Americans Issued Travel Warning Over Bahamas: 'Stay Alert'

The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for the Bahamas, warning Americans to "exercise increased caution" due to rising reports of violent crime, sexual assault, unsafe water activity, and strict firearm laws.

The updated guidance, published March 31, comes at the height of the spring break travel season when thousands of U.S. citizens visit the islands.

Why It Matters

In 2023, more than 7.2 million people visited The Bahamas, according to its Ministry of Tourism, with the island country being a popular destination with travelers.

With the spring break period underway, the updated advisory singles out travelers headed to New Providence and Grand Bahama—home to Nassau and Freeport—where the majority of violent crimes have occurred, according to the release.

The notice urges Americans to be alert in certain neighborhoods, avoid unregulated jet ski operators, and understand the country's zero-tolerance laws on firearms and ammunition, including accidental possession.

What To Know

In the official Bahamas Travel Advisory issued March 31, 2025, the U.S. State Department retained the country's Level 2 risk designation, which means travelers should "exercise increased caution."

"Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas," the advisory says. Specific concern was raised about the "Over the Hill" area of Nassau, located south of Shirley Street, which the Department notes has experienced gang-related killings. "Stay alert," it advised.

Vacation rental properties lacking private security were also flagged as higher-risk areas. The U.S. State Department further warned travelers to never swim alone and remain vigilant on beaches near downtown Nassau, where sexual assaults have been reported. Swimmers were reminded to be realistic about their fitness levels and to heed warnings regarding sharks and ocean currents.

Risks extend to marine activities as well. "Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have also been reported," according to the State Department.

Strict firearm laws in the Bahamas were also emphasized. "Travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time, and fines," the advisory states, even in cases where bullets or firearms were packed unintentionally. Americans have been detained at airports for carrying ammunition in luggage, delaying their return home.

U.S. tourists caught with ammunition have made headlines in recent years. In one case reported on in 2024, a U.S. tourist faced a potential 12-year prison sentence in the Turks and Caicos Islands after being found with ammunition in his luggage.

What People Are Saying

The travel advice read: "Firearms and ammunition are illegal—including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage. Police strictly enforce these laws—even at the airport when travelers are leaving."

What Happens Next

Meanwhile, multiple countries have issued updated travel information for the U.S., including Ireland, Norway, The Netherlands, Finland, and Denmark.