The US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas, urging increased caution due to a recent spike in violent crime on the islands. The advisory comes after 18 murders have been recorded in the Bahamian capital of Nassau since the start of 2024.
Spike in Violent Crime Prompts Travel Warning
The travel advisory cautions that violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault, is common on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. The State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution, especially in the evening and at night.
In particular, the advisory warns about visiting the Sand Trap area of Nassau due to high rates of violent crime and gang activity. Recent incidents include daylight shootings, robbery at gunpoint, and sexual assault.
The uptick in violent crime follows a record number of homicides in the Bahamas in 2023. According to the US Embassy, there were 122 murders recorded last year, up from 73 in 2022.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force has vowed to increase patrols and implement additional crime fighting measures in response to the recent violence. However, the police advise against visitors walking alone orflashing signs of wealth that could attract criminals.
Travel Impacts and Reaction
The State Department travel advisory comes at the peak of the tourism season in the Bahamas. The islands welcomed over 6 million visitors in 2022 and tourism accounts for more than 50% of the country’s GDP.
Several major cruise lines visit Nassau regularly, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises. Cruise passengers account for a large portion of tourists to the islands. It remains to be seen whether the uptick in violent crime will impact cruise travel to the Bahamas.
| Cruise Line | Ships Visiting Nassau |
|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | 8 |
| Royal Caribbean | 5 |
| MSC Cruises | 4 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | 3 |
| Disney Cruise Line | 2 |
Bahamian officials have pushed back against the advisory, saying tourists face minimal risks. The island nation remains a popular destination for sun-seeking visitors from the US and Canada.
However, travel experts recommend exercising caution when visiting the Bahamas. The US Embassy continues to prohibit government personnel from traveling to the Sand Trap area of Nassau after dark. Visitors are advised not to wear expensive jewelry or carry large sums of cash.
Lead Up to Travel Warning
Crime has been rising in the Caribbean nation over the past two years after a period of relative stability. Homicides declined to a low of 49 in 2019 but have shot up dramatically since then.
The uptick in murders coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which decimated the islands’ tourism-based economy. Unemployment surged and poverty increased, contributing to rising violent crime.
Drug trafficking also plays a major role in the violence, as the Bahamas lies along a major smuggling route from South America into the United States. Estimates suggest up to 20% of cocaine destined for the US passes through the islands.
| Year | Number of Homicides |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 49 |
| 2020 | 74 |
| 2021 | 73 |
| 2022 | 122 |
In addition, the Bahamas is still rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. The Category 5 storm caused over $3 billion in damage and destroyed many homes, further entrenching poverty.
What Happens Next?
Bahamian officials face immense pressure to curb violent crime and reassure visitors of their safety. If the murder rate continues rising, tourism could take a major hit, further damaging the fragile economy.
Police have pledged to ramp up patrols and conduct targeted raids against gang activity. The government may also seek international assistance in combating drug trafficking and reducing poverty levels.
However, effecting substantial change could take considerable time. And the islands’ dependence on tourism means officials cannot afford a sustained drop in visitors.
The US State Department will likely monitor the security situation over the coming weeks before deciding whether to strengthen or downgrade the travel advisory. If additional safety measures prove ineffective, cruise lines could consider changing their itineraries to avoid Nassau.
For now, visitors planning trips to the Bahamas must weigh their safety against the islands’ famously blue waters and white sand beaches. While violent crime remains relatively rare, exercising increased caution provides peace of mind when enjoying a Caribbean vacation.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
