Travel Advisory: The Bahamas - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)

Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime. 

Country Summary: The vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands.  In Nassau, exercise caution in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street). Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault occur, but generally not in tourist areas. Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated.  Watercraft are often not maintained, and many companies do not have safety certifications to operate in The Bahamas. Jet-ski operators have been known to commit sexual assaults against tourists. As a result, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to The Bahamas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined The Bahamas has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to The Bahamas: 

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is. 
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 
• Review the Country Security Report for The Bahamas. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.