US issues travel advisories for Nassau after rise in violent crime, murders (2024)

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US issues travel advisories for Nassau after rise in violent crime, murders? ›

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. The U.S. Embassy in Nassau said in its own alert that 18 murders have happened this year with some happening in “broad daylight on the streets.”

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.

US issues travel warning for Bahamas over spike in murders: 'Keep a low profile' It may not be so safe in a tropical paradise. The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning and travel advisory to Americans on Wednesday, citing the 18 murders that have occurred on the island nation since Jan.

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.

Bahamas travel advisory 2024

30 to Level 2 to exercise increased caution due to crime and water safety, according to the State Department.

The Bahamas - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime. Updated with additional water safety information. Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas 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.”

“The US Embassy in Nassau advises US citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024,” the embassy wrote in the release.

Armed robbery, property crime, purse snatching, theft, fraud, and to a lesser extent sexual assault remain the most common crimes perpetrated against tourists. Murders rarely involve visitors to the country. Drug trafficking continues to be a major concern.

While Nassau is generally considered to be a safe city, certain types of crime do occur with more frequency than others. The most common types of crime in Nassau are petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching.

Which is safer, Jamaica or the Bahamas? ›

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

All visitors, regardless of their vaccination status, are welcome to travel freely to and throughout The Islands of The Bahamas.

Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

To reduce your risk, do not go on foot outside the main tourist areas and beaches, especially if you are alone. Stay in downtown Nassau, where there are regular police patrols. Avoid unlit areas, and travel in groups after dusk. Take care if travelling on local bus services at night away from the main tourist areas.

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.

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.

Are taxis safe in Nassau, Bahamas? Taxis in Nassau are safe and reliable; you only need to ensure that you use a licensed taxi if you are nervous. In Nassau, taxis prices are regulated by the government, so if you have any doubts about the cost of your journey, it's worth checking the set rates.

Drinking Water

Tap water in Nassau Paradise Island is safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available throughout the island.