Travel Advisory for the Bahamas Issued Amid Rising Violence—Essential Information You Should Know

In January, the U.S. State Department elevated its travel advisory for the Bahamas to a Level 2 due to 19 reported homicides this year, advising travelers to exercise 'increased caution.'

Most of the crime has taken place on New Providence, home to the capital city Nassau, and Grand Bahama, where the coastal city of Freeport is located. The Associated Press reported that much of the violence stems from 'retaliatory gang actions.'

The revised alert from the State Department garnered attention, as it is atypical for the Bahamas, typically regarded as a safe destination and classified at Level 1, which suggests that travelers should take standard precautions. Annually, over 7 million tourists visit the Bahamas by air and sea, attracted by its clear turquoise waters, soft powdery beaches, and a plethora of relaxing resorts and vacation homes.

Given the uptick in violence, travelers might be concerned about the safety of visiting the Bahamas right now. Dinogo reached out to travel advisors and visitors in the area to gather the latest information.

Is it currently safe to visit the Bahamas?

On January 24, the U.S. Embassy located in Nassau, the capital city, issued a security alert recommending that tourists take the following precautions:

• Exercise heightened caution in the eastern areas of New Providence Island (Nassau)
• Be careful when walking or driving at night
• Avoid drawing attention to yourself
• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Do not physically confront anyone attempting to rob you
• Reassess your personal security measures

Other popular tourist destinations currently facing Level 2 warnings include the Dominican Republic, Denmark, Maldives, Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and several others. Recently, the U.S. State Department also issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, advising travelers to reconsider their plans due to rising crime rates and limited medical services.

Travel recommendations for the Bahamas from travel experts

It's crucial to comprehend what a Level 2 warning entails and to contextualize it concerning traveler safety and security worldwide.

“Honestly, a Level 2 warning usually doesn't discourage most travelers,” stated Ragan Stone, founder of the custom travel agency Ragan Stone Travel. “If you examine the Level 2 list, many countries fall under this category, including some that may not seem dangerous at all. I would advise against visiting countries with a Level 3 or 4 warning, such as Israel or Somalia right now. In comparison, the situation in the Bahamas is significantly different.”

Regarding the Bahamas, it's helpful to grasp the vastness of this Caribbean destination. The Bahamas comprises nearly 700 islands, with about 30 inhabited and 17 main islands catering to tourists. New Providence and Grand Bahama are just two of the many islands in this extensive archipelago. Even within these two islands, only specific areas require travelers to exercise extra caution.

“My colleagues on the ground have reported no significant changes. The areas specifically mentioned are Freeport and Nassau,” said Stone. “Typically, these locations are less frequented by tourists compared to popular spots like Eleuthera and the Abacos, which do not carry the same warnings.”

Nassau is a premier tourist destination in the Bahamas, featuring two major resorts: Atlantis and Baha Mar.

Stone remarked, “If you're planning a trip to Nassau, I recommend checking with your resort to ensure that security meets your comfort level. Both Atlantis and Baha Mar feature significant security measures and gated access. As a traveler, you can enjoy Nassau and feel at ease, knowing that you don't have to venture beyond the resort's premises.”

Margie Hand, a Caribbean expert with Andavo Travel, a Virtuoso agency located in Salt Lake City, Utah, shared a similar perspective. “From what I observe, it’s business as usual [in the Bahamas],” Hand stated. “Nonetheless, many travelers are opting for resorts over private villa rentals due to the heightened security offered in a resort environment.”

Hand, who collaborates with cruise lines, noted that cruises to the Bahamas are proceeding as normal.

What recent travelers to the Bahamas are saying

Paul Rubio, Dinogo’s dedicated correspondent for points and miles, has just returned from a trip to the Bahamas, where he explored Nassau.

“I stayed at Baha Mar and everything felt normal,” Rubio shared. “There didn’t seem to be any significant concern, and I didn’t notice any additional security measures. We planned to stay on the property the entire time, which wasn’t a response to the advisory.”

Pema Chinyam, a photographer and content creator for the travel blog Journey Era, also recently visited the Bahamas and observed that the environment felt secure and typical.

“My travel experience in the Bahamas was incredibly relaxed. Everyone I interacted with was friendly and easygoing. I didn’t see any increased security and felt very safe,” she noted.

Chinyam spent five days in Nassau, followed by another six days on Harbour Island, another beautiful destination in the Bahamas.

“I didn’t stray too far from the usual tourist spots in Nassau, but my friend accidentally left his camera bag on a shuttle, and it was returned to us the very next day. It contained equipment worth several thousand dollars. The locals at a popular diving site even kept an eye on our belongings while we were in the water, which made us feel very secure,” Chinyam shared.

The only piece of advice she received came from a staff member at her resort in Nassau, who cautioned her group against going out for drinks in the main area of the island.

Regardless of a destination's safety level, the choice to stay or leave, or how to navigate while there, ultimately depends on each traveler's comfort level. Feeling at ease during your travels is essential for an enjoyable vacation. If any destination raises concerns, it's perfectly acceptable to adjust your plans and consider other options.

“It’s crucial for travelers to feel confident about their trip so they can enjoy themselves without worry,” noted Hand from Andavo Travel. “If that confidence isn’t there, I’m more than happy to assist them in finding a different destination.”