Currently, Florida has no travel restrictions in place, and although this stance has not altered much throughout COVID-19, the ongoing challenges we face in travel are evolving each day.

Be smart, and use common sense when traveling – two of the most popular destinations from Florida are the Bahama Islands and Jamaica. Below you will find updated restrictions and requirements for these areas.

As with all travel assignments, our protection teams follow travel updates when preparing for a trip with their principal. As individuals, you can do the same through your own internet investigation of travel requirements.

As our motto says, we provide information for you to make “intelligent Decisions,” so don’t get caught off guard and perform your due diligence.

COVID-19 Information for the State of Florida

Event:   Updated Entry and Travel Protocols – On January 4, the Bahamian government announced changes to its mandatory entry requirements.

Due to the nature of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, entry, travel, and health requirements for The Bahamas are subject to modification at any time.

The Bahamas has suspended the mandatory RT-PCR testing requirement for vaccinated travelers, which was expected to take effect on January 7, 2022. Vaccinated travelers, as well as children ages 2-11, may continue to present either a negative Rapid Antigen Test or negative RT-PCR Test.

Effective January 4, 2022, all persons remaining in The Bahamas for longer than 48 hours are now required to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test, regardless of vaccination status.

The full details of the recent entry requirement changes and updates are as follows:

All those travelling to The Bahamas from other countries, whether fully vaccinated or unvaccinated, will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival in The Bahamas.

Vaccinated travelers and all children between the ages of 2- 11, can present either a negative Rapid Antigen Test or RT-PCR Test.

All unvaccinated travelers, ages 12 and older, must present a negative RT-PCR Test (acceptable tests include NAAT, PCR, RNA, RT-PCR and TMA).   The Rapid Antigen will no longer be accepted for unvaccinated travelers.

All children under the age of two are exempt from any testing requirements.

48 Hour COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test: Effective January 4, 2022, a Rapid Antigen Test will be required for all travelers staying in The Bahamas longer than 48 hours (two (2) nights), regardless of vaccination status.  Visitors departing on or before 48 hours will not be required to obtain this test.   This test replaces the existing Day-5 Rapid Antigen Test.  (This 48-hour Rapid Antigen Test replaces the prior Day-5 Rapid Antigen Test requirement.)

Bahamas COVID-19 Travel Information

Last updated:   12/06/2021

All air passengers two years or older with a flight departing from a foreign country to the U.S. at or after 12:01 am EST (5:01 am GMT) on December 6, 2021, are required to show a negative COVID-19 viral test (PCR or Rapid antigen) result taken no more than one day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days before they board their flight. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

Country-Specific Information

• The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Jamaica due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Medical services in Jamaica are limited. Please read our general information regarding medical assistance in Jamaica.
• The Government of Jamaica has developed “Resilient Corridors” for tourism. Visitors should expect their movement around the island to be limited.
• Large gatherings are restricted, limiting the number of attendees for funerals and weddings. Please visit the Jamaica Ministry of Health and Wellness COVID-19 portal for more information.

COVID-19 Testing

• Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Jamaica? Yes
• If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
• S. Citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test in Jamaica at the following locations: https://www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization/testing-labs. Travelers are responsible for the costs of testing. The cost of tests ranges from $60.00 to $100.00 for antigen tests and from $150.00 to $230.00 for PCR tests.
• The method of result delivery to the traveler varies by location.
• For information on limited humanitarian exemptions to CDC’s requirement that all U.S. bound travelers present a negative COVID test, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-testing-required-us-entry.html
• Humanitarian exemptions to this order will be granted on a minimal basis and will only be considered when the country of departure lacks adequate COVID-19 testing capacity. To submit information in support of an exemption, email KingstonCDCRequest@state.gov.
• All COVID-19 tests are administered at the discretion of the Jamaica Ministry of Health and Wellness. Visitors to Jamaica may be tested on arrival and/or if they seek medical care.
• If a visitor tests positive for COVID-19, they will be placed in isolation at their accommodation, intended stay location, or government facility as determined by the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness. Be prepared; travelers who require isolation will likely pay the cost of isolation accommodation.
• Release from isolation is determined by the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness using symptom-based or infectiousness period data. Release may be granted 14 days from diagnosis; however, it may be longer, depending on the individual case.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

• Has the government of Jamaica approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
• Are vaccines available in Jamaica for U.S. citizens to receive? No
• Which vaccines are available in Jamaica? AstraZeneca
• You can find the local availability of COVID-19 vaccines and details regarding eligibility here: https://www.moh.gov.jm/.
• Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
• The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
  • Effective March 4, 2021, U.S. Citizens must request and obtain a travel authorization within 72 hours of their planned travel date. You must present Travel Authorization along with a copy of a negative PCR or Antigen test results to the airline representative to board a flight to Jamaica. Read more and request the travel authorization at https://www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization.
• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
• Visitors requesting to extend their stay in Jamaica may do so through PICA: http://www.PICA.gov.jm

Movement Restrictions

• Is a curfew in place? Yes
• Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes

Quarantine Information

• Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
• Visitors to the island are requested to quarantine at their arrival location for up to 14 days, depending on the type of travel. More information is available at https://www.visitjamaica.com/.

Transportation Options

• Are commercial flights operating? Yes
• Is public transportation operating? Yes
• There are some limits to the number of individuals permitted inside taxis and other methods of public transportation. Please refer to the Jamaica Tourist Board for more information on Jamaica’s COVID-19 related transportation restrictions.

Fines for Non-Compliance (if applicable)

• Non-compliance with the curfew, quarantine, or other COVID-19 related restrictions could result in a fine, arrest, or immediate order to depart the country.

Consular Operations

• The Consular Section currently provides citizenship services to individuals on a limited routine basis. Make an appointment online for passport or notarial services.
  • If you have urgent travel and need to renew your passport, and an appointment is not available, please email KingstonACS@state.gov.
• The Consular Section is currently providing limited, routine visa services.

COVID-19 Travel Information and Forms for Jamaica