Travel health visas are no longer required for domestic travel in The Bahamas, and as of October 1, Bahamians and residents of The Bahamas, whether vaccinated against COVID-19 or not, will no longer have to pay travel health visa fees to travel internationally.

However, a negative rapid antigen test result, no more than five days old, is now required for all individuals seeking to travel domestically, no matter which island they are departing from.

Unvaccinated individuals traveling from New Providence and Grand Bahama are still required to obtain a negative PCR test no more than five days old.

Bahamian citizens and residents will also not be required to take an antigen test five days after entering The Bahamas, which was previously required for unvaccinated people coming to the country. 

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Michael Darville said on Friday that he believes the changes to the emergency order “will lift a considerable financial burden from travelers while at the same time ensuring health safety for the general public”.

Prior to the changes, the travel health visa for domestic travel was free for vaccinated individuals and $25 for unvaccinated individuals. The visa for international travel was free for fully-vaccinated individuals and $40 for those who are unvaccinated.

Initially, the amended emergency order did not specify when the changes will take place.

Some Bahamians filling out travel health visa applications to return to the country complained that they were still being required to pay.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian