is hope

Don’t start unpacking your bags as yet…there is hope. According to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, effective May 1st, 2021, all fully vaccinated travelers may enter the country without first having to take and prove a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test. The 2 week delay after the second dose of the vaccine, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control, is also waived as per a statement by the Bahamian Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis, on Thursday, April 22^nd, 2021. In addition, once in the Bahamas, fully inoculated persons are exempt from travel requirements to other islands within the Bahamas.

This announcement will end the prior necessity of taking the previously mentioned negative RT-PCR Test, mandatory quarantine in-place at your hotel or place of residence as well as a follow-up Rapid-PCR test every fifth day of your visit.

While in-country, this also allows fully vaccinated visitors access to indoor dining and participation in other functions at enclosed facilities without the need of a mask.

The Benefits

These relaxed measures have also attracted some cruise lines to begin home-porting from the Bahamas. According to Bahamas Tourism Minister, Mr. Dionisio D’Aguilar, in a statement on April 26^th, 2021, Royal Caribbean and Crystal Cruises will begin home-porting in Nassau on Saturdays during the summer of 2021, before setting sail on seven-day itineraries. Mr. D’Aguilar also advised that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Norwegian Cruise Lines (MSC) are also in discussions about home-porting in Nassau.

Therefore, given the Bahamas’ close proximity to the United States with direct flights from many major U.S. cities, along with the parity of the Bahamian and U.S. dollar, the Bahamas is an excellent choice to dust-off your passport return to international travel. 

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