Is The Bahamas Safe To Visit Now? Travel Advisory 2024
Located in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the Bahamas is a breathtaking archipelago of over 700 islands, many of which remain uninhabited. With its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and tropical climate, the Bahamas has become one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers seeking a slice of paradise.
The Bahamas are considered to be safe but tourists are advised to exercise caution due to crime in some areas and unprofessional tour activities that has recently led to accident.
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from BAHAMAS:
January 26, 2024 – U.S. Department of State updates its travel advisory with water safety warnings
Commercial recreational watercraft activities, such as water tours, lack uniform regulation, often resulting in inadequate maintenance of vessels and some operators lacking proper safety certifications. It is crucial to consult and adhere to local weather and marine advisories before participating in any water-related activities. Despite weather conditions, commercial watercraft operators may choose to continue operations, which has led to incidents involving injuries and fatalities.
It is advised to never swim alone, irrespective of swimming proficiency or age, and to always stay within personal fitness and swimming limits. There is a need for heightened awareness of shark presence during water activities, given recent shark-related incidents, both fatal and non-fatal. Vigilance regarding weather and water conditions is imperative, along with heeding any local warnings issued.
- January 16, 2024: 10-year-old Maryland boy attacked by shark in Bahamas while on ‘Shark Tank’ expedition
- January 5, 2024: Fatal stabbing marks tragic start to new year in The Bahamas. In western New Providence, The Bahamas, the first murder of 2024 occurred. The Royal Bahamas Police Force arrested a 26-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing a 51-year-old family member during a domestic altercation
- September 14: Sexual violence persists in The Bahamas. An adult man is accused of committing another sex crime against an 8-year-old girl in the Bahamas.
- August 15: Due to a rise in crime in two popular areas, the U.S. issues a Level 2 advisory for The Bahamas. In 2023, travelers to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas are advised to exercise caution, according to a Level 2 advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State. Nassau on New Providence, Paradise Island, and Freeport on Grand Bahama have all had their share of burglaries, sexual assaults, and armed robberies. These are well-known destinations with several resorts.
Travel risks in the Bahamas
The U.S. Department of State has set the Bahamas at Level 2, which is quite low on the four-level scale of travel risks. This level indicates that travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime.
Crime
The Bahamas contends with a notable crime rate, especially within urban zones like Nassau. Travelers are advised to exercise caution, refraining from flaunting valuable possessions like jewelry, cameras, or phones. It’s advisable to avoid solitary walks at night, especially in areas with inadequate lighting.
Water-related Dangers
The Bahamas is renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters; however, it’s important to be aware of potential hazards for tourists. These include strong currents, riptides, and potentially dangerous marine life. To ensure safety, travelers should heed all posted warnings and refrain from swimming alone or in unguarded areas. Additionally, in some regions, there might be a higher risk of shark encounters, so it’s advisable to stay informed about any posted advisories or warnings.
Natural disasters
The Bahamas, situated in a hurricane-prone region, especially during the June to November hurricane season, requires visitors to stay well-informed about weather conditions and establish an emergency plan. It is strongly advisable to secure travel insurance for trips to the Bahamas due to the possibility of disruptions caused by severe weather.
Health Risks
There are some health risks associated with travel to the Bahamas, including mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika, dengue fever, and chikungunya. Visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and staying in accommodations with screens on doors and windows. Travelers should also be up to date on routine vaccinations and consult with a healthcare provider if any symptoms develop on vacation in the Bahamas.
Areas to avoid in the Bahamas
With so many places to see and do, this short list of areas that tourists should avoid in the Bahamas won’t dampen your trip at all.
Some areas that may be considered at higher risk include parts of Nassau, particularly the Over-the-Hill area, which is south of Shirley Street, and some neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. There have been incidents of armed robberies and sexual assaults reported in some areas of the Bahamas, particularly on New Providence Island, which is where Nassau is located.
Another area to avoid is Grand Bahama in Freeport. Most of violent crime is gang-related, but it’s important to stay clear of areas where violence could erupt with little warning.
Staying within tourist areas, keeping with your group and avoiding risky personal behavior should keep you safe during your visit to the Bahamas. If you do all those things, there’s no reason you should delay your trip to this magical place.