Is It Safe to Travel to the Bahamas? Here’s What You Need to Know. (2024)

FAQs

Is It Safe to Travel to the Bahamas? Here’s What You Need to Know.? ›

Planning a trip to the beautiful Bahamas? The U.S. State Department placed the Bahamas on an “Exercise Increased Caution” warning, emphasizing the prevalence of violent crimes. Here's what to be aware of about the Bahamas safety-wise: Crime Rate: It's moderate, so stay cautious.

Currently, the Bahamas has a Level 2 (“Exercise increased caution”) warning. Many tourism-reliant countries, including Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, currently have Level 2 warnings, and most travelers experience safe and enjoyable vacations.

Event: The U.S. Embassy in Nassau advises U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets. Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders.

Armed robberies, burglaries, bag snatchings, theft, fraud and sexual assaults are the most common crimes committed against travellers in Freeport and Nassau. Be aware of your surroundings, even in areas usually considered safe. Keep valuables out of sight. Sexual assault frequently occurs in The Bahamas.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau offers some guidance for staying safe, advising travelers to use “extreme caution” in the eastern part of New Providence Island — where Nassau is — especially “when walking or driving at night.” Specifically, the Over the Hill neighborhood, south of Shirley Street, should be avoided.

The Abacos Islands are some of the safest islands in the Bahamas. Generally speaking, you won't find much trouble in the outer islands. Other safe islands are Cat Island and the Berry Islands.

U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, such as a U.S. passport card.

In renewed travel warnings last month, the U.S. State Department urged would-be sun and sand seekers to beware of two of the most popular Caribbean beach destinations. "Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common.

Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory, urging visitors to use increased caution in the Bahamas due to crime. "The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands.

What can you not bring into the Bahamas? ›

Any food articles intended for but unfit for human consumption. Indecent or obscene prints, paintings, photographs, books, cards, lithographic or other engravings, or any other indecent or obscene article. Underwater guns, other than the Hawaiian Sling, whereby a projectile may be discharged under water.

The U.S. dollar is on par with the Bahamian dollar and is accepted all over the Bahamas. Bahamian money runs in bills of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Since U.S. currency is accepted everywhere, there really is no need to change to Bahamian.

In general, a 3-day & 2-night Bahamas trip cost around $800 for one person. For a family of four, the average Bahamas trip cost is about $630 per day. Overall, the total budget for a week's trip should be around $5500, considering the flight, transport, food, entertainment and souvenirs🤔.

Travel Advisory for Nassau

“In Nassau, you have to be extra vigilant in the area Over the Hill south of Shirley Street where inter-gang violence has resulted in a high rate of homicides primarily affecting the local population. Violent crimes occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

The State Department considers the Bahamas a slightly safer destination, with a Level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution), due to crime.

“Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders.” The State Department is advising Americans who travel to the Bahamas to take actions like not answering the door at their hotel unless they know who it is and to “not physically resist any robbery attempt.”

COVID-19 Travel Requirements

With no required COVID-19 entry tests for travelers, The Bahamas is ready to welcome everyone to their island home, right next door. For complete information about visiting The Bahamas, please visit our government website.

18 murders reported since start of 2024

In a new travel advisory, the department is urging people to “exercise increased caution,” saying the number of crimes have increased since the beginning of 2024.

Swimming safety

Fatal shark attacks can happen without warning. Night swimming (including at dusk), puts you at a higher risk, even in shallow waters close to resorts. Paddle boards in deeper water could be at risk. The Bahamian authorities warn of a particular threat in New Providence and nearby islands and cays.

Jamaica has maintained a Level 3 advisory since 2022, while the Bahamas has remained at Level 2 advisory for years. It is essential to understand that the U.S. Department of State routinely issues travel advisories at the beginning of each year based on reassessments of security and safety.