NEWS: U.S. Department of State Updates Travel Advisory for This Destination Due To Crime, Firearms, & Beach Safety

The U.S. State Department has INCREASED travel advisory to the Bahamas.

From time to time, we’ve seen the U.S. issue travel advisories when traveling outside of the country. This is great information to know about in advance of your next trip aboard or cruise sailing. As more and more vacationers set their sights on the newest ships and sailings from popular cruise companies like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, it’s important to know where you should take extra precautions in advance.

The U.S. Department of State has recently upped its travel advisory warning to a level 2. On March 31st, the State increased the travel advisory, which uses a total of 4 tiers, to a level 2 risk. In it, the State Department urges U.S. travelers to “exercise increased caution due to crime.”

While the State acknowledged that crime can occur anywhere within the Bahamas, it specifically mentioned reports of violent crimes such as armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults. The advisory also goes on to outline that most crime has been reported to occur “in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands.” Additionally, the advisory statement goes on to explain that travelers should continue heightened alert around the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street. This is mostly due to reported gang crimes in the area.

While it’s always a good idea to remain alert, the State Department is also reminding visitors to continue their watch “in vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.”

But that’s not all of where the travel advisory is urging travelers to use extra caution. The latest update also calls attention to water safety, including use of jet skis and boating. There is also bulleted reminders that boating is not well regulated in the Bahamas, use your best judgement when commissioning watercraft as some operators are not licensed or insured properly and make take unnecessary risks ignoring weather conditions, and “U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.” All of which could put travelers at greater risk of injury or worse outcomes.

As for beach safety, the State Defense’s increased alert advises U.S. travelers to be alert and never swim alone, beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shores, and continue to consider your personal fitness and swimming capabilities. Additionally, they ask that if you are new to snorkeling, make sure you completely understand the risks and don’t try to overestimate your skill level as well as be watchful for sharks in the areas you plan to be.

There’s also a quick reminder that the possession and use of “firearms and ammunition are illegal—including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage.” The advisory goes out to outline that Bahamian police enforce these laws with strict policy, and this also applies to anyone traveling through the airports. The consequences for traveling with firearms or ammunition can include “arrest, jail time, and fines.”

To ensure a few other safety precautions are on your mind while traveling, the announcement also highlights great tips such as not answering your room door when staying in the Bahamas, ensure all of your doors, windows, and balcony doors are locked when not in active use, double checking everything you’ve packed in luggage and carry-on bags to ensure you’re not accidentally bringing something with you that could detain you from departing the Bahamas as you intend, and look into purchasing travel insurance while planning your vacation.

We’re always bringing you the latest travel news so you can make the best-informed decisions about your upcoming vacations. Stay tuned with us at AllEars to make certain you don’t miss a thing!

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