Covid 19 Protocols for travel to the Bahamas have changed!!

For travel updates visit https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates.

*Please note: testing requirements have changed for vaccinated travelers

STEP 1: Testing Requirements

VACCINATED TRAVELERS

https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates

• Effective immediately, a Bahamas citizen or resident who is fully vaccinated – after receiving their second dose – will be exempted from COVID-19 testing requirements when traveling inter-island from New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera.
   

• Effective May 1, 2021, visitors traveling to The Bahamas from other countries who are fully vaccinated and have passed the two-week immunity period will be exempted from COVID-19 testing requirements for entry and inter-island travel.

UNVACCINATED TRAVELERS

• • Unvaccinated travelers entering The Bahamas and/or those traveling inter-island from Nassau & Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, Abaco, Eleuthera or Harbour Island, must obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR (swab) test taken no more than 5 days prior to the date of arrival. Test must return a negative result for entry into The Bahamas.

• •  Children 10 and under, and pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The    Bahamas are not required to take a test.

    • Any person presenting test results older than 5 days will not be allowed entry into The Bahamas.

    • Negative PCR test results must be uploaded in order to complete a Bahamas Travel Health Visa application, and must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas.

Specifics are as follows:
 

Prior to Travel:

• Bahamas Health Travel Visa: Once in possession of a VACCINATION TEST CERTIFICATE or negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test,
 all travelers will then be required to apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at
https://travel.gov.bs/ (click on the International Tab) where the required test must be uploaded.

The cost of the visa will depend on the length of stay.
Upon Arrival
Day of Arrival: Rapid Test – All persons entering The Bahamas, at an approved Port of
Entry, will receive a Rapid COVID-19 antigen test.

American Airlines has indicated that, beginning in late October, they wish to provide
each passenger traveling to The Bahamas from Miami with a Rapid COVID-19 antigen
test before boarding the plane. These passengers, along with the passengers of any
other airlines wishing to provide a similar service, will not be required to complete the
Rapid Test upon arrival in The Bahamas.
After Arrival
• Day Five (96 hours after arrival): Rapid Test – All persons who entered The Bahamas,
and who are staying longer than four nights and five days, will be required to take a
second Rapid COVID-19 antigen test. To be clear, all visitors departing on Day Five will
not be required to obtain this test.
The cost of the rapid tests on and after arrival will be included in the cost of the visa.
The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 20 minutes or less with results being
provided electronically.
Many hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others
will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.
 

The On Island Experience:

All islands in The Bahamas require the wearing of masks and appropriate social distancing in
public places.
The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19
throughout the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case.
The health and well being of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority of our
public health officials. It is important to note, however, that due to fluidity of the COVID-19
situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.

TO OUR USA GUESTS RETURNING HOME

You may be aware of the New Requirement for All Air Passengers Traveling to the USA Starting- January 26, 2021.  All air passengers traveling into the United States, including by private flights, air charter, and general aviation aircraft, will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 Antigen Rapid test result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. All passengers must complete an attestation affirming their compliance with the CDC requirements and provide it to their aircraft operator. The test must be taken within three days before their flight to the USA departs. Before boarding the flight, they must provide proof of the negative result, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline. Fortunately, the existing Bahamas Travel Health Visa website will include the ‘USA Arrivals Test’ for a nominal fee.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

There is a rapid antigen testing site in close proximity to the resort in George Town. The clinic, Di-Ara is closed on the weekends

Guest COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test 

The government of The Bahamas requires a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test after five days in country. This test is included in the cost of your Travel Visa. If a test is taken before the 5th day the cost is the responsibility of the traveler at a rate of $40.

The USA government requires a negative COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test within 3 days of your return to the US. This includes travelers staying in The Bahamas for less than five days regardless of vaccination status.

Di-Ara Clinic in Georgetown Exuma is a registered facility and can complete the COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am - 4pm and on Saturdays (by appointment only) between the hours of 10am - Noon. 

Transport can be arranged with your Resort GM Dario at the time of arrival.

WHAT WILL YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH US AT SAINT FRANCIS BE LIKE?

For your protection, and that of fellow guests, and employees, we ask for your cooperation as we have made the following temporary modifications to our customer service protocols:

– You will be required to wear a face mask in all common interior areas and when walking to and from the room, as well as during any interaction with staff.

– We ask you to practice social distancing by staying 6 feet from other people, space permitting.

– For your protection, and those of our team members, no employee will enter your room during your stay, apart from emergency maintenance. This means there will be no housekeeping service, but towels, linen, and bathroom amenities will be delivered upon request, in a con-tactless manner, as well as retrieving any trash. Please feel free to speak to our Front Desk  regarding any special requests.

– Our restaurant, when open, will serve Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, with tables spaced out according to social distancing requirements, and bar service will only be for outdoor consumption and service.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Our team is committed to providing every guest with the peace of mind to relax and enjoy their time with us.

– All team members are screened for COVID symptoms before their shifts and are instructed to stay home if they do not feel well.

– Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be worn by all team members, based on their role and responsibilities, and in adherence to local regulations and guidance. This includes masks, gloves, and goggles.

– Our team is trained on how to respond swiftly in handling guests or associates exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19.

SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING

Social and physical distancing is one of the most effective tools used to control and reduce the spread of Coronavirus, and we appreciate your cooperation for the safety of other guests and our staff.

– Seating in all public areas is positioned at least 6 feet apart.

HAND SANITIZER

Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed at all guest and employee entrances and contact areas such as dining areas

ENHANCED CLEANLINESS STANDARDS

Our cleaning protocols include EPA-approved disinfectants that meet CDC requirements for use and are effective against viruses, bacteria, and other airborne and bloodborne pathogens.

PUBLIC AREAS

– High touch areas, such as but not limited to doors, door handles, handrails, furniture in public spaces, signature pads, and credit card readers are cleaned and sanitized on a frequent and routine basis.

– Our team upholds a strict schedule of routine hand sanitation throughout their time on the property.

– Public restrooms are cleaned with increased frequency with locks, toilet seats, sinks, faucets, and doors being disinfected during each service.

GUEST ROOMS

– Rooms are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected upon departure, including the use of hospital-grade disinfectants.

High touch areas, such as, but not limited to door handles, light switches, thermostats, lamps, power outlets, remote controls, and sinks and faucets, are cleaned and sanitized in an enhanced manner.

For our guests’ safety we have removed numerous touch points in our guest rooms such as hairdryers, coffee makers, cups and ice buckets. Please ask the Front Desk if you require any of these items.

We have put in place measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Guests are responsible for abiding by any rules or guidelines we have put in place for their protection. Guests understand that there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where other people are present.