Nassau, Bahamas – The US embassy in the Bahamas has issued a security warning and advisory for tourists, citing a surge in gang violence and homicides in the country. The warning comes after 18 murders were reported in the country in January alone, with retaliatory gang violence being the primary motive.
The spike in violent crime, including burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, has been recorded in both tourist and non-tourist areas since the beginning of 2024. Americans visiting the Bahamas have been advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant, especially when staying at short-term vacation rental properties.
The State Department has specifically warned against water tours and sports, citing inconsistent regulation and poor maintenance of watercraft. Additionally, the advisory advises against swimming alone and cautions about the presence of sharks in the waters.
Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis assured the public that measures are being taken to address the surge in violent crime, stating that the collective benefit of safer streets outweighs any inconvenience caused by increased police action.
According to local news, Davis has introduced a crime plan in response to the soaring murder rate this month. This comes after the release of video footage showing a 30-year-old man being shot dead in the middle of a street in broad daylight. Officials have not yet identified any suspects in the case.
As a response to the advisory, tourists have been advised to not physically resist any robbery attempts and to avoid answering the front door for unknown individuals at hotels or residences.
The US embassy in Nassau urges Americans planning to travel to the Bahamas to stay informed about local conditions and exercise caution, given the current security situation in the country.