Vacation makers travelling to The Bahamas will now be required to prove that they aren't infected with COVID-19 before they can step foot inside the country. 

In a statement released today, The Bahamas Ministry of Health advised prospective visitors that they must complete a Health Visa application and present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test.

The Government of The Bahamas will accept the negative swab test only if the sample was taken within ten days of arrival. 

"The Health Visa application process will take twenty-four to forty-eight hours and should be completed before departure from the place of embarkation," they advise.

If approved, applicants will receive a green colour-coded response, as proof of permission to travel. This confirmation must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas.  People who fail to comply with the requirements will be denied entry. 

"The Islands Of The Bahamas are preparing to re-open our borders and welcome international travelers back to our beautiful island nation," reads a statement on the Tourism Bahamas website.

"The health & wellbeing of our residents and visitors is our number one priority, and we are putting even greater emphasis on making sure The Bahamas is safe and clean for all to enjoy."