Nassau, The Bahamas – The United States is urging travelers to be more cautious when visiting The Bahamas, citing an increase in homicides and other violent crimes. The State Department issued a travel advisory on Friday, warning Americans to exercise “increased caution” due to the rise in crime. In addition, the U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas issued a “security alert” the previous Wednesday.
Most of the crime is concentrated on the island of New Providence, where the capital city of Nassau is located, and the island of Grand Bahama, where the city of Freeport is located. The State Department pointed out that gang violence in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau has contributed to a high homicide rate, mostly impacting the local population. The U.S. embassy reported 18 murders in Nassau in 2024 alone.
Beyond homicides, the State Department also cautioned about other violent crimes such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, emphasizing that these incidents can occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, especially when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security may not be present.
In addition to violent crime, the State Department also warned about the potential risks of recreational watercraft activities in The Bahamas. They noted that such activities are not consistently regulated and that some operators may lack proper safety certifications. Furthermore, the advisory highlighted the recent fatal and non-fatal incidents involving sharks during water activities.
Given the security concerns, the State Department outlined a list of precautions for those still planning to travel to The Bahamas, while the embassy provided a separate list of safety measures to follow while in the country. These precautions aim to ensure the safety and well-being of travelers in light of the current security situation in The Bahamas.