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State Department Issues Travel Advisory for This Caribbean Island

The Bahamas' travel advisory is currently at a “Level 2," warning Americans to “exercise increased caution” when visiting.

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The U.S. Department of State is warning travelers to be careful when visiting the Bahamas due to crime and safety issues on the water.

The travel advisory, which was updated on Friday, classifies the Bahamas under a “Level 2,” warning Americans to “exercise increased caution” when visiting, according to the department . The U.S. Embassy in Nassau also issued a security alert , urging Americans to “exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau)” and to “not physically resist any robbery attempt” after 18 murders have occurred there since the start of this year.

“The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands,” the State Department wrote in its advisory. “In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.”

In response to the alert, the The Bahamas Prime Minister, The Honourable Phillip Edward Davis said, "The incidents described in the January 2024 U.S. Embassy crime alert do not reflect general safety in The Bahamas," in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure.

"The safety and security of everyone is of paramount importance to us and we are confident that The Bahamas will remain safe and welcoming for millions of visitors to continue to enjoy the magic and beauty of our beautiful islands," he added.

The State Department classifies countries on a 4-level scale, from telling them to “exercise normal precautions” all the way up to “do not travel.”

In addition to crime, the State Department warned travelers about commercial recreational watercraft and water tours, which may not be properly regulated. The caution comes months after a 74-year-old Royal Caribbean cruise passenger died when the boat she was on sank during an excursion, according to NBC 6 South Florida .

“Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications,” the State Department warned.

Still, many trips to the Bahamas are safe and offer the chance to bask on gorgeous beaches , spot wildlife in crystal-clear water , and celebrate its colorful festivals in style. Many cruise lines also call the Bahamas home for their private islands, including Royal Caribbean, which just added an adults-only beach club on its private island , Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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Is It Safe to Travel to the Bahamas? Here’s What You Need to Know.

A string of gang-related murders in the local community prompted the U.S. embassy in the island nation to issue a security alert.

By Shannon Sims

Drawn by clear turquoise waters and miles of white-sand beaches, around seven million travelers visit the Bahamas each year, but a new warning about increased violence on the island nation has raised alarm over the safety of visiting there.

On Jan. 24, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, issued a security alert advising U.S. citizens “to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets.”

The startling alert was unusual for the Bahamas. In addition to security alerts and other notices released by its embassies, the State Department issues travel advisories for countries to provide the suggested vigilance visitors should take. Currently, the Bahamas has a Level 2 (“Exercise increased caution”) warning.

Many tourism-reliant countries, including Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, currently have Level 2 warnings, and most travelers experience safe and enjoyable vacations. The tourism industry in the Bahamas contributes around 70 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, and employs half the country’s work force.

Here’s what you need to know about the security alert and traveling to the Bahamas.

What prompted the alert in the Bahamas?

According to the State Department, “retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders,” and it is primarily affecting the local population, particularly on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands, where the cities of Nassau and Freeport are. The warnings mention that the violent crime has been occurring in both tourist and nontourist areas.

What does Level 2 mean?

To help advise Americans traveling to particular countries, the State Department employs a scale from 1 to 4 to indicate the local security situation, starting with the safest, Level 1. The levels can vary within a country, with certain areas considered a greater security risk than others.

According to the department’s website , Level 2 means, “Exercise increased caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security.”

Many parts of the world are under Level 2 advisory, for reasons ranging from street crime to concerns over terrorism. The majority of visitors to those countries do not experience any danger — many are not even aware of the heightened risk indicated by the levels.

Level 3, by contrast, advises Americans to “reconsider” or “avoid” travel (countries such as Egypt, Nigeria and Pakistan are now at Level 3). Level 4 means “Do not travel” and emphasizes that “during an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance.” Currently, Russia and Ukraine are among the countries with a Level 4 rating.

What about the rest of the region?

Currently, Turks and Caicos and Cuba are also Level 2 because of concerns over crime. Many areas of Mexico are under elevated warnings ranging from Level 2 (Mexico City) to Level 4 (Colima). On Jan. 23, Jamaica was raised to Level 3 because of crime and uneven medical care, with the State Department warning that “sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.”

Aren’t there sharks in the Bahamas, too?

On Jan. 15, a 10-year-old boy was attacked by a shark while participating in a “shark experience” at a hotel on Paradise Island, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. He was reported to be in stable condition. Last month, an American woman died by shark attack while paddle-boarding in the Bahamas, the police said.

However, shark attacks are extremely rare in the Bahamas: The Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File indicates that there have only been 29 unprovoked attacks in the country since the 16th century.

How can I stay safe on my trip?

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau offers some guidance for staying safe , advising travelers to use “extreme caution” in the eastern part of New Providence Island — where Nassau is — especially “when walking or driving at night.” Specifically, the Over the Hill neighborhood , south of Shirley Street, should be avoided.

Travelers are also advised to take typical precautions and use common sense: to remain aware of their surroundings (leaving jewelry and electronics at home), to create a personal security plan, not to answer the door if you don’t know who it is and, if things go wrong, not to physically resist any robbery attempt. The U.S. government suggests staying especially vigilant if you’re staying at a short-term-rental property without a security presence, and women traveling alone may want to take special precautions .

Before traveling, consider obtaining traveler’s insurance, including a medical evacuation policy. Most foreign hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Another way to stay informed is to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . The free program sends travelers updated information on security situations by email or text message, and makes it easier for a U.S. Embassy to contact you should an emergency arise.

Ultimately, travel comes down to a question of one’s personal comfort. If you interpret a Level 2 warning as sufficient reason to cancel your trip, there’s no shame in making a choice that eases your mind.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this story misstated that gang violence prompted the State Department to raise its travel advisory level for the Bahamas. The advisory was already at Level 2. The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a security alert for the Bahamas, but the State Department did not raise the travel advisory in response to the violence.

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Bahamas Travel Advisory Issued Amid Spate of Violence—What You Need to Know

We spoke with travel advisors and travelers in the bahamas to get a sense of the current situation on the ground after the u.s. state department issued a travel advisory due to an uptick in violence..

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The Bahamas is an archipelago of nearly 700 islands—New Providence and Grand Bahama are only two islands among the hundreds.

Photo by Robbie Andersen/Unsplash

In January, the U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for the Bahamas to a Level 2 following 19 reported killings so far this year, recommending that travelers exercise “increased caution.”

The majority of the crime has occurred on the islands of New Providence, where the capital city of Nassau is located, and Grand Bahama, home to the seaside city of Freeport, the Associated Press reported , with “retaliatory gang violence” behind most of the killings.

The updated State Department alert made headlines in part because it’s an unusual one for the Bahamas , one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, which is generally considered safe and ranked at a Level 1—that is, travelers should exercise normal precautions. More than 7 million travelers visit the Bahamas each year by air and by sea for the sparkling turquoise water, sun-bleached powdery sand, and endless selection of relaxing resorts and vacation rentals.

With the reported increase in violence, travelers may be wondering if it is safe to travel to the Bahamas right now. AFAR spoke with travel advisors and visitors on the ground to get the latest insights.

Is it safe to travel to the Bahamas right now?

