The U.S. State Department issued an “Experience Increased” warning due to an increase in violent crime, sexual assault, hazardous water activities, hazardous water activities, and serious fire, hazardous water activities, and serious firefighting ceremonies.
The updated guidance, issued March 31, comes at the height of spring break, when thousands of U.S. citizens visit the islands.
Why is it important?
In 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism, more than 2023 people, according to the Ministry of Tourism, the island is a popular place with travelers from the country.
The spring break period continues, renewed counselors, travelers, according to the release, went to Nassau and Grand Bahama-home, New Providence and Freeport, where most of the violent crimes occurred.
The notice urges Americans to exercise caution in certain neighborhoods, beware of unregulated jet ski operators and understand the nation’s zero-tolerance laws on firearms and ammunition, including accidental possessions.
What you need to know
On March 31, 2025, the US State Department maintained the country’s level 2 risk designation in the official Bahamas, which means travelers should “stock up.”
“Violent criminal armed robberies, burglaries and sexual assaults can happen anywhere in the Bahamas,” he said. There was particular concern about the “Up the Hill on the Hill” area, south of Shirley Street, where department notes experienced concert-related murders. “Stay alert,” he advised.
Vacation rental properties that lack specific safety features were also cited as higher risk areas. The U.S. State Department later warned travelers to never swim alone and to be vigilant at beaches in downtown Nassau, where sexual harassment was reported. Swimmers were reminded to be realistic about their fitness levels and warnings about sharks and ocean currents.
Risks also extend to maritime activities. “Sexual harassment of jet ski operators also reported,” according to the State Department.
The Bahamas’ strict firearms laws were also highlighted. “Travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time and fines,” the advisory states, even in cases where tickets or firearms are accidentally packed. Americans were detained at airports to carry ammunition in their luggage, delaying their return.
Tourists caught with weapons have made headlines in recent years. In one case in 2024, a US tourist faced a potential 12-year prison sentence in the Turks and Caicos Islands after weapons were found in his luggage.
What people say
The travel advice read: “Firearms and ammunition, including small amounts mistakenly carried in bags or luggage, routinely flout these laws.
What happens next
At this time Multiple countries have released updated travel information for the United StatesIncluding Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland and Denmark.
