Published: April 02, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State The Bahamas Travel Advisory and Bahamas Country Information Page.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau, next to the downtown McDonald’s and across the street from the British Colonial Hilton.
Tel: (242) 322-1181.
OSAC Country Chapter
Nassau has an active OSAC Country Chapter.
The Bahamas Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Nassau as being a CRITICAL-threat location, and Freeport as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for The Bahamas, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes. The crime emergency line in The Bahamas is 911.
There is serious risk from crime in Nassau, and considerable risk in Freeport. However, incidents of violent crime generally do not occur in tourist areas. Gang-on-gang crime represents the country’s primary security threat.
The Bahamas experienced a 9% increase in homicides in 2024, registering 120 homicides compared to 110 for 2023. increase. However, these homicides did not target tourists and mostly occurred as retaliation between people with links to crime. According to sources, homicides have reduced by over half over the same time period in 2025. There were 128 homicides in 2022 and 110 homicides in 2023. Reported armed robberies decreased by 35% in 2023.
Reported armed robberies also decreased by 28% in 2024 with 265 incidents compared to 368 in 2023. Most murders and armed robberies have historically occurred in the Northeastern, Southern, Southwestern, and South-Central portions of New Providence (the island home to Nassau and Paradise Island). These are not areas generally frequented by tourists. Retaliatory gang violence was the leading motive for most murders. There was a rise in incidents of rape, attempted rape, manslaughter, attempted murder, and unarmed robberies. There was an overall drop in property crime with decreases in incidents of house break-ins, burglaries, and thefts, but an increase in auto theft. Drug trafficking continues to be the major concern in the northern islands.
Most incidents involving U.S. citizens residing in The Bahamas are robberies or property crimes. There was an increase in incidents of crime targeting tourists in 2022.. This increase in crimes targeting tourist has not been reflected in the 2024 statistics and this trend is thought to have remained consistent or decreased slightly. Several armed robberies involving U.S. victims occurred in Nassau, including some incidents occurring in areas tourists frequent. In two of these incidents, criminals pistol-whipped their tourist victims during the robbery. Most of these robberies occurred during hours of darkness, but some did occur in broad daylight. If someone demanding valuables confronts you, comply and make the encounter as brief as possible. Remain calm, be observant, clearly display your hands, and do not make any sudden moves that criminals could interpret as resistance. Instead of carrying large amounts of cash, use a debit/credit card for payments when possible. Avoid using ATMs in isolated areas. ATM skimmers are active throughout Nassau. According to the RBPF, criminals commonly use two types of skimmers – a fake overlay device or a deep insert skimming device – along with a hidden camera to capture pin numbers. Skimmers create duplicate cards with stolen information, and then withdraw money from the victim’s account. If you observe a skimming device on an ATM, take a picture of it (if it is safe to do so) and contact police immediately.
Residential security remains a major concern. Crime ranging from theft of personal property to burglary occurs, even in gated communities where vacation or temporary rentals are common. Do not leave belongings unsecured outside your residence. Vehicles, bicycles, generators, and other property will attract criminals. If you cannot store items inside, visibly secure them with a chain and lock as a deterrent.
It is difficult to assess residential crime numbers accurately, in part because some property owners compensate tenant victims personally without reporting incidents to the police to protect the reputation of communities and maintain property values. Although forced entry into residences is a concern, the combination of a residential alarm, anti-burglar grilles, neighborhood watches, security lighting, and roving security patrols serve as deterrents, pushing criminals to softer, less protected targets. Home invasions are generally not random. Do not answer your door unless you know who it is. Secure your residence even when inside. Have an escape plan for you and your family and know how to get out of the house or hotel room. Expatriates or permanent residents should consider using timers to turn on lights automatically throughout the day, especially if you are off-island, when absent. Arrange to have your lawn cut periodically and arrange to have a friend/colleague check on your home and pick up newspapers or other deliveries daily.
Home invasion, theft, and robbery happens throughout the island. Innocent bystanders can be at risk from criminal activity. The U.S. Embassy receives reports of assaults, including sexual assaults, at residences, in casinos, on hotel property, in the downtown Junkanoo Beach area, and aboard cruise ships.
There have been armed robberies at supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, banks, and residences. Perpetrators typically conduct pre-attack surveillance. There were several reports of criminals following victims after they had closed business for the day in an attempt to steal the nightly deposit. Many criminals carry weapons. Most murders involved firearms, including semi-automatic rifles and pistols. Unless provoked, criminals committing property crimes typically do not engage in gratuitous violence.
Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred. Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have also been reported. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands. Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured. Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts.
The police continue to practice assertive policing methods, which include high-visibility checkpoints, focused raids, and the implementation of shot spotter technology in high-crime areas. The police maintain a robust presence in tourist areas during the day, and have improved the lighting in areas frequented by cruise ship passengers. Public CCTV systems are located in several areas throughout New Providence Island, and police are due to introduce aerial drones for law enforcement purposes in the near future.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for The Bahamas.
There is minimal risk of kidnappings in The Bahamas. The U.S. Embassy is unaware of any recent cases of kidnappings.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Nassau and Freeport as being LOW-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for The Bahamas.
There is minimal risk from terrorism in The Bahamas. A reasonable threat of transnational terrorism exists due to the porous borders. Terrorist groups native to the Western Hemisphere do not typically operate in the northeastern Caribbean.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Nassau and Freeport as being LOW-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for The Bahamas. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is a constitutional parliamentary democracy. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ Progressive Liberal Party won control of the government in September 2021. International observers found the electoral process to be free and fair.
The next election in The Bahamas is expected to be in September 2026.
Protests & Demonstrations
There is minimal risk from civil unrest in The Bahamas. Limited law enforcement resources make rapid response to public disorder difficult, particularly on islands other than New Providence. Strikes are generally limited to industrial actions or work-to-rule actions and slowdowns.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There are no serious concerns about Anti-U.S. sentiment in The Bahamas.
Law Enforcement
The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is the primary agency that handles all law enforcement matters for the Bahamas (Tel: 242-322-4444). Officers regularly walk foot patrols or ride bicycles in areas tourists frequent. In some cases, they may carry rifles. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There are no reports of significant abuses by the security forces.
Police Response
There have been complaints that police are slow to respond to emergency calls in residential areas. In general, the RBPF responds to reports of crime and takes crimes against tourists seriously. The current police command structure is proactive about deterring crime. However, a lack of resources or physical constraints, such as geography, infrastructure, and traffic, can hinder police response. Unmarked streets and houses can impede first responders from locating affected residences or victims quickly. To ensure a faster response, victims may need to go to the local police station. Reporting crime can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process.
If police detain or arrest you, cooperate. U.S. citizens should identify themselves and request to contact the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Police harassment of U.S. citizens is rare. Attempting to bribe an RBPF officer is a serious offense; strictly avoid doing so. Do not attempt to tip police officers for their services.
Report crime to the RBPF as soon as possible. Prompt reports to the police increase the prospect they can identify and arrest the perpetrators. The police respond rapidly to crime reports from hotels and establishments foreigners frequent.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in The Bahamas, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for The Bahamas.
The constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, and the government generally observes these requirements. The constitution provides for the right of persons to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court, although this process sometimes takes several years.
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime increased by 4% in 2024 with 94 cases compared to 93 in 2023. ATM skimmers are active throughout Nassau (see crime section above).
The Financial Crime Unit and the Anti-Corruption Unit continue to conduct financial crime investigations, money laundering, terrorist financing investigations, and parallel investigations into proceeds of crime.
Import/Export Restrictions
Prohibited items include food that is unfit for human consumption, indecent or obscene images, underwater guns, counterfeit money, and items in violation of copywrite laws.
In addition to typical restrictions on firearms and agricultural products, The Bahamas has restrictions on certain fishing gear. Long-line fishing in Bahamian waters is illegal. All long-line fishing gear must be stowed below deck while transiting through Bahamian waters. Fishermen should note that the Bahamian Government imposes significant penalties for catching crawfish (lobster) or other marine life out of season, taking undersized catch, or fishing in protected areas.
To enter the Bahamas with a drone and to operate it, you must first obtain permission from the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority, whether you fly privately or commercially.
Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival.
If you have a firearm on board, you must declare it with Bahamian Customs. Only shotguns and handguns are allowed in Bahamian waters. You must provide the serial number, name of the manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. While you are allowed to have a firearm on your boat, you cannot remove it. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. In cases of emergencies, which require your departure by air, you must notify Bahamian Police or Customs. They will accompany you to retrieve the firearm and present you with a receipt. Upon your return to the island, Bahamian Police or Customs will escort you to your vessel and return your firearm. Any infraction of this law will be dealt with severely and The Bahamas has recently increased both the penalties and sentencing for violators of local firearm laws.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