On January 24, the U.S. Embassy in the capital city, Nassau, issued a security alert advising tourists to take the following actions:

• Exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau)
• Use caution when walking or driving at night
• Keep a low profile
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt
• Review your personal security plans

Other major tourist destinations with Level 2 warnings include the Dominican Republic, Denmark, Maldives, Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and many others. The U.S. State Department recently issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica , urging visitors to reconsider travel there due to an uptick in crime and the lack of medical services.

Bahamas travel advice from travel advisors

It’s also important to understand what a Level 2 warning is and to put it in context with regard to safety and security for travelers throughout the world.

“In all honesty, a Level 2 typically does not deter most people from traveling,” said Ragan Stone, founder of bespoke travel agency Ragan Stone Travel . “If you look at a Level 2 list, there are quite a lot of countries on that list and countries that you perhaps would not perceive as dangerous. [For countries that] have a Level 3 or 4, I would not recommend traveling to those. Level 4 is a place like Israel right now or Somalia. If you compare [to] those situations, the Bahamas is quite different.”

As for the Bahamas, it helps to understand just how big the Caribbean destination is. The Bahamas is an archipelago of nearly 700 islands. About 30 of them are inhabited, and there are 17 principal islands for tourism. New Providence and Grand Bahama are only two islands among this sprawling island country. And even on those two islands, there are only select areas where travelers are advised to travel with increased caution.

“My colleagues on the ground have not reported any changes. The areas which were directly mentioned are Freeport and Nassau,” said Stone. “Typically, those are less popular tourist locations than where a lot of people are traveling, like Eleuthera and the Abacos. You’re not seeing the same warning in those areas.”

Nassau is a top tourist destination in the Bahamas, home to two major resorts: Atlantis and Baha Mar.

Stone added, “If you’re traveling to Nassau, my advice is to consult your resort and make sure security is at a level you feel comfortable with. Both Atlantis and Baha Mar have quite a bit of security and gated access. As a traveler, you can still go to Nassau and feel comfortable, but with the knowledge that you don’t need to explore outside the grounds.”

Margie Hand, a Caribbean specialist with Andavo Travel , a Virtuoso travel agency based in Salt Lake City, Utah, echoed a similar sentiment. “As far as what I am seeing, it is business as usual [in the Bahamas],” said Hand. “However, many travelers are choosing to do a resort versus a private villa rental because of the increased security in a resort setting.”

Hand, who also works with cruise lines, is seeing that cruises to the Bahamas are operating as usual.

Travelers report feeling secure at resort properties such as Baha Mar.

Photo by Shutterstock

What travelers who have recently been to the Bahamas are saying

Paul Rubio , AFAR’s special correspondent for points and miles, is recently back from a trip to the Bahamas, where he visited Nassau.

“I was at Baha Mar and it was business as usual,” Rubio said. “Nobody seemed particularly concerned and there was no extra security. We didn’t leave the property, which was always the plan and not a direct result of the advisory.”

Pema Chinyam, a photographer and content creator for travel blog Journey Era , was recently in the Bahamas, as well, and reports that things there appeared normal and secure.

“My experience traveling in the Bahamas was extremely relaxed. Everyone I met was helpful and laid-back. I didn’t notice any heightened security and felt quite safe,” she said.

Chinyam was in Nassau for five days, followed by Harbour Island (another island in the Bahamas) for another six.

“I didn’t get far off the beaten path in Nassau, but my friend left his camera bag on a shuttle, which was returned to us the next day. It had several thousand dollars’ worth of equipment. The locals at a popular dive site also watched our gear while we were in the water, and we felt very safe to do so,” said Chinyam.

The only word of advice she received was from an employee at her Nassau resort, who told her group not to go out drinking on the main part of the island.

No matter how safe a destination is (or isn’t), the decision to stay or go or how to proceed while there comes down to each traveler’s individual comfort level. Feeling confident wherever you are traveling is what helps to make it an enjoyable vacation. If you’re feeling wary about any travel destination, it’s always OK to change the plan and go somewhere else.

“It is important for travelers to feel comfortable with their trip so they can go with peace of mind and enjoy themselves,” said Hand of Andavo Travel. “If that is not the case, then I want to help them find an alternative.”

U.S. officials warn travelers about violent crime in Bahamas

The state department issued a level 2 advisory, urging visitors to exercise increased caution.

The State Department issued a travel advisory for the Bahamas, telling visitors to “exercise increased caution” because of a spike in crime earlier this month.

The Level 2 advisory, posted Friday, says the majority of crime has taken place in New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. It warns visitors to practice “increased vigilance” in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, which has had an uptick in gang violence, according to the department.

The advisory comes after a notice on Jan. 24 from the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas, citing 18 murders since the start of the year in Nassau, the nation’s capital. The violent crime — some of it gang-related, according to the statement — has primarily affected the local population, but U.S. officials are urging tourists to take caution.

“Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas,” reads the Friday advisory. “Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.” The department warned visitors not to answer their doors or resist any robbery attempts, and to enroll in safety alert systems while visiting.

The prime minister of the Bahamas, Philip Davis, told local media that he doesn’t believe the U.S. warnings will affect the nation’s tourism industry, which makes up 70 percent of the country’s GDP and employs about half of the workforce. Authorities in the Bahamas held a news conference Sunday to address the recent spate of murders, according to the Associated Press . None of the killings this year have targeted tourists.

Homicides in the Bahamas increased by 8 percent from 2021 to 2022, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force . Crime data for 2023 wasn’t available.

The advisory further instructs tourists to take caution when using recreational watercraft, as they may not be “consistently regulated”; it says that maintenance of the vessels may be poor and that some operators may lack certifications. In November, a tour boat carrying roughly 100 passengers sank as it headed toward Blue Lagoon Island northeast of Nassau, killing one U.S. tourist and injuring two other passengers. A spokesperson for the State Department didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether the incident had anything to do with Friday’s warning.

“Commercial watercraft operators have discretion to operate their vessels regardless of weather forecasts; injuries and fatalities have occurred,” the advisory reads.

The department also told tourists to take caution when swimming, advising people to never swim alone and to stay within their abilities and check local weather advisories before heading out. There have been recent shark attacks, some fatal .

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Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

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US issues new travel advisory for Jamaica, Bahamas due to increased crime

The Jamaica alert asks U.S. visitors to "reconsider travel."

The U.S. Department of State has issued a new warning for American travelers headed to the Caribbean due to violent crime that has impacted the local populations of Jamaica and the Bahamas.

US raises travel advisory for travel to Jamaica

The State Department reissued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica last month, asking Americans to "reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services."

"Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts," the advisory, reissued on Jan. 23, stated in a summary of what's happening in the Caribbean country.

"Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence," the alert warned. "Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities."

The State Department further reminded that homicide rate as reported by the Jamaican government "has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere."

As of time of publication, the State Department has "prohibited" U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission (COM) security responsibility "from traveling to the areas" listed in the advisory, as well as "using public buses, and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night."

Additionally, the agency said emergency services and hospital care in Jamaica may not meet U.S. standards, because response times and quality of care can vary throughout the island.

"Public hospitals are under-resourced and cannot always provide high level or specialized care. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care," the State Department said. "Ambulance services are not always readily available, especially in rural areas, and are not always staffed by trained personnel."

