The Bahamas Got an Updated U.S. Travel Advisory Over ‘Violent Crime’

The government is urging travelers to "stay alert" in the Bahamas.

By Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny

Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region.

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Close Colorful sunrise over a Bahamian beach. Photo:

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• The U.S. State Department updated a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas.
• The agency is asking travelers to “stay alert” due to violent crime and swimming-related risks.
• The Bahamas has held a Level 2 status since 2024.

The U.S. government wants you to be extra careful if you’re visiting the Bahamas. So much so that it updated its travel advisory for the popular destination on March 31, alerting travelers to the dangers of violent crime, beach safety, and ammunition laws across the Bahama Islands.

The Bahamas has been at a level 2 advisory warning since January 2024, and the new update does not change the level. 

What do the advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State mean?
Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Level 3 (Reconsider Travel)
Level 4 (Do Not Travel)

“Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas. Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands,” the travel alert states. “Stay alert in the 'Over the Hill' area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.”

The advisory also tells travelers to be alert in places where there isn't private security, like vacation rentals.

Aside from crime, the advisory spotlights the dangers around jet skiing and boating in the Bahamas, noting that the boating industry is not well regulated and some watercraft are not licensed, which has led to injury and death. There has also been an uptick in reports of sexual assaults by jet ski operators, as well as near downtown Nassau beaches.

“Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore,” the advisory states. “Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms.”

The update also points out that firearms and ammunition are illegal in the Bahamas, similar to a recent travel advisory update for Turks and Caicos. Travelers should be careful that they don’t inadvertently bring stray ammunition into the Bahamas in their luggage. “Authorities have detained U.S. citizens for several days or more after finding firearms or ammunition, preventing them from leaving,” according to the travel advisory.

The Bahamas is a popular destination for east coast travelers seeking beaches in the winter, as well as for cruise ships. Over 5.6 million people disembarked at the main Nassau port in 2024.