As COVID-19 cases continue to rise around the world with the United States as the new epicenter, many places are essentially closing their borders to Americans.
And while this popular Caribbean destination recently welcomed Americans with open arms…
…they’ve now joined the club and essentially pulled the plug banning all Americans from entering whether by plane or vessel unless they agree to self-quarantine for 14-days at a government facility.
SAY WHAT?!
Oh yeah, and they expect you to pay for your jail sentence too.
Just last week, the beloved Bahamas shut their borders to all Americans (unless they were able to enter via a private jet or vessel).
And while some Americans could have afforded to rent their own jet, most of us can’t afford such a luxury.
But now, they’ve changed their minds again hoping to appear more “welcoming”.
Over the weekend government officials reversed their ban and are now allowing Americans (and anyone else) to enter…
… but they are forcing all tourists to quarantine for 14-days (while paying for it themselves) at a government facility.
So basically, pay for a “vacation” to the Bahamas and fork over extra cash to spend your time in a government facility.
Yeah, no thanks.
The “new normal” is solemnly starting to sink in, and while the American passport was once seen as a ticket to travel anywhere, it’s now a scarlet letter.
In the past, what country would actually resist an American from entering its borders and spending money?
Turns out now, just about nearly every single one.
But the Bahamas?!?
Yes, even the Bahamas.
Prime Minister Hubert Minnis issued a statement last week banning all international commercial flights and vessels from entering (except for flights from Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union).
But he didn’t stop there.
Just in case there was any question of his crackdown on endangering his people, he further issued travel restrictions to the United States.
Travel and Leisure reported:
“In addition to incoming flights, Minnis said Bahamasair “will cease outgoing flights to the United States of America, effective immediately.” Private international flights and yachts from the U.S., however, will continue to be allowed, but all visitors will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no later than 10 days before traveling.”
The U.S. Embassy In The Bahamas has since updated its website to warn Americans about the new mandate.
“All travelers entering The Bahamas via commercial air (regardless of country of origin, including the United States) must undergo a 14-day quarantine in a government facility upon arrival, at their own expense, to be followed by an RT PCR COVID-19 molecular test at the end of the quarantine period.
The above 14-day quarantine applies to persons entering The Bahamas via commercial air. It does not apply to private flights, charter flights, pleasure craft, or yachts (from any country).”
We’ve literally entered an alternate reality.
If you want to enter the Bahamas, pay for your own jail stay in a government facility or don’t come.
Ridiculous.
Since the USA is used to being the one issuing the travel bans, this comes as shock to many, but should serve as a wake-up call.
The United States is not immune from COVID-19 cases.
And since some folks still refuse to take precautions, the entire country must now suffer under mask mandates and travel bans.
Countries are so terrified of Americans giving them COVID-19, they are willing to risk losing millions of dollars from travelers to protect their own people.
In fact, most of the travelers to the Bahamas are from the United States, and this latest ban is bound to hurt their tourism industry big time.
But still, it’s clear Americans are not welcome.
So, if you were thinking about a cruise to the Bahamas anytime soon – you better have your own private vessel.
It’s unknown how long the 14-day quarantine will last, but one can only expect to see more countries shut their doors and issue ridiculous mandates as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
If you’re looking for a tropical vacation – you can still go to Hawaii – although you’ll be forced to prove you don’t have COVID-19 before entering or face a quarantine.
With no option as a good option, many Americans are sitting this summer out and forgoing their travel plans all together.
Talk about the worst summer ever!
But this too, shall pass.
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