Bahamas Travel Advisory Updated for Summer 2023

The U.S. Department of State recently reissued its Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution notice for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

As of July 17, 2023, the State Department confirmed that most crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands.

In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street).

Violent crimes, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in tourist and non-tourist areas. And be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence. 

Additionally, vacation activities involving commercial, recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated.

As of July 1, 2023, U.S. Embassy Nassau issued form DS-2060, U.S. Department of State Report of Death of a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Non-Citizen National Abroad.

Due to these concerns, U.S. government personnel cannot use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands. 

If you travel to The Bahamas, the State Department advises enrolling in the Smart Traveler Program to make it easier to locate you in an emergency.  

Should Americans need local assistance, the U.S. Embassy Nassau is located at #42 Queen Street.

From a health perspective, the U.S. CDC says to check your travel vaccines and medicines list and visit a healthcare provider at least a month before your trip to The Bahamas in 2023.