The State Department does not pay medical bills, and advisory notes, so it strongly encourages that Americans "obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica."

Finally, U.S. Medicare or Medicaid does not apply overseas and most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance, according to the advisory.

"U.S. citizens with medical emergencies can face bills in the tens of thousands of dollars," the advisory stated, adding that the cost of air ambulance services to the U.S. can range from $30,000 to $50,000.

Read the country information page on the State Department website for additional information on travel to Jamaica.

Areas in Jamaica on State Department's Do Not Travel list

St. Ann’s Parish, St. Catherine’s Parish, Clarendon Parish -- except if passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways -- St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Hanover Parish, St. James Parish and Montego Bay, Kingston and St. Andrew Parish, Cassava Piece, Downtown Kingston, Manchester Parish, St. Thomas Parish, Trelawny Parish, Westmoreland Parish.

Click here for further details regarding each county and parish, including specific neighborhoods and popular tourist areas.

Safety information for Americans who travel to Jamaica

While the State Department has urged U.S. travelers to avoid the Caribbean country, it also shared a list of best practices if you are still planning to visit the island.

Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences. Avoid walking or driving at night. Avoid public buses. Avoid secluded places or situations. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile. 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 Country Security Report for Jamaica. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Violence and shootings occur regularly in many neighborhoods, communities, and parishes in Jamaica.

If you do decide to travel to the above-listed "Do Not Travel" areas, the Department of State asks Americans to visit this website for information on travel to high-risk areas.

What to know about US travel advisory for the Bahamas

The advisory , issued on Jan. 26, urged travelers to "exercise increased caution" should they decide to visit the Caribbean country.

According to the State Department, the majority of crime – which includes burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults – has occurred on the island of New Providence, home of the Bahamian capital of Nassau, and on the island of Grand Bahama.

"In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the 'Over the Hill' area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population," the government alert states. Violent crime has been happening "in both tourist and non-tourist areas," according to the alert, so the State Department is urging travelers to "be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence."

The State Department also suggested that U.S. travelers steer clear of activities like boat tours with commercial recreational watercraft because they are "not consistently regulated."

"Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications.  Always review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities," according to the State Department. "Commercial watercraft operators have discretion to operate their vessels regardless of weather forecasts; injuries and fatalities have occurred. Due to these safety concerns, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands."

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Click here for additional travel information on the State Department's country information page for the Bahamas.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas also issued a security alert on Wednesday , advising "U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024."

"Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets," the statement declared. "Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders."

Safety tips for travel to the Bahamas

If you do decide to travel to the Bahamas, the State Department shared a checklist of dos and don'ts to help Americans stay safe.

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, Twitter, and Instagram.   Review the Country Security Report for the Bahamas.   Prepare a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations.  Review the Traveler's Checklist.   Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau also issued its own list of safety precautions for U.S. travelers.

Exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau). Use caution when walking or driving at night. Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Review your personal security plans.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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State Department issues new travel warning for the Bahamas

Following increased crime in one of the most popular Caribbean tourist destinations, the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory for Americans traveling to the Bahamas, including the capital of Nassau.

Citing violent crime, specifically burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assaults,  the agency urged travelers to "exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime."

The Jan. 26 warning reads:

The majority of 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) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crime ... occur[s] in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.

Though the State Department explains the possible travel risks for Americans visiting certain countries at a given point in time, it issues increased warnings by level reflective of current circumstances, such as those resulting from upticks of violence .

Advisories are based on eight risk-specific indicators, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, natural disasters, time-limited events, kidnapping/hostage-taking and other potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators.

The Bahamas travel advisory was accompanied by a warning from the U.S. Embassy, which provides on-the-ground assistance for American tourists abroad.

"The U.S. Embassy in Nassau advises U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024," the Embassy's security alert issued Jan. 24 noted. "Murders have occurred at all hours, including in broad daylight on the streets. Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders."

In response to the U.S. government's warning, Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Edward Davis said in a statement that "the incidents described in the January 2024 US Embassy crime alert do not reflect general safety in The Bahamas, a country of sixteen tourism destinations, and many more islands."

Additionally, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism confirmed they are implementing a "crime reduction and prevention strategy," including an "enhanced police presence and additional police resources (specifically facial recognition CCTV surveillance technology) and training."

In addition to monitoring the latest State Department warning for your desired country, the agency tells U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to stay up to date on rapidly changing security situations in foreign countries via the nearest U.S. consulate.

Related reading:

• Confused by State Department travel advisories? Here's what they mean
• The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings
• US issues worldwide travel advisory — here's what you should know

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Travel | state department urges bahamas travelers to use ‘extreme caution’ when visiting nassau.

United States residents traveling to the Bahamas should exercise “extreme caution” in Nassau in the wake of 18 murders since Jan. 1, the State Department said in a new travel advisory.

“Murders have occurred in all hours including in broad daylight on the streets,” according to a security alert that was posted on Jan. 24 by the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas.

Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive, the alert said.

The embassy urged travelers to:

• Exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau).
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Review your personal security plans.

On Friday, the U.S. State Department posted a travel advisory with additional information, specifying that the majority of 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) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population,” the advisory said. “Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.”

Prior to the warnings by the U.S. government, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis pledged that his administration will respond to the uptick in murders with “more intrusive policing” that will likely affect residents, according to The Nassau Guardian website.

“We will not violate anyone’s civil liberties, but you are likely to be impacted by more roadblocks and unannounced police action.

“This may make you late for your appointments, or delay plans you have, but this is a small price to pay for the collective benefit of having our streets made safer, and our lives less blighted by murder and other violent crimes.”

On Monday, the website quoted Davis as insisting The Bahamas remains a safe place for visitors.

It noted that none of the murders involved any visitor to the Bahamas and that the islands remain at a Level 2 alert status, which it has been for a long time. There are four alert levels issued by the State Department: Level 1 (exercise normal precautions); Level 2 (exercise increased caution); Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Level 4 (do not travel).

Other destinations with Level 2 status — because of crime or threats of terrorism — include Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Denmark, India, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Panama, Italy, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

U.S. tourists regularly visit the Bahamas from Florida, including by air, cruise ships and charter boats. Cruise lines operating out of Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach and Port Canaveral travel to the islands numerous times a week.

Two of those cruise lines, Royal Caribbean and Carnival, have not announced any itinerary changes in response to the advisories.

“The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said. “Our global security teams are closely monitoring the situation in the area. At all times, we remind guests to remain aware of their surroundings while ashore and follow all State Department guidelines. Should any changes be required, guests will be notified directly.”

A Carnival Cruise Lines spokesperson issued a similar statement, saying that the cruise line routinely monitors its destinations and keeps in close contact with government and law enforcement officials.

“We continue to consult with embassy officials and our security team has determined we can continue with our planned visits to Nassau, which has enhanced policing of tourist areas,” the Carnival spokesperson said. “The safety of our guests and crew is our priority, and when any adjustments to itineraries are deemed necessary, we will react quickly.”

This is not the first travel advisory that the State Department has issued for the Bahamas.

In April 2022, the embassy issued a similar warning after four armed robberies in a month were reported in Nassau, including on or near a site with short-term vacation rental properties without private security. That report also noted an increase in gang-related homicides in areas “generally not frequented by tourists.”

