The COVID-19 Advisory Committee has approved the elimination of the requirement for vaccinated persons to have a COVID-19 test to enter The Bahamas. Unvaccinated persons two years and older however, will still need to show proof of either a negative RT PCR or Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test result to enter the country. The change in entry requirement takes effect Sunday, June 19th, 2022 at 12:01a.m.

The announcement was made yesterday by the Minister of Health & Wellness the Honourable Dr. Michael R. Darville as he made his contribution to the 2022 – 2023 Budget Debate. The Health & Wellness Minister said the decision to eliminate the test requirement for vaccinated persons was based on science and recommendations from both local and regional epidemiologists. He added that it was also consistent with regional and global recommendations noting that new US CDC travel guidelines came into effect on Monday of this week. Dr. Darville called it “good news for our tourism sector and local economy.”

Visitors and citizens are reminded to follow the COVID-19 preventative measures such as proper handwashing, mask wearing and physical distancing as these measures along with being vaccinated helps to minimize the spread of COVID-19.