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The Bahamas Is Opening To Tourists Next Month

The Bahamas Is Opening To Tourists Next Month

This is a step in the right direction!

Lucy Devine

Lucy Devine

Dig out your bikinis, guys, because the Bahamas is reopening for tourists on 1st July! Yass.

Three months on from the country implementing a travel ban due to the coronavirus outbreak, the country is now set to reopen for international tourists at the start of July.

Of course, there will be plenty of restrictions and safety measures in place - and it's worth noting that in the UK, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) are still advising against travel - but it's certainly a step in the right direction.

"We must remember that we are living in a new normal in the wake of COVID-19 and a lot is going to change across the tourism sector," said the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Director General, Joy Jibrilu.

"We are putting an even greater emphasis on making sure The Bahamas is safe and clean for everyone, and look forward to once again providing travellers with the tropical experience our islands are known for."

Tourists are welcome to visit all the islands in the Bahamas, but there will be a number of restrictions in place, outlined in the country's Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan.

These include tourists having their temperature checked at airports and wearing face masks in certain situations "where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, while navigating security and customs screenings, and at baggage claim."

Get us to the beach ASAP! (
Unsplash)

Taxi drivers are not allowed to have passengers sitting in the front seat and capacity for each taxi must be cut by 50 per cent to ensure safe distancing. Masks must also be worn in cabs.

In hotels, hand sanitiser will be available throughout and lift capacity will be capped. When it comes to food preparation, buffets are not permitted and some meals will be pre-packaged.

Of course, no one wants to spend their hol locked in the hotel - so what are tourists allowed to do?

Well, they can leave the resort for the likes of excursions and shopping - but of course, stores have their own restrictions in place.

Beaches are open, but beach loungers must be two metres apart, as per distancing measures.

The country will be welcoming tourists from 1st July (
Unsplash)

Of course, with the current UK FCO guidelines, it's not advisable to jet off just yet - and international arrivals into the UK are currently required to isolate for 14 days.

However, if you fancy doing some research to get ahead for when Brits can travel safely, Lastminute.com is offering some great deals, with prices starting at approximately £1,200 per person for a week's hol.

Just the thought of sipping a cocktail on the beach is getting us *so* excited...

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Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

Topics: Life News, News, Coronavirus, travel, Holiday