The Bahamas is banning flights from the US starting this week

Just 20 days after reopening, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is closing its borders to international commercial flights and commercial vessels, particularly those carrying passengers from the United States.

This decision has been made by the prime minister of the Bahamas due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in the US.

The order goes into effect on Wednesday, July 22, at midnight. Effective immediately, Bahamasair will cease outgoing flights to the States.

Visitors who are scheduled to return to the United States after July 22 will be permitted to do so on outgoing flights.

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There will be some exceptions as private flights, charters, pleasure craft and yachts from the United States will still be permitted. Travelers from Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union are also exempt from the order.

All travelers entering the country must present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test upon arrival. The test must come from a referenced lab and have been taken no more than 10 days prior to the date of travel.

The Bahamas opened its borders to international travel on July 1. Since then they’ve seen a “deterioration in conditions relative to COVID-19.” This emergency order will be put into place to protect both residents and visitors. It is also being placed to “prevent” the spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout the Bahamas.

“The Bahamas is reviewing and being guided by the most effective practices from around the world,” the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation said in a release.

“Reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by the Bahamas government and health officials, based on COVID-19 trends.”