Beach bummer.
The US State Department has upgraded its travel warning for this popular Caribbean destination.
On July 28, officials issued a Level 2 Advisory that urges Americans to “exercise increased caution” in the Bahamas due to crime.
The agency warned, “violent crime, including armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults, can occur anywhere in The Bahamas.”
Travelers are advised to “stay alert in vacation rental properties,” especially in those where private security is not available.
Officials note that the majority of crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. They underscored the importance of staying alert in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have reportedly killed residents.
The advisory also cautions against boating while in the Bahamas, as according to the State Department, it is not well regulated and has been the source of both death and injury. The advisory notes that many watercraft operators are not licensed or insured and often ignore inclement weather forecasts.
Boating also carries the risk of detainment and fines for US citizens.
“Do not operate a fishing boat or other charter in Bahamian waters without a license from The Bahamas Port Department,” states the advisory.
“Police have detained American boaters and seized their vessels. Penalties include a fine of up to $100,000 and 3 years in prison.”
The warning comes after the September 2025 death of Alaska Air National Guard 2nd Lt. Robert Rosa, who was killed in a jet ski-related accident during a vacation in Nassau.
The State Department also referenced reports of American citizens being sexually assaulted by jet ski operators who allegedly took victims to isolated islands.
In April of last year, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas said that at least two U.S. women reported sexual assaults involving jet ski operators.
The embassy said three sexual assaults involving jet ski operators were reported in 2024.
Officials also noted that since August 2024, six U.S. citizens have been hospitalized with injuries from jet ski accidents.
Three of the six injured Americans “required emergency medical evacuation to the United States,” the embassy said.
Every country in the world has a ranking within the State Department, ranging from relatively benign Level 1 to definitely dangerous Level 4.
Regardless of destination and risk, the agency recommends travelers enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that sends email updates and alerts from US embassies and consulates abroad.
In addition, travelers to the Bahamas are encouraged to review information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime as well as the Country Security Report for The Bahamas.
While traveling to the Bahamas, the State Department recommends that travelers adhere to the following protocol:
- Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
- Lock doors and windows and use other security features, especially on balcony doors.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Visit The Bahamas Port Department’s website if you plan to operate a charter or sail in Bahamian waters.
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