US Releases Travel Advisory for the Bahamas Following 18 Murders in the New Year

The United States Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for individuals planning to visit the Bahamas, cautioning them to “exercise increased caution” due to concerns about crime. The advisory is specifically directed at the islands of New Providence, including Nassau, and Grand Bahama, including Freeport.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas posted a security alert last Wednesday, notifying U.S. citizens about the occurrence of 18 murders in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. The alert emphasizes that these murders have taken place at various times, including broad daylight, and cites retaliatory gang violence as the primary motive for the killings.

The State Department’s advisory urges travelers to exercise “increased vigilance” in the “Over the Hill” area south of Shirley Street, where gang-related violence has led to a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population.

The advisory highlights the occurrence of violent crimes such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, especially when staying at short-term vacation rental properties lacking private security presence.

Furthermore, the advisory warns against engaging in activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours. The State Department notes that these activities are not consistently regulated, and some watercraft may be poorly maintained. The operators may lack safety certifications, and commercial watercraft operators have the discretion to operate vessels regardless of weather forecasts, leading to injuries and fatalities.

The advisory includes a specific restriction for U.S. government personnel, who are not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.

Travelers are also cautioned about the potential risk of shark incidents when swimming, referencing recent fatal and non-fatal incidents involving sharks.

In light of these safety concerns, the State Department advises individuals to take precautions and emphasizes the importance of awareness and preparedness. It suggests not answering the door at a hotel or residence unless the visitor knows who it is and not physically resisting any robbery attempt. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for authorities to locate them in emergencies.

The advisory recommends following the Department of State on social media platforms for updates and reviewing the Country Security Report for the Bahamas. Travelers are urged to prepare a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations, review the Traveler’s Checklist, and consult the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to their travel.

For assistance while in the Bahamas, U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. Embassy in Nassau by phone at 242-322-1181 or by email at ACSnassau@state.gov.

Overall, the advisory underscores the commitment to prioritizing the safety of U.S. citizens and provides guidance to enhance awareness and precautionary measures for those traveling to the Bahamas.