Tejal Somvanshi
The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for The Bahamas, maintaining the country at Level 2 status but adding new warnings about crime and water safety risks. The revised advisory, issued on March 31, 2025, urges travelers to “exercise increased caution” when visiting the popular Caribbean destination. This update maintains the same Level 2 status that was previously in place since January 2024.
Rising Crime Concerns
Violent crime remains the primary concern behind the advisory. Armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults can happen anywhere in The Bahamas, though most incidents occur in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands.
The advisory specifically warns about the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gang violence has resulted in resident fatalities. Travelers staying in vacation rental properties without private security are advised to be particularly vigilant.
Water Safety Risks
The updated advisory highlights several water-related dangers that travelers should be aware of:
- Poorly regulated boating activities have led to injuries and deaths
- Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have been reported
- U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise Islands
- Many watercraft may be unsafe, with operators who are neither licensed nor insured
- Swimmers should never swim alone and should be aware of their physical capabilities
- Shark attacks have caused serious injuries and deaths in recent years
In February this year, two American tourists were attacked by a shark at Bimini Bay. Both were airlifted to New Providence for treatment. In December 2023, Lauren Erickson Van Wart, a 44-year-old from Massachusetts, was killed by a shark while paddle boarding near New Providence Island. Just a month later, in January 2024, a 10-year-old boy from Maryland was bitten on the leg by a shark in a shark tank at a resort on Paradise Island.
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Strict Firearm Laws
The advisory emphasizes The Bahamas’ strict laws against firearms and ammunition. Even small quantities brought inadvertently in luggage can result in arrest, jail time, and fines. U.S. citizens have been detained for several days or longer after authorities discovered firearms or bullets in their possession, even when attempting to leave the country.
Safety Recommendations
For those planning to visit The Bahamas, the State Department offers these safety tips:
- Do not answer your hotel or residence door unless you know who is there
- Keep doors and windows locked, especially balcony doors
- Avoid physically resisting any robbery attempt
- Check luggage carefully for prohibited items before departing the U.S.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation assistance, medical coverage, and trip cancellation protection
Impact on Cruise Travel
The advisory affects a popular destination for cruise passengers. Several cruise lines, including Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean, operate routes that stop in The Bahamas. The Carnival Dream and Carnival Miracle are scheduled to sail to Celebration Key, an exclusive destination island in the Bahamas, beginning in July.
For travelers planning to visit The Bahamas, the State Department is not discouraging travel altogether but recommends increased awareness and caution. The advisory is part of the State Department’s four-tier system where Level 1 means “exercise normal precautions” and Level 4 means “do not travel.”
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation has not yet issued an official response to the updated advisory.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bahamas is currently under a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department, which means “exercise increased caution” rather than avoiding travel entirely. The advisory highlights risks of violent crime, particularly in Nassau and Freeport, as well as water safety concerns including shark attacks. While tourism continues, travelers should take extra precautions, especially in areas like Nassau’s “Over the Hill” neighborhood and when staying in vacation rentals without private security.
The main crime concerns are armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults, which can occur throughout The Bahamas but are most common in Nassau and Freeport. Gang violence is specifically mentioned in the “Over the Hill” area of Nassau. Vacation rental properties without private security are considered higher risk. Water-related crimes have also been reported, including sexual assaults by jet ski operators and near downtown Nassau beaches.
Yes, shark attacks are a legitimate concern mentioned in the travel advisory. Recent incidents include a fatal attack in December 2023 that killed a 44-year-old paddleboarder from Massachusetts near New Providence Island, a shark bite on a 10-year-old boy in January 2024 at a resort on Paradise Island, and an attack on two American tourists at Bimini Bay in February 2025. The State Department explicitly warns travelers to stay alert for sharks, as attacks have led to serious injuries and death.
No. The Bahamas has strict laws prohibiting firearms and ammunition, including small quantities that might be brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage. Travelers found with these items face arrest, jail time, and fines. U.S. citizens have been detained for several days or longer after authorities discovered firearms or bullets in their possession, even when attempting to leave the country. Always thoroughly check your luggage before traveling to The Bahamas.
The advisory applies to all of The Bahamas, including cruise ports. Several cruise lines including Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean operate routes that stop in The Bahamas. The Carnival Dream and Carnival Miracle are scheduled to sail to Celebration Key, a new exclusive destination island opening in July. While cruise ships generally have their own security measures, passengers should still follow the State Department’s safety recommendations when disembarking at Bahamian ports.
The State Department recommends: never answering your hotel door unless you know who it is; keeping doors and windows locked (especially balcony doors); not physically resisting any robbery attempt; checking luggage carefully for prohibited items before travel; enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates; creating an emergency plan; and purchasing comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation assistance, medical coverage, and trip cancellation protection. For water activities, avoid swimming alone, be aware of your physical capabilities, and consider the safety record of any boat or jet ski operators.
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