Tourists Urged to ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ in Popular Destination After Updated Travel Advisory. Here’s Why

The U.S. State Department is encouraging tourists to be aware of the risks that can come with traveling to this Caribbean hotspot

A popular Caribbean travel destination has just received an updated advisory from the U.S. Department of State. 

Tourists visiting the Bahamas should “exercise increased caution” on their upcoming trips due to a rise in “violent crime” in the country, per the travel advisory issued on Monday, March 31. 

The advisory was updated to warn travelers about crime in the country, including “armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults.” While it notes that violent crime “can occur anywhere in The Bahamas,” it also highlights specific areas that have seen an increase.

“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 states.

It also warns travelers to “stay alert” at vacation rentals, especially properties that don’t offer any private security. 

This Popular Destination Just Received an Updated Travel Advisory — Why Tourists Will Need to ‘Exercise Caution’

In addition to crime, the advisory urges tourists to be aware of the dangers that can come with certain activities, such as jet skiing, boating and even just relaxing at the beach. 

For example, it warns that boating in the Bahamas is “not well regulated” and some watercraft operators are “not licensed or insured.” As a result, “injuries and deaths have occurred.”

As for tourists spending time at the beach, they are advised to “never swim alone,” always “stay alert” for sharks, and also be on the lookout for jet skis and other watercraft in the surrounding area. 

The advisory adds, “Sexual assaults have occurred on and near downtown Nassau beaches. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms.” It also highlights a rise in reports of sexual assaults by jet ski operators. 

Cruise Ship Passenger Dies While Jet Skiing in the Bahamas: Police

Travelers are also warned of the consequences of attempting to bring firearms or ammunition in their luggage as it is illegal.

“Authorities have detained U.S. citizens for several days or more after finding firearms or ammunition, preventing them from leaving,” per the advisory.

The updated warning comes after the State Department bumped up the Bahamas from a Level 1 advisory to Level 2 in January 2024, per NBC 6 South Florida. The March 31 update does not change the level of the existing Level 2 advisory. 

Per their website, there are four levels the State Department follows for travel advisories: Level 1 – “Exercise normal precautions,” Level 2 – “Exercise increased caution,” Level 3 – “Reconsider travel,” and Level 4 – “Do not travel.”

In early March, a similar travel advisory was issued for Turks and Caicos. 

The U.S. State Department encouraged tourists to “exercise increased caution” in the updated Level 2 travel advisory on March 4. It similarly warned of the increased number of crime reports in popular areas at the island destination, as well as the repercussions of traveling with weaponry.