The US State Department has issued a new warning to Americans. Traveler Headed to the Bahamas due to violent crimes affecting local residents.
of recommendationwas published on January 26 and urged travelers to “exercise increased caution” if they decide to visit the Caribbean country.
What you need to know about the US travel advisory for the Bahamas
Tourists on a beach in Nassau, Bahamas, December 22, 2022.
Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images, File
According to the State Department, the majority of crimes, including robberies, armed robberies and sexual assaults, occur on New Providence Island and Grand Bahama Island, home to the Bahamian capital Nassau.
“In Nassau, the exercise has increased vigilance in the ‘over-the-hill’ area (south of Shirley Street), where gang violence has a high homicide rate and primarily affects local residents.” the government warning says. According to the alert, violent crimes occur in “both tourist and non-tourist destinations,” and the State Department urges travelers to “use caution when staying in short-term vacation rental properties that are not staffed by private security companies.” “To,” he calls out. . ”
The State Department also suggested that U.S. travelers avoid activities such as commercial recreational watercraft boat tours because these activities are “not consistently regulated.”
“Vessels may be poorly maintained and some pilots may not have safety certifications,” the State Department said. “Always check local weather information and marine warnings before engaging in waterborne activities. “and pay attention.” “Civil watercraft operators have the discretion to operate their vessels regardless of weather forecasts, resulting in injuries and fatalities. These safety concerns have led U.S. government officials to and are not allowed to use their own jet ski rentals on Paradise Island.”
Plane and signboard landing at Nassau Bahamas Airport.
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click here Please see our country information page for additional travel information.
The US Embassy in the Bahamas issued a security alert on Wednesday.recommended that “Americans be made aware that there have been 18 murders in Nassau since the beginning of 2024.”
“Homicide happens at all hours of the day, including on the streets in broad daylight,” the statement said. “Retaliatory gang violence will be the main motive for murders in 2024.”
Bahamas Travel Safety Tips
A resort town in the Caribbean and Nassau Island in the Bahamas.
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The State Department shared a checklist of do’s and don’ts for American citizens to stay safe if they decide to travel to the Bahamas.
Do not answer the front door of your hotel or home unless you know who is coming.
Do not physically resist robbery attempts.
Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and easily locate yourself in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Check out the Bahamas National Security Report.
Prepare contingency plans for emergencies and medical situations. Check out our traveler checklist.
Visit our CDC page for the latest travel health information for your trip.
The embassy in Nassau also issued its own list of safety precautions for U.S. travelers.
Use extreme caution on the eastern side of New Providence Island (Nassau).
Please be careful when walking or driving at night.
Keep a low profile.
Please be aware of your surroundings.
Do not physically resist robbery attempts.
Review your personal security plan.
This is a developing story. Please check back for the latest information.
