For the first time ever, travelers at a Caribbean airport will have access to TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck, the US program that lets eligible low-risk travelers enjoy expedited security screening at airports, has officially debuted at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, The Bahamas. 

Nassau isn’t just the first Caribbean airport to get PreCheck, though; it’s the first-ever International airport to do so. 

The PreCheck program joins existing US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance at Nassau’s Airport, where travelers can go through customs before they get on their plane back to the United States. 

“This is a big deal for our country and our friendship and partnership with the USA. This is the first of its kind anywhere outside of the USA. We can now boast of sun, sand, sea, warmth of our people and TSA PreCheck,” said Bahamas Tourism Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper.

It all adds up to an enviable airport experience in Nassau, one that has become an exemplar for Caribbean airports. 

“This has been an excellent partnership throughout the trial period at Lynden Pindling International Airport, and it serves as a model for further extending TSA PreCheck. Permanently opening this TSA PreCheck lane for travelers who join the risk-based program is a credit to the Government of The Bahamas and the commitment of the officers who are maintaining the highest standards of transportation security,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

TSA PreCheck is available for eligible passengers when departing Nassau (or other US airports with PreCheck), including when connecting on domestic flights after returning to the US. 

“This considerable milestone speaks positively to the benefits of two countries working together to reinforce and prioritize matters of mutual global aviation security, safety and travelers’ efficiencies,” Cooper said.

Travelers who are US citizens, nationals and green card holders can apply for TSA PreCheck (you can find more here). 

Both members of TSA PreCheck and other DHS Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry are eligible for PreCheck Screening. 

The post TSA PreCheck Debuts in Nassau, The Bahamas  appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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St Maarten is updating its travel protocols on March 1, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The centerpiece of the update will see testing waived for all fully vaccinated travelers. 

St Maarten will also waive pre-testing for anyone who has recovered from Covid in the last nine months. 

Unvaccinated travelers must, however, still provide a PCR test taken within 48 hours before arrival or an antigen test taken within 24 hours before arrival. 

All travelers will still have to fill out a health pre-authorization form within 72 hours before arrival (you can find the form here). 

The destination said it was also planning to begin a “phased transition” to move from pandemic protocols to “endemic” strategies. 

“This is not a hastily made move nor one to be confused with complacency about the situation. As we take steps towards normalcy, we will do so in a safe and responsible manner. With case numbers remaining low, our protocols have made St. Maarten one of the safest places to visit today,” said Omar Ottley, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor. “Declaring COVID-19 an endemic on our island is pivotal, and we will work for months to come to pioneer policies that prioritize everyone’s health and simultaneously allow for easy yet safe travel to and within St. Maarten. We are confident that introducing these new protocols will help us smoothly transition back to normalcy and maintenance while welcoming an increasing number of valued visitors to our Friendly Island.” 

St Maarten said it received nearly 30,000 visitors in January 2022, a nearly 39 percent increase over the same period in 2019, before the onset of the pandemic. 

“We remain as united as ever in our efforts to further reposition St. Maarten as a leading destination and to restore our tourism prestige by adapting our processes to meet consumers’ expectations and provide an easy travel experience to our beloved island,” said Roger Lawrence, St Maarten’s Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication. “As we transition to normalcy, we will continue to promote safety measures to ensure a safe and fun environment for our residents and visitors alike throughout the transition period.”

For more, visit St Maarten. 

The post St Maarten to Waive Testing for All Vaccinated Travelers  appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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