On most Out Islands, business is back to a skewed sense of normalcy. Restaurants, bars, and shops are open, curfews have been lifted, visitors visit, locals mingle, and island life resumes its quiet pace.
Despite the rigorous, and at times, inoperable protocols to enter the Bahamas, visitors have continuously opted to run the entry gauntlet in order to escape lockdowns elsewhere in the world. Longer-term short-term rentals are negotiated with homeowners as many people whose jobs have moved online now have the freedom to work from anywhere there is the internet. They figure it would be better to be in paradise than locked inside in a northern climate.
Although there are lingering concerns for health and safety, most Bahamians welcome visitors with open arms. Our tourist-dependent economy has been devastated and many are struggling financially. In Harbour Island, the Harbour Island Food Bank, a donation-based organization, has been providing food security to those in need in North Eleuthera and Harbour Island who lost income as a result of the lockdowns, but otherwise, there is very little social support for those in need.
While Nassau and Grand Bahama are supported in part by the banking, finance, shipping, and construction industries, the remainder of the GDP of the Out Islands is derived solely from tourism, which means if you are itching to go on a short-term or long-term hiatus, I urge you to consider the Out Islands of the Bahamas.
1. We need visitors
As a tourism-dependent country, the Bahamas, especially the Out Islands has been hit hard. With limited government support, many Bahamians are struggling to stay afloat. By choosing to visit and support local hotels, restaurants, shops, and transportation services, this flushes into the local community. When visitors circulate and spend USD it contributes to the buying power of the Bahamas.
2. We are open
Foreigners may enter the Bahamas by following the correct protocols. Keep in mind that each island has slightly different rules. Harbour Island is completely open, but neighboring Eleuthera still has a 10 pm-5 am curfew in effect. In the Abacos, only outdoor dining is permitted. On certain islands, spas and gyms remain closed.
3. Outdoor living & dining
For those concerned about getting cozy with other people, luckily in the Bahamas, there’s plenty of outdoor space with fresh air wherever you go. Most restaurants offer outdoor dining with no heat lamp involved.
4. Entry Protocols
Everyone must receive a negative PCR test no more than 5 days prior to entry. Once a negative test is received, travelers are required to fill out a health visa. While the expense adds up, some visitors and residents feel these protocols have given them peace of mind since any non-Bahamian with a positive test is not allowed to enter, and Bahamian residents who test positive must quarantine for two weeks upon arrival.
5. BEATS
The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay program is available as a residency permit for those that wish to live and work in the Bahamas. Upon demonstrating financial means of supporting yourself, this permit is valid for one year and can be renewed. Bring your laptop and work or study from any of our 700 islands!