In August 2019, the State Department warned that “violent crime such as burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assault is common, even during the day and in tourist areas” of Grand Bahama and New Providence islands.

Specifically, it warned that activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated and said personal-watercraft operators “have been known to commit sexual assaults against tourists.”

That alert also urged tourists to exercise extreme caution in areas that included “Over the Hill” and the “Fish Fry” at Arawak Cay in Nassau. It cited numerous reports of tourists being robbed at gunpoint or knifepoint.

Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071, on Twitter @ronhurtibise or by email at [email protected].

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Violent crime prompts State Department travel warning for the Bahamas

By Anna McAllister

Updated on: January 29, 2024 / 10:59 PM EST / CBS/CNN

MIAMI - It's one of the most beautiful places to visit, just an hour's flight from South Florida, but the U.S. government is telling its citizens to beware of the Bahamas.

"It's scaring people for the wrong reasons," said Charlotte Albury, who lives in the Bahamas.

The Department of State issuing a level two travel advisory for folks planning to travel to the Bahamas.

The advisory warns people to use extreme caution on the islands, saying:

"In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the "Over the Hill" area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas."

The Office of the Prime Minister of the Bahamas issued a statement Wednesday, saying that the country's government is "alert, attentive, and proactive" to ensure that the country remains a "safe and welcoming destination."

"The safety and security of everyone is of paramount importance to us and we are confident that The Bahamas will remain safe and welcoming for millions of visitors to continue to enjoy the magic and beauty of our beautiful islands," the statement read.

Later on Wednesday, the U.S. State Department raised its travel alert level for  Jamaica amid a spate of murders in the Caribbean nation, urging Americans to reconsider visiting the island "due to crime and [unreliable] medical services," making it the second country in the region to receive any travel advisory. 

We caught up with some folks who live in the Bahamas and flew into South Florida on Monday.

When we asked them about the advisory, this is what they told us.

"I haven't heard of any incidents that happened with tourists and it's just an unfortunate situation, but I think they're going to try to get a handle on it as soon as possible," said Carla Turnquest.

"It's all drug-related, it's all just kind of execution-style murders — it's shooting also in areas where no tourists ever would go— they don't even know those areas," said Peter Redmann.

Bahamas residents we spoke to also advised visitors to be aware but told them not to be scared.

"Wherever you go, you have to do your due diligence and be knowledgeable of areas and the people. And Bahamian people are very friendly, it's just pockets of individuals that are causing confusion in our country," said Gavvin Strachan.

If you plan to go to the Bahamas soon, the Department of State lists a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• 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.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations.

The State Department advisory comes on the heels of a security alert from the US Embassy in Nassau on January 24 calling attention to 18 murders that have taken place in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. The alert cites gang violence as the primary motive, noting murders have occurred at all hours, "including in broad daylight."

Anna McAllister joined the CBS 4 team as a reporter in December 2022 and is ecstatic to be back in South Florida.

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Violent crime prompts state department travel warning for the bahamas.

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The U.S. State Department on Friday posted a travel advisory urging Americans to “exercise increased caution” in the Bahamas, citing crime.

“Gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population,” the advisory reads, calling out the most-affected islands of New Providence, including Nassau and Grand Bahama, where Freeport is located.

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

The Bahamas is now listed at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, out of 4 advisory levels.

The State Department advisory comes on the heels of a security alert from the U.S. Embassy in Nassau on Jan. 24 calling attention to 18 murders that have taken place in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. The alert cites gang violence as the primary motive, noting murders have occurred at all hours, “including in broad daylight.”

The alert urges people to exercise “extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau)” and also recommends being careful while driving or walking at night, not resisting robbery and other precautions.

In the travel advisory issued two days later, the State Department also urges travelers not to resist any robbery attempts and cautions against opening doors to strangers.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis told Bahamian news outlet The Tribune that he does not think the warning will affect tourism. CNN did not immediately receive a response to a request for comment from The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

The Bahamas isn’t the only Caribbean destination with an updated travel alert. Jamaica’s advisory was updated on Jan. 23 to include new crime and health information. It is now listed at Level 3, Reconsider Travel.

“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the State Department advisory for Jamaica reads.

The advisory outlines specific crime risk areas in 12 of Jamaica’s 14 parishes. It also highlights difficulties travelers could face in accessing medical services.

US warns travelers about high crime at 2 popular cruise destinations, urges ‘extreme caution’

• Published: Jan. 30, 2024, 3:55 p.m.

The U.S. State Department warns that travelers should be aware that two popular destinations for cruise ships, the Bahamas and Jamaica, have high crime problems. In the case of Jamaica, access to medical services also is suspect. (Getty Images) Getty Images

• Robert Higgs, cleveland.com

WASHINGTON – A pair of advisories from the U.S. State Department caution travelers to be aware that two tropical locations – stops popular with the cruise lines -- also have high crime problems.

In advisories for the Bahamas and Jamaica, the State Department warns travelers that crime rates are high in the two countries. Each of the nations are popular destinations for cruise lines.

The advisory for Jamaica, one issued at a higher warning level, also warns that access to medical care may be spotty.

The more recent advisory, a Level Two warning that urges travelers to exercise extreme caution, is a result of crime issues in both tourist and non-tourist areas in the Bahamas.

“Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence,” the advisory states .

Among its warnings for travelers is to not answer the door at their hotel/residence unless you know who it is and to not physically resist any robbery attempts.

The State Department issued the advisory Friday, Jan. 26.

The Level 3 advisory for Jamaica , issued Jan. 23, urges travelers to reconsider their plans and notes that U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk.

“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the advisory states.

“Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents,” according to the advisory. “When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence.”

Travelers are urged to avoid walking or driving at night, avoid public buses, avoid secluded places or situations and keep a low profile. They should not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Medical care can be problematic, the State Department said, because public hospitals are under-resourced and cannot always provide high level or specialized care. Private hospitals often require that payment be made up front.

More information is available through the State Department, which issues travel advisories for each country of the world.

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Travel advisor, bahamian resident react to newest travel advisory in the bahamas.

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WPBF 25 News is hearing from local cruise lines, travel advisors and Bahamian residents following the state department issuing a travel advisory following a recent spike in murders in Nassau.

On Friday, the U.S. State Department posted a travel advisory urging Americans to “exercise increased caution” in the Bahamas, citing crime.

“Gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population,” the advisory reads, calling out the most affected islands of New Providence, including Nassau and Grand Bahama, where Freeport is located.

The State Department advisory comes on the heels of a security alert from the U.S. Embassy in Nassau on Jan. 24 calling attention to 18 murders that have taken place in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. The alert cites gang violence as the primary motive, noting murders have occurred at all hours, “including in broad daylight.”

Margaritaville at Sea Cruises, which sails out of the Port of Palm Beach, visits Freeport. The cruise line sent the following statement to WPBF 25 News:

"As always, the safety and security of guests, crew and the communities we visit are the top priority for FCCA and our cruise line members. We are aware of the U.S. State Department travel advisory urging increased caution and have been working closely with global security experts and government authorities – including the US Embassy – to monitor the situation.

