Bahamians advised to take additional funds when traveling to address unforeseen expenses related to COVID-19 protocols
By Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Oct 15, 2020 - 7:15:33 PM
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise Bahamians traveling abroad to take sufficient funds with them in the event they run into additional expenses as a result of restrictions and protocols put in place because of COVID-19. Bahamians are increasingly approaching Bahamas Embassies and Consulates Overseas requesting financial assistance related to COVID-19 testing, quarantine, accommodations, airline ticket changes, etc. The Ministry wishes to advise that our Overseas Missions do not have sufficient discretionary financial resources to accommodate and maintain persons who find themselves stranded because of a lack of funds. Persons travelling in this COVID environment should anticipate that there will be delays and interruptions in their schedules that may result in them having to remain in these overseas jurisdictions longer that they had intended.
Bahamians who are in distress should continue to contact the nearest Bahamas Overseas Mission and it should be reminded that though each request for assistance is considered on its own merits, the general policy governing the award of financial assistance to Bahamians in foreign jurisdictions is to have a family member, or some other individual, deposit with the Consular Division of the Ministry an amount equivalent to the amount requested of the Overseas Mission by the person who, because of unforeseen circumstances resulting from COVID-19 protocols requires assistance. The funds will then be advanced to the individual by the nearest Consular Office, whose funds will then be reimbursed by the Ministry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise Bahamians traveling abroad to take sufficient funds with them in the event they run into additional expenses as a result of restrictions and protocols put in place because of COVID-19. Bahamians are increasingly approaching Bahamas Embassies and Consulates Overseas requesting financial assistance related to COVID-19 testing, quarantine, accommodations, airline ticket changes, etc. The Ministry wishes to advise that our Overseas Missions do not have sufficient discretionary financial resources to accommodate and maintain persons who find themselves stranded because of a lack of funds. Persons travelling in this COVID environment should anticipate that there will be delays and interruptions in their schedules that may result in them having to remain in these overseas jurisdictions longer that they had intended. 
