Bahamas Scuba Diving Travel Rules Amidst COVID19

The COVID19 virus has affected the world including the scuba diving industry. But since the vaccine rollout, lockdowns have been lifted and restrictions have been loosened. Some countries have opened up their doors to tourists including the Bahamas.

If you have been itching for your next dive trip, the Bahamas is the perfect destination. It is accessible from the United States. Visiting the Bahamas will treat scuba divers to breathtaking views.

It has 16 major islands that will expose you to magnificent, warm, and clean waters, home to diverse marine life. Explore tidal blue holes, caverns, and underwater caves, natural and artificial wrecks like nowhere else. Once you have tried scuba diving in the Bahamas, you will be hooked on more scuba diving trips.

COVID19 Updates

With the surge of the Omicron COVID19 variant, travel requirements have changed again. Know the COVID19 updates for scuba divers to determine whether it is safe to travel again or to just stay home until the situation is looking much better.

As of December 27, 2021, the Bahamas requires fully vaccinated incoming travelers to secure a COVID29 test either through RT-PRC or Rapid Antigen Test (negative result) taken no more than three (3) days before the arrival.

A Rapid Antigen Test is also required for ALL incoming travelers to the Bahamas from other countries who will be staying more than 48 hours or two (2) nights. This mandate was effective since January 4, 2022 regardless of the vaccination status.

For Unvaccinated Travellers

Effective January 7, 2022, unvaccinated incoming travelers to the Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (including PCR, NAA, NAAT, TMA, or RNA) test. Also, all unvaccinated tourists are required to complete a health questionnaire upon arrival and each day for 14 days or throughout the stay, whichever is shorter.

The Bahamas is only accepting fully inoculated persons from the following vaccine brands: Moderna, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and Covaxin. Tourists vaccinated with other brands or non-approved brands will follow the same protocol for unvaccinated persons.

The Bahamas requires all visitors from other countries, returning residents, and citizens regardless of vaccination status to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa for $40-$50.