The U.S. State Department has issued a tropical travel safety alert for The Bahamas.
A Level 2 travel warning urges visitors to exercise increased caution when visiting the tropical destination. The alert highlights growing crime in tropical tourist spots, especially Nassau and Freeport.
Violent crimes such as armed robbery and assault are becoming more common in these areas. Gang activity is a major concern in Nassau’s “Over the Hill” area, located south of Shirley Street.
Travelers should avoid poorly lit areas and never walk alone at night. Caution is also urged when booking vacation rentals, especially those without private security.
The State Department advises locking all doors and windows and not answering the door unless the visitor is known.
Boating and Beach Travel Advisory
The advisory includes warnings about unregulated boating practices and unsafe water activities. Some operators are unlicensed and may not carry insurance, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
Injuries and fatalities have occurred due to poorly maintained watercraft. U.S. government employees are banned from using jet skis or personal watercraft rented from independent New Providence and Paradise Island vendors.
There have also been incidents of sexual assaults by jet ski operators, particularly near beaches in downtown Nassau. Visitors should stay aware of their surroundings and avoid swimming near watercraft operating near shore. Staying vigilant in public restrooms is also recommended.
Shark Attacks Travel Warning
Recent shark attacks have led to a new tropical travel safety alert. In February, two American tourists were attacked near Bimini Bay. One woman was fatally injured by a shark while paddleboarding in December.
Another attack in January injured a 10-year-old boy inside a shark tank at a Paradise Island resort. These events have triggered a shark attack travel warning for the Bahamas. Travelers should not swim alone, avoid entering the water after dark, and monitor local advisories.
The State Department also recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and purchasing travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage.
While staying informed about travel warnings is important, it shouldn’t stop you from planning your next adventure. OneAir can help you explore tropical destinations safely and affordably by finding the best flight and hotel deals in one place. Sign up for OneAir to start booking smarter.
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