"As with visiting any foreign location, we urge travelers to practice common-sense security measures for their safety and to make informed decisions about their travel. We also recommend they pay close attention to updates from their travel advisor or cruise line, including referring to shipboard announcements no matter the destination.

"We and our cruise line members will continue monitoring conditions in all the destinations we visit to make decisions that prioritize safety."

A South Florida travel advisory, Leslie Tillem of Eltee Travel, says she has not seen a reduction in the number of travelers who want to visit the Bahamas following the travel advisory.

"I have not seen a decrease. What I have seen are more questions about going to the Bahamas,” said Tillem.

She also says advisory or no advisory, she always shares some important tips before someone goes on vacation.

"Avoid designer handbags, avoid fancy jewelry, fancy watches, use, of course, most important, common sense. Visit tourist areas, where if you’re going to the market in the Bahamas, go with other people, don’t walk down side streets and don’t go wondering at nighttime. Use safe transportation. Ask your concierge at your hotel where you should and shouldn’t be going," said Tillem.

Arlene Poitier lives on Grand Bahama Island and says the recent spike in murders in Nassau has not made them feel like they’re in any more danger.

"I feel safe," said Poitier. "I feel safe in Grand Bahama and when I go to Nassau, I feel safe, so I would not discourage any person from going to a particular place because things happen everywhere, but you just have to be careful of the areas and you just have to be vigilant wherever you go."

The US State Department says gang violence has been the primary cause of the murders in Nassau this year.

The US embassy in Nassau says people should have extreme caution on New Providence Island, keep a low profile and do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

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Is Jamaica safe? What to know about US travel advisories to Carribean Islands, Mexico

The U.S. State Department has recently issued travel advisory warning updates in the Carribean Islands and Mexico.

Recent updates for Jamaica , the Bahamas and Mexico may hinder vacation plans due to surges in crime and safety.

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Here's what you need to know about U.S. State Department travel advisories:

What are the 4 levels of travel advisory?

Here are the four levels of travel advisory , according to the U.S. State Department:

Travel Advisory Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions

• This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Travel Advisory Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution

• Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Departments of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 3 - Reconsider Travel

• Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 4 – Do Not Travel  

• This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Countries with Level 4 "Do not travel" advisory warning

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• North Korea
• South Sudan

Countries with Level 3 "Reconsider travel" advisory warning

• El Salvador
• Guinea-Bissau
• Papau New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia
• Trinidad & Tobago

Jamaica travel advisory 2024

The Jamaica travel advisory was updated to Level 3 for crime and medical services, according to the State Department.

Is Jamaica safe?

Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and violent crimes are common, according to the State Department. Such possibilities include armed robberies, home invasions, homicides and sexual assaults. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.

The State Department does not pay medical bills and strongly encourages obtaining traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica. 

The website states U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas and U.S. health insurance is not accpeted by most doctors and hospitals. U.S. citizens encountering medical emergencies could potentially see bills in the tens of thousands of dollars, with air ambulance service to the United States in the range of $30,000 to $50,000.

Jamaica murders reach 65 in January

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force , Jamaica has seen 65 murders since the the start of 2024. Killings are reportedly down from the 81 reported over the same timer period in 2023. 

Jamaica Travel Advisory for US challenged by Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness recently questioned the alignment of the recent U.S. travel advisory with Jamaica’s significant strides in reducing crime rates.

According to Holness, Jamaica is at the lowest level of crime in more than 22 years.

“Though the rates of crime are declining, sadly, the perception has not moved in the same positive direction,” Holness said. “Many Jamaicans feel the level of crime is still high, despite them not being a victim of crime themselves.

"In the view of the recent US Travel Advisory, it is clear that, based upon all the statistics that I’ve given you and the direction in which we’re heading, that the advisory is at variance with the statistics as improvements are evident.”

Travel advisory tips for Jamaica trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to Jamaica:

• Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition.  This includes stray rounds, shells or empty casings . The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid public buses.
• Avoid secluded places or situations.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
• 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  Country Security Report  for Jamaica.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

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Bahamas travel advisory 2024

The Bahamas travel advisory was updated to Level 2 to exercise increased caution due to crime and water safety, according to the State Department.

Is Nassau or Freeport safe in the Bahamas?

Most crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands, according to the State Department. Violent crime occurs in tourist and non-tourist areas, including armed robberies, burglaries and sexual assaults.

Travelers should use extreme caution south of Shirley Street in the "Over the Hill" area, as gang violence has resulted in a strong homicide rate.

Acitvities using recreational watercrafts maTour are often not regulated consistently. Watercraft operators may not be safety certified and some watercrafts may be poorly maintained.

Due to such safety concerns, U.S. government personnel are not allowed to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.   

Bahamas resort employees arrested after Kentucky women claim drugs, sexual assualt, rape

According to USA Today reporter Natalie Neysa Alund , two Kentucky women on a Carnival cruise said they were drugged and raped while at a Bahamas Resort.

The attacks occurred shortly after noon Sunday while the women visited a beach in Central Grand Bahama, according to a preliminary report.

The two mothers − who identified themselves as Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson to Chris Cuomo on News Nation − said they were "relaxing on a Grand Bahama beach" when a resort employee allegedly gave them drinks spiked with a cocktail of drugs including benzodiazepines.

On Thursday, USA Today spoke with Nicholas Gerson − the Miami-based attorney representing Kentucky women.

"They were given drinks - a coconut and pineapple drink − spiked with a series of drug and narcotics," Gerson said. "They became inebriated and were both taken away and raped."

Travel advisory tips for Bahamas trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to the Bahamas:

• 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 ,  Twitter , and  Instagram .  
• Review the  Country Security Report  for The Bahamas.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations.  Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .  

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Mexico travel advisory 2024

Violent crime is widespread and common in Mexico , according to the State Department. Crimes such as carjacking, homicide, kidnapping and robbery are prevalent.

Is Cancun safe in Mexico?

The Quintana Roo state − where Cancun is located − is under a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.

According to the State Department, criminal activity and violence may occur at any time in any location, including in popular tourist spots. Maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

Travel advisory tips for Mexico trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to Mexcio:

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Visit the  CDC page  for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

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Travel safety tips for high-risk areas

The State Department recommends three websites for information on travel safety tips :

• Bureau of Consular Affairs  
• The Overseas Security Advisory Council  
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation

USA Today reporter Natalie Neysa Alund contributed to this report. Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:  @ChrisFSims .

US issues new travel advisory for Jamaica, Bahamas due to increased crime

The U.S. Department of State has issued a new warning for American travelers headed to the Caribbean due to violent crime that has impacted the local populations of Jamaica and the Bahamas.

US raises travel advisory for travel to Jamaica

The State Department reissued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica last month, asking Americans to "reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services."

"Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts," the advisory, reissued on Jan. 23, stated in a summary of what's happening in the Caribbean country.

"Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence," the alert warned. "Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities."

The State Department further reminded that homicide rate as reported by the Jamaican government "has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere."

As of time of publication, the State Department has "prohibited" U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission (COM) security responsibility "from traveling to the areas" listed in the advisory, as well as "using public buses, and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night."

Additionally, the agency said emergency services and hospital care in Jamaica may not meet U.S. standards, because response times and quality of care can vary throughout the island.

