The US State Department has issued a new warning for American travelers heading to the Bahamas due to violent crimes against the people there.
The warning, issued on January 26, urges travelers to “exercise increased caution” if they decide to visit the Caribbean country.
What you should know about the US travel warning for the Bahamas
According to the State Department, most of the crimes – including burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assaults – occurred on the island of New Providence, home to the Bahamian capital Nassau, and on the island of Grand Bahama.
“In Nassau, increased vigilance is being practiced in the 'Over the Hill' area (south of Shirley Street), where gang violence has led to high murder rates, primarily affecting the local population,” the government's warning said. According to the warning, violent crime occurred “in both tourist and non-tourist areas.” The State Department therefore urges travelers to “be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies are not present.”
Airplane landing at Nassau Bahamas Airport with sign.
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The State Department also recommended that U.S. travelers avoid activities such as boating on commercial recreational watercraft because they are “not consistently regulated.”
“Watercraft may be poorly maintained and some operators may not have safety certifications. Always check and heed local weather and marine warnings before engaging in waterborne activities,” the State Department said. “Commercial watercraft operators have the opportunity to operate their vessels regardless of weather forecasts; injuries and deaths occurred. Due to these safety concerns, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use independently operated jet ski rentals on the New Providence and Paradise Islands.”
Click here for more travel information on the country information page.
The US Embassy in the Bahamas also issued a security alert on Wednesday, advising US citizens to be aware that 18 murders have taken place in Nassau since the beginning of 2024.
“Murders took place on the streets around the clock, including in broad daylight,” the statement said. “Gang retaliation was the primary motive for the 2024 killings.”
Safety tips for traveling to the Bahamas
If you decide to travel to the Bahamas, the State Department has put together a checklist of do's and don'ts to help Americans stay safe.
Do not open the door of your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.
Do not physically resist any attempted robbery.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to find you in an emergency.
Follow the State Department on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
View the Country Security Report for the Bahamas.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies and medical situations. Check out the traveler checklist.
Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information about your trip.
The embassy in Nassau has also issued its own list of safety precautions for US travelers.
Be extremely careful in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau).
Be careful when walking or driving at night.
Stay inconspicuous.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Do not physically resist any attempted robbery.
Review your personal security plans.
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