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be accepted. The Bahamas is famous for its bureaucracy, but this seemed ludicrous. Back to the FBO in Florida to print out our visas, and good thing we did. Customs was not amused when one individual in our party didn’t bring a hard copy, but Odyssey was kind enough to print it out and run it back to customs.
Once you’re through the customs, you’re free to enjoy the islands as long as you follow a few rules: wear a mask in public places and abide by the 10 p.m. curfew. Each day you must complete a short online survey attesting that you are symptom-free and agree to continue to abide by the rules. On day five, you must take a rapid antigen test, which is easy to do at the local medical clinic.
We prefer the quietness of the Out Islands and this trip we visited Exuma with its gorgeous beaches and various small cays you can visit with a boat rental. This trip, our senses were heightened – it had been nearly two years since our last visit, and the sparkling turquoise waters, sugar-white sand, and stark rock outcroppings were more beautiful than I remember. Most all restaurants were open, and the local market had plentiful supplies. The Bahamians we talked to were respectful of the restrictions. With limited health care and no hospital on the island, they are rightfully concerned about the virus. However, their economy is dependent on tourism and we were told over and over, “Thank you for coming back!”
The weather was stellar, and after a week of complete tropical bliss, it was time to plan the trip home. Outbound,
Bahamas customs confirmed we had completed the day five rapid test, collected their fees, and we were free to leave. Upon arrival at a U.S. airport of entry, in our case, Ft. Pierce, U.S. customs stamped our passports, ran our bags through a scanner, and let us go on our way. No questions about testing or symptoms.
Are you ready to break free? Although obtaining the Bahamas Travel Health Visa and taking the day 5 test was a pain, the rest of the requirements were no big deal. To us, the beauty of the Out Islands and the pure relaxation you can’t help but soak up is well worth it. And there’s nothing like flying over the Exuma chain at 500 feet on a perfect CAVU day.
A final word of advice when flying to the Bahamas: when in doubt, print it out (in triplicate, just to be safe.)
P.S. Don’t forget to file your eAPIS outbound and inbound. That rule is definitely not one from which you can break free.
Dianne White is the executive director of MMOPA and editor of MMOPA Magazine. For a total of 14 years, she was editor of Twin & Turbine and has worked in the business aviation industry for nearly 30 years. She also serves on the board of directors for Angel Flight Central. An active multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot, Dianne lives in the Kansas City area and can be reached at editor@diannewhite.com.
Yingling
May 2021 / TWIN & TURBINE • 5