The United States has updated its travel advice for The Bahamas, which remains at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution but now includes additional information “to reflect crime, swimming-related risks, and information on travelling with firearms and ammunition.”
The revisions come in the wake of a travel security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nassau in December 2024, warning of crime waves and a February 2025 State Department advisory that followed up on its embassy’s notice. The Bahamas responded at the time by pointing out that tourists were not targets for violent crime, but the US State Department has now doubled down, effectively issuing its third warning within four months for the Lucayan Archipelago nation.
Violent crime
The overview for the Bahamas, according to the US is that “Violent crime — like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults — can occur anywhere.” However, it goes on to note that “Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.”
The advisory also advises visitors to “Stay alert in vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.”
Risks associated with beaches and watersports
Water-based activities get their own sections within the US warning, focusing on the lack of regulation for boating, jet skis and other watercraft. Operators are alleged to have committed sexual assaults and to have ignored weather warnings. Beach safety is also an issue, due to the operation of various watercraft, the risk of sexual assaults again, the physical fitness required for activities such as snorkeling, and shark attacks.
As well as issues around crime and water and beach safety, the US advice warns its citizens that “Firearms and ammunition are illegal—including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage. Police strictly enforce these laws—even at the airport when travelers are leaving.” Possession of firearms or ammunitions can result in arrest, detention and financial penalties, the advisory notes.
As usual with US State Department travel advisories, would-be holidaymakers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which will automatically send messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate citizens in an emergency.
While Bahamian authorities are yet to respond to the latest US warnings, the US itself has been the subject of multiple travel warnings from a suite of European and other nations, as a result of apparently stricter immigration policies that have resulted in the detention of several visitors despite them holding the required documentation.
