(NewsNation) — The U.S. State Department has increased its advisory level for would-be travelers to the Bahamas and is advising “increased caution,” due to high crime rates in the country.
The increase to Level 2 follows a security alert issued on Wednesday by the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas, which warned that Americans might be victimized by gang violence in Nassau, the country’s capital.
“The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands,” the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairssaidin a Travel Advisory Friday. “In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the ‘Over the Hill’ area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population.”
Additionally, the embassy reported that 18 murders have occurred since the start of the year in Nassau.
“Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets,” the alert read. “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 hotelunless they know who it is and to “not physically resist any robbery attempt.”
“Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas,” the alert warned. “Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.”
Additionally, the agency has advised Americans to use caution when out a night anywhere in the Bahamas, “keep a low profile,” be aware of the surroundings, and have a plan in case of an emergency.
The State Department also warned that recreational watercraft rentals, tours and trips are “not consistently regulated” and come with an additional layer of risk.
“Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications,” the agency said. “Always review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities.”
The department also warned Americans not to swim alone in the Bahamas, where there have beenrecent shark attacks.
“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.”
Crime Rate: It's moderate, so stay cautious. Danger Zones: Be extra careful in Grand Bahama (Freeport) and Nassau's “Over the Hill” area. COVID Safety: No restrictions, but cases exist, so take precautions. Natural Disasters: Hurricane season is from August to October, and earthquakes are rare.
The State Department is warning travelers to the Bahamas over high crime rates in the country. “The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands,” the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs said in a Travel Advisory Friday.
As of January of 2024, The Bahamas was under a level 2 travel advisory due to crime. U.S. officials warned, "Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas."
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.
“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.
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.
Exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau) Use caution when walking or driving at night. Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings.
The Bahamas is at great risk and vulnerability given its geographical features as a low-lying, sea encircled country. If projected sea level rise is reached by 2050, between 10-12% of territory will be lost, especially in coastal zones where the main tourism assets are located.
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.
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.
Food and drink spiking is a risk in tourist resorts. Never leave your food or drink unattended. The water sports industry in The Bahamas is poorly regulated. Be careful when renting jet skis and other water sports equipment, as many companies and individuals offering water sports activities are unregistered.
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