"Public hospitals are under-resourced and cannot always provide high level or specialized care. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care," the State Department said. "Ambulance services are not always readily available, especially in rural areas, and are not always staffed by trained personnel."

The State Department does not pay medical bills, and advisory notes, so it strongly encourages that Americans "obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica."

Finally, U.S. Medicare or Medicaid does not apply overseas and most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance, according to the advisory.

"U.S. citizens with medical emergencies can face bills in the tens of thousands of dollars," the advisory stated, adding that the cost of air ambulance services to the U.S. can range from $30,000 to $50,000.

Read the country information page on the State Department website for additional information on travel to Jamaica.

Areas in Jamaica on State Department's Do Not Travel list

St. Ann’s Parish, St. Catherine’s Parish, Clarendon Parish -- except if passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways -- St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Hanover Parish, St. James Parish and Montego Bay, Kingston and St. Andrew Parish, Cassava Piece, Downtown Kingston, Manchester Parish, St. Thomas Parish, Trelawny Parish, Westmoreland Parish.

Click here for further details regarding each county and parish, including specific neighborhoods and popular tourist areas.

Safety information for Americans who travel to Jamaica

While the State Department has urged U.S. travelers to avoid the Caribbean country, it also shared a list of best practices if you are still planning to visit the island.

Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.

Avoid walking or driving at night.

Avoid public buses.

Avoid secluded places or situations.

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.

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 Country Security Report for Jamaica.

Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Violence and shootings occur regularly in many neighborhoods, communities, and parishes in Jamaica.

If you do decide to travel to the above-listed "Do Not Travel" areas, the Department of State asks Americans to visit this website for information on travel to high-risk areas.

What to know about US travel advisory for the Bahamas

The advisory , issued on Jan. 26, urged travelers to "exercise increased caution" should they decide to visit the Caribbean country.

According to the State Department, the majority of crime – which includes burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults – has occurred on the island of New Providence, home of the Bahamian capital of Nassau, and on the island of Grand Bahama.

"In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the 'Over the Hill' area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population," the government alert states. Violent crime has been happening "in both tourist and non-tourist areas," according to the alert, so the State Department is urging travelers to "be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence."

The State Department also suggested that U.S. travelers steer clear of activities like boat tours with commercial recreational watercraft because they are "not consistently regulated."

"Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications.  Always review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities," according to the State Department. "Commercial watercraft operators have discretion to operate their vessels regardless of weather forecasts; injuries and fatalities have occurred. Due to these safety concerns, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands."

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Click here for additional travel information on the State Department's country information page for the Bahamas.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas also issued a security alert on Wednesday , advising "U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024."

"Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets," the statement declared. "Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders."

Safety tips for travel to the Bahamas

If you do decide to travel to the Bahamas, the State Department shared a checklist of dos and don'ts to help Americans stay safe.

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, Twitter, and Instagram.   Review the Country Security Report for the Bahamas.   Prepare a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations.  Review the Traveler's Checklist.   Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau also issued its own list of safety precautions for U.S. travelers.

Exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau). Use caution when walking or driving at night. Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Review your personal security plans.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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Cruise line stops visits to popular Caribbean resort amid U.S. travel advisory

• Published: Mar. 22, 2024, 3:24 p.m.
• David Cifarelli | [email protected]
• Ryan Mancini | [email protected]
• The Associated Press

A major cruise line has suspended ships from going to the Caribbean nation of Haiti because of an increase of violence and unrest in the area.

Royal Caribbean has suspended calls at Labadee “due to the evolving situation in Haiti,” the company said in a prepared statement as reported by Cruiseindustrynews.com.

“We continue to monitor and assess the situation with our Global Security & Intelligence Team,” Royal Caribbean continued. Neither passengers nor crew have faced violence or threats, the company said.

This comes after the State Department urged people to not visit and implemented a Travel Advisory earlier this month. The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince told American tourists to “not travel to Haiti” in a press release issued March 10 .

“The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the statement continued. “We are aware that there are few or no commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge U.S. citizens to take advantage of them.”

A do-not-travel alert for Haiti was issued in July 2023 for what the State Department described as “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest and poor health care infrastructure.”

The Travel Advisory for Haiti is now at Level Four, which discourages any travel to the country.

American travelers in Haiti are advised to avoid crowds, avoid being outside after dark, prepare to shelter in place, keep a low profile and be aware of their surroundings, the U.S. Embassy said.

Several Royal Caribbean ships were set to visit Labadee over the next several days. Instead, those stops will be replaced by a day at sea as well as extra time at a previously scheduled stop in Falmouth, Jamaica.

Other ships will visit Nassau, the Bahamas or Perfect Day at CocoCay, another company-owned location.

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More than 33,000 people have fled Haiti’s capital in a span of nearly two weeks as gangs continue to pillage homes and attack state institutions , according to a new report by the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The majority of those displaced have traveled to Haiti’s southern region, which is generally peaceful compared with Port-au-Prince, which has an estimated population of 3 million, and remains largely paralyzed by gang violence . The airport in Port-au-Prince has also been closed because of the violence.

Scores of people have been killed and some 17,000 people overall have been left homeless since the gang attacks began on Feb. 29, with gunmen targeting police stations and the main international airport that remains closed.

They also stormed Haiti’s two biggest prisons and released more than 4,000 inmates.

More than 90% of those fleeing did so by bus, forced to go through the community of Martissant, which connects Port-au-Prince with Haiti’s southern region, and is controlled by warring gangs that have killed dozens of civilians in the area.

IOM noted that Haiti’s southern region is already home to another 116,000 people who fled gang violence in previous months, and that rural provinces do not have the infrastructure or resources “to cope with these massive displacement flows coming from the capital.”

The majority of new arrivals have settled in cities like Les Cayes, Jérémie and Léogâne, with more than half of Haitians interviewed saying they chose to relocate to the south because they’re originally from there. Nearly all said they planned to stay with family.

More than 70% of people who fled Port-au-Prince between March 8-20 said gang violence had already left them homeless and that they had been living with relatives or in crowded, makeshift shelters. More people are expected to leave the capital in upcoming days and weeks as gang violence continues unabated.

The Associated Press contributed to the reporting of this story.

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How to stay safe during trips to Jamaica and Bahamas after State Department travel advisories

The Caribbean has long been a desirable destination for Americans looking for a change of scenery. But the State Department recently warned U.S. citizens who plan on traveling to Jamaica and the Bahamas to exercise caution because of recent crime surges in those locations.

For those who just can’t shake the travel bug, here’s the latest on what’s happening and how to stay safe.

What's happening in Jamaica?

The State Department on Jan. 23 issued an updated travel advisory for Jamaica, positioning its concern at Level 3, indicating that Americans should “reconsider travel.”

“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the advisory states.

U.S. officials warned that local authorities "do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents" and said cases "are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence."

Jamaica's national police force reported 65 murders in January — down from 81 during the same time last year. Sexual assault has also decreased by 44% over the same period in 2023. But the rates of shootings and people injured have increased since this time in 2023.

Jamaica’s tourism ministry has pushed back at the State Department’s advisory, saying sometimes these alerts can do more harm than good for their country.

“Not withstanding the advisory, Jamaica remains not only a desirable destination but a safe and secure destination for international visitors,” Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told the Miami Herald .

