The U.S. State Department renewed its travel advisory for the Bahamas this week, keeping the island nation at a Level 2 designation and urging Americans to exercise increased caution. The advisory cited violent crime, burglaries, sexual assaults, and armed robberies, warning that these incidents can occur anywhere in the Bahamas, according to Fox News.
Level 2 is the second-lowest of the State Department's four travel advisory levels. The renewal did not represent an escalation, but it reinforced warnings already in place for one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for American tourists.
The State Department identified Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands as the areas where most crime occurs. It drew particular attention to one section of Nassau. "Stay alert in the 'Over the Hill' area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents," the advisory stated.
Officials urged travelers staying at vacation rental properties to be especially cautious, particularly those staying in properties without private security. The advisory recommended that travelers lock doors and windows and use other available security features. "Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is," the advisory stated. It also warned against resisting criminals. "Do not physically resist any robbery attempt," the State Department added.
The advisory also flagged risks near the water. Officials reported sexual assaults on and near downtown Nassau beaches. "Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore," the alert stated. "Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injury and death."
The State Department also warned that boating in the Bahamas is not well regulated and that accidents have resulted in injuries and deaths. U.S. government employees are not allowed to use or rent jet skis and personal watercraft from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise Islands due to safety risks. "Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured," the advisory read.
The Bahamas renewal came as the State Department has been updating advisories for several Caribbean destinations. Earlier this summer, the agency renewed a Level 2 advisory for Turks and Caicos, citing assaults, petty crime, and scams targeting tourists. U.S. officials also recently elevated Saint Lucia's travel advisory to Level 2, citing concerns about violent crime.
Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for further details.
