The NEW Bahamas Travel Advisory

[Saleen411]

The Bahamas Travel Advisory

Travel AdvisoryFebruary 25, 2019The Bahamas - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
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Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime.

Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault, is common, even during the day and in tourist areas. Although the family islands are not crime-free, the vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to visit the Sand Trap area in Nassau due to crime. Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercraft are often not maintained, and many companies do not have safety certifications to operate in The Bahamas. Jet-ski operators have been known to commit sexual assaults against tourists. As a result, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to The Bahamas:

Exercise caution in the area known as "Over the Hill" (south of Shirley Street) and the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay in Nassau, especially at night.
Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.
Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
Review the Crime and Safety Report for The Bahamas.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

[a64pilot]

Yeah,
Just can’t see any reason to visit Nassau.

[gonesail]

Originally Posted by Saleen411

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

wow .. so what would your contingency plan be .. besides nothing?

[zeehag]

would it be possible for those who KNOW the area to discuss the reality instead of the communique, as those seem to be sensationalized in many cases.....

[Davy J]

Nassau, the Chicago of the Bahamas.

[Saleen411]

Originally Posted by gonesail

wow .. so what would your contingency plan be .. besides nothing?

I didn't write it...the State Department did.

Personally, I avoid such areas as a general rule.

I posted as just an FYI.....think this isn't news to most who travel the Bahamas.

[akprb]

This has been going on in the Bahamas and everywhere else forever. Be cool, don't be stupid, use common sense (something cruisers used to have), know that you are in a foreign country and respect the same. Did I mention "be cool?" Nassau is fine and a stop at Yacht Haven or even Atlantis Marina for a splurge is a great part of any trip to the islands. Nassau also a great place to pick up and drop of guests.

Good to be aware though and good post to remind all.

Personally our interactions with Bahamians have been universally positive for over 25 years and the only time we experienced any petty crime was, wait for it, in West Palm Beach :-)

[Scout 30]

I agree, avoid Nassau.

[Cheechako]

In a short Nassau stay I witnessed a crime. Man jerked a gold necklace off a woman. Bus driver chased him down with a tire iron. Bopped him a couple times good. But it was right in the middle of Nassau near the water and stuff.

[skipmac]

I was in Nassau a few weeks ago, meeting family to pick up a charter boat. Stayed on Paradise Island but made two trips across the bridge for supplies.
Even downtown right on the waterfront in tourist areas it felt very dodgy and this was not my first Caribbean rodeo.

[Captain Bucknut]

I had a place on Grand Bahama near Silver Beach (Lucaya area). We never had any problems. I was in my late 20's and early 30's and was not afraid to go anywhere.

That said, just like akprb stated, be cool. We always treat any new place the same. Be aware of where you are and the folks that are around you. Just as you would in your own town or neighborhood, you know when things don't look right so just be aware.

[Don1500]

I went to Nassau last year on a cruise. Never go off the boat. With everyone else ashore My girlfriend and I had a nice day aboard the ship. And no crime worries.

[wannacat]

Had no problem in Nassau last year! But we leave ALL jewelry on board! Frequented hi light areas with lots of people, had a blast.
Feel less secure in many parts of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver!

[zboss]

We spent three weeks in Nassau and didn't feel threatened at all. Could it have been friendlier? Sure... but hey... its a city. Of course, we didn't go out at night and we dressed like cruisers. That means no gold necklaces

[fahtcha]

The State department tends to be rather extreme in their warnings. The only thing I found wrong with Nassau is that it's too dern big and has the associated trappings.

I wonder how the State Department would describe the area near their offices in Foggy Bottom.