According to the Herald, the Jamaica Tourist Board said the crime rate against tourists is at 0.01%, and that over 40% of its visitors have been there before.

What’s happening in the Bahamas?

Meanwhile, the Bahamas is under a Level 2 advisory , which means travelers should “exercise increased caution,” especially on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. The advisory says gang violence has led to a high homicide rate, which mainly involves locals.

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

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau recently issued a security alert citing 18 murders in January alone. The alert points to gang violence as a cause of the murders, which happen during all hours of the day. In a statement to CNN , the State Department said It was “not aware of any U.S. citizens who have been affected.”

But Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis has pushed back against the advisory as well, saying in a statement : “The incidents described in the January 2024 US Embassy crime alert do not reflect general safety in The Bahamas, a country of sixteen (16) tourism destinations, and many more islands.”

Davis’s office also told Yahoo News in an email that he, along with the tourism ministry, collaborates with local law enforcement and international agencies to provide a “safe and inviting destination.”

While the State Department updated its advisory on Jan. 26 for the Bahamas, it was to add water safety information. The advisory level has not changed.

What to know if you’re planning to travel

The State Department has stressed the importance of getting traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before venturing to the islands to protect against high fees. In Jamaica, some private ambulance companies require an upfront payment before transporting a patient to the hospital.

Government officials also encourage U.S. citizens traveling overseas to sign up for STEP , the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This program allows travelers to get important information from local embassies about safety conditions at their desired destinations and set emergency contacts who can be notified if necessary.

Travelers can also view security reports that detail areas of concern, general crime threats and law enforcement concerns for Jamaica and the Bahamas .

What to know when you get to Jamaica

Let’s kick off the safety tips with a major rule: Leave the firearms and ammunition at home. Jamaica has a zero-tolerance policy regarding tourists traveling with guns.

The State Department also cautions travelers that it will not be able to help U.S. citizens in many high-risk areas due to “the ineffectiveness or policies of local authorities, armed conflict, or poor governance.”

For Jamaica, the State Department suggests travelers avoid:

St. Ann Parish

St. Catherine Parish

Clarendon Parish — except if passing through using the T1 and A2 highways

St. Elizabeth Parish

Hanover Parish

St. James Parish

All of Montego Bay on the inland side of the A1 highway and the Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish

Manchester Parish

St. Thomas Parish

Trelawny Parish

Westmoreland Parish

Tips to stay safe

The State Department and World Nomads — a group of global travelers who offer travel insurance and safety advice — have shared suggestions for traveling safely while on the islands, especially when away from a tourist area, such as a resort.

Always have a contingency plan in place for emergencies.

Don’t walk or drive at night.

Don’t ride on public buses.

Don’t travel alone, especially to secluded places.

If you are being robbed, do not physically resist.

Stay vigilant of your surroundings and try to maintain a low profile.

Avoid answering the door of your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.

Don’t carry your passport around.

Don’t keep all your cash together.

Don’t advertise valuables in a crowd.

Avoid free rides.

Avoid buying or using any illegal substances.

Keep an eye on your drink at all times.

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Bahamas vacation warning as politician shot and killed by masked gunmen in robbery

A well-known politician from the Bahamas was shot and killed during an armed robbery on Wednesday night, according to police.

Donald L. Saunders, 49, a former parliament member and the deputy chairman of the Free National Movement Party, was fatally shot by two armed robbers.

The shooting happened shortly before 9pm ET in the area of Douglas Road in the Gambier Village - nine miles west of the city capital, Nassau.

Saunders and several other patrons were seated outside a business establishment before two masked gunmen approached them and demanded cash.

He was struck in the upper torso after the gunmen began to open fire on the group.

READ MORE: The paradise for US tourists overrun by gang crime and a sky-high homicide rate

"The patrons reportedly panicked and fled for refuge, and as a result, the perpetrators opened fire," the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a press release .

The victim "showed no vital signs of life" when emergency medical services personnel arrived at the scene and examined him.

Police are investigating the armed robbery and no arrests have been made, according to officials. The armed suspects reportedly stole a 2014 gray Nissan vehicle to flee the area.

Saunders, an attorney-turned-politician, formerly worked as a member of Parliament for Tall Pines, according to his profile .

He also worked in various positions at the Free National Movement Party (FNM) since 2002, including the title of council member, national deputy secretary and exective member.

He also served as deputy speaker of the House of Assembly from 2017 to 2021.

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The 49-year-old is survived by his wife and two children.

FNM party leader Michael C. Pintard confirmed his death on social media, writing: "It's with a heavy heart that I report the shocking murder of our colleague and friend, FNM Dep. Chair Don Saunders.

"We are still gathering all of the facts as we come to grips with this tragedy. On behalf of my wife Berlice and I, I extend my deepest sympathies to Don's family."

The US Department of State had issued a Level 2 travel adivsory for American tourists headed to the Bahamas two months ago, citing an uptick in murder and other violent crimes.

The agency warned would-be travelers to "keep a low profile" and "exercise increased caution" should they decide to visit the Caribbean country.

The majority of the crime - burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults - happens in tourist and non-tourist areas, according to the advisory.

Some of the prominent areas include the island of New Providence in Nassau, and the island of Grand Bahama in Freeport.

This comes after 18 murders have been reported in Nassau since the start of the year , according to a security alert issued by the US Embassy in the Bahamas on January.

Is it safe to travel to Haiti right now? What travelers should know

The State Department is urging Americans not to travel to Haiti amid fresh gang violence in the country, which declared a state of emergency last week.

While neither the warnings nor violence are entirely new – Haiti has been a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination in State Department travel advisories since before the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse – a spate of recent high-profile attacks, including an attempt by armed gangs to seize control of the country’s main international airport, has sparked renewed urgency. 

“The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the U.S. Embassy in Haiti said in a security alert issued Sunday. “We are aware that there are few or no commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge U.S. citizens to take advantage of them. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens is severely limited.”

The U.S. military stepped in to airlift American personnel “into and out of the Embassy” to augment security, U.S. Southern Command said Sunday in a statement to USA TODAY. The embassy is also coordinating assisted departure flights "through non-commercial means" for U.S. citizens, according to its website .

Helicopter rides from U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic are available, and the country also "indicated they will allow U.S. citizens to enter" through a land border with a valid passport, according to a State Department advisory . The airport in Cap-Haitien has "limited commercial flight activity" as well, the advisory said.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Americans in Haiti can fill out crisis intake forms and enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program program for updates. 

Here’s what airlines and cruise lines are doing about trips to Haiti:

Haiti violence: Military airlifts American personnel out of embassy as Haiti spirals into violence

Are there direct flights to Haiti?

Three U.S. airlines typically operate direct flights to Haiti: American, JetBlue and Spirit. However, all three have temporarily suspended service and issued travel waivers for the Caribbean destination.

◾ American Airlines customers with flights scheduled to, through, or from Port-au-Prince (PAP) through April 1 may modify flights without paying change fees. Changes must be made by April 1 with the same origin and destination cities as the original booking.

◾ JetBlue Airways is waiving change and cancellation fees for travelers with flights scheduled to and from Port-au-Prince through April 15. Changes can be made through April 30.

◾ Spirit Airlines is waiving change fees and fare differences on travel to, from, or through Cap Haitien (CAP) and Port-au-Prince through April 15. Travelers should rebook by April 30. After that, the airline said change fees would still be waived, but fare differences may apply.

Is Royal Caribbean still going to Haiti?

Royal Caribbean and its sister line Celebrity Cruises normally sail to Labadee, Haiti , a private destination roughly six hours away from Port-au-Prince by car. However Royal Caribbean is skipping several previously scheduled stops, in coming days.

The following sailings will not go to Labadee.

• Adventure of the Seas: 3/15 sailing 
• Mariner of the Seas: 3/16 sailing
• Explorer of the Seas: 3/17 sailing 
• Oasis of the Seas: 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7 and 4/14 sailings
• Symphony of the Seas: 3/17, 3/23, 3/31, 4/6, 4/14, 4/20 and 4/28 sailings
• Grandeur of the Seas: 3/18 sailing 
• Independence of the Seas: 4/4, 4/8, 4/18 and 4/22 sailings

"The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY. "Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we are temporarily making adjustments to sailings visiting Labadee. We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly."

As recently as March 11, the cruise line had not canceled any sailings to Labadee, but was keeping a close on the situation while noting that it had private security in the area, which was closed to the public.

It doesn’t look like any Celebrity cruises are scheduled there until fall.

Contributing: Nathan Diller, USA TODAY

Eve Chen is a travel reporter  for USA TODAY based in Atlanta. You can reach her at [email protected].

Here are the tourist destinations the U.S. has sent travel warnings about so far this year

• Published: Mar. 26, 2024, 5:01 a.m.

This 2012 file photo shows tourists, parasols and sunbeds at the white sandy beach of Fernandez Bay and the turquoise blue water of the Caribbean sea in The Bahamas. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images) Getty Images

• Chris Mautner | [email protected]

The recent news that Royal Caribbean is halting trips to its private beach in Labadee, Haiti, is just the latest in a string of recent travel warnings and problems that have plagued island tourist destinations this year.

Royal Caribbean announced on March 14 that its cruise liners wouldn’t be stopping at its private beach as the country struggles with rampant gang violence and political turmoil.

“Due to the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we’re temporarily suspending our visits to Labadee for our entire fleet,” Assistant Vice President Aurora Yera-Rodriguez said in a statement . “We continue to monitor and assess the situation with our Global Security & Intelligence Team.”

The decision comes after the U.S. embassy in Haiti urged U.S. citizens to not travel to Haiti, and for any citizens currently in the country to leave as soon as possible.

Anti-government gangs in Haiti have been battling police and shut down both of the country’s international airports. On March 3, a mass prison break in Port-au-Prince led the government to declare a state of emergency after thousands of inmates escaped.

But Haiti is not the only vacation destination that has been met with travel warnings from the U.S. government (though it is arguably the most dangerous of them all to visit right now).

In late February, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a warning for anyone planning to visit the country during spring break, highlighting a list of potential threats that included violent crime, consuming unregulated drugs or alcohol, and counterfeit medication.

While noting that the “vast majority” of people who travel to Mexico do so safely, the embassy emphasized in its warning that crime, “including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations.”

“U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,” the warning said.

Back in late January , the United States government issued a security warning and travel advisory for the Bahamas, saying that the country is dangerous for tourists due to the high level of crime, especially in the capital city of Nassau.

“Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets,” the U.S. Embassy in Nassau said in a statement , noting that 18 murders have taken place in the capital since the beginning of the year. “Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders.”

Prior to that, the U.S. State Department issued a level 3 “reconsider travel” advisory for Jamaica on Jan. 23 , saying travelers should rethink going to Jamaica due to high crime and a lack of adequate medical services.

The advisory said that “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common” in the country at the moment, and that “sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.”

Leaders in Jamaica and the Bahamas both pushed back against these warnings, saying that their respective countries remain “safe and secure” destinations for tourists.

“Sometimes, the unintended consequences of policies is they cause great harm and damage to the stability and safety of other countries,” Edmund Bartlett, tourism minister for the country, told the Miami Herald back in February.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism said that the advisory does not “reflect general safety in the Bahamas, a country of 16 tourism destinations, and many more islands.”

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• Travel and Leisure

April 1, 2024

Jamaica Tourism Industry Increasing Despite U.S. Travel Advisory

In February, the US State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory against Jamaica.

The Paramount Pictures film “Bob Marley: One Love,” starring Kingsley Ben-Adir in the starring role, is projected to help boost tourism in Jamaica in 2024, following its increased tourism numbers in 2023. 

As Travel Weekly reports, Donovan White, the Jamaica Tourist Board’s director of Tourism, indicated in February that 2023 tourism numbers were expected to see an 18% increase over 2019 figures. The country is projected to have earned $4.3 billion and had approximately 4.1 million visitors to the island, not including cruise ship passengers, in 2023. 

Jamaica is also adding thousands of hotel rooms and service flights from the United States to Jamaica. White told Travel Agent Central, “With a 42 percent repeat visitor rate overall complementing our remarkable visitor arrivals growth, we are confident that 2024 will be yet another record-breaking year. In addition, we continue to add new airlift from key gateways and will have several new hotels opening throughout the year to support our tourism growth trajectory.”

In 2022, Jamaica added 8,000 hotel rooms, pouring in $2 billion and creating jobs for 24,000 hotel workers, including full- and part-time employees. In addition, the expansion of the hotel industry led to the creation of 12,000 jobs for construction workers. White recently indicated that 15,000 hotel rooms are anticipated to open in Jamaica over the next five to seven years. Of that total, in 2024, over 2,000 rooms are expected to be added across four properties. 

In 2022, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said in an official statement : “We are delighted with the developments in the local tourism industry, which will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the economy and directly benefit thousands of Jamaicans. Indeed, tourism is a supply chain industry that spans multiple economic sectors, including construction, agriculture, manufacturing, banking, and transportation.”

The tourism numbers and the numbers from its hospitality industry are encouraging for the island nation, despite the US State Department issuing a Level 3 travel advisory . As NPR reported, a Level 3 advisory is the second-highest alert level. The State Department cautioned , “Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.”

The travel advisory continued, “Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities.”

The Jamaica Tourist Board responded with a statement to NPR , “[T]here are very distinctly defined areas within Jamaica that the advisory cites as having high risk for crime, so the majority of the island’s tourism product remains unaffected. Overall, the crime rate against visitors to Jamaica remains extremely low at 0.01%.”

The board continued, “The island consistently ranks among the top destinations for international travel, welcoming 4.1 million visitors in 2023, with approximately 3 million from the United States. Visitors can continue to come with confidence to enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer.”

Bartlett told Travel Agent Central that the country was experiencing spectacular growth. “Jamaica continues to break records in terms of tourism arrivals in a spectacular pattern of growth,” Bartlett said. “It is deeply gratifying to remain a top destination of choice among travelers internationally as well as from our primary source market, the U.S., and maintain our position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. Based on arrival figures to date, we fully expect to post an 11th consecutive quarter of significant expansion.”

RELATED CONTENT: U.S. Issues Level 3 Travel Advisory For Jamaica

• United States State Department
• Tourism industry
• hospitality
• Jamaica Travel