The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for the Bahamas, just in time for any last-minute trips before the 2026-2027 school year begins.
On July 28, the State Department advised travelers to continue using increased caution due to crime in the Bahamas.
“Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands,” the agency said.
Here’s what you should know.
Booking.com for travel needs
Traveling to Bahamas? Violent crime can occur anywhere
The State Department July 28 updated its travel advisory, maintaining a Level 2 advisory for the Bahamas and encouraging travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.
“Violent crime, including armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults, can occur anywhere in The Bahamas.
“Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the ‘Over the Hill’ area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.
“Stay alert in vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.”
Never swim alone in the Bahamas
Use caution if you’re heading to the beach in the Bahamas, the State Department said as it offered this advice:
Want to spend time on the water? Boating not well regulated in Bahamas
The State Department cautioned travelers to use caution and to follow this advice in the Bahamas:
Never bring firearms or ammunition to Bahamas
“Firearms and ammunition are illegal, including small quantities in carry-on bags or luggage,” the State Department said. “Police strictly enforce these laws, even at the airport when travelers are leaving.”
“Travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time, and fines.
“Authorities have detained U.S. citizens for several days or more after finding firearms or ammunition, preventing them from leaving.”
How far is the Bahamas from Florida?
The Bahamas sits about 50 miles off coast of South Florida at its closest point, across the Florida Straits, from the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Palm Beach area to such islands like Bimini and West End on Grand Bahama.
How much does it cost to fly to the Bahamas from Florida?
Southwest flights from Miami to Nassau ranged from $290 to $440 for July 31.
How much does it cost to take a ferry to the Bahamas?
Balearia Caribbean offers round-trip trips to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades. Prices start at $199.
Southwest flights to Bahamas
What do State Department travel advisories mean?
The State Department has four levels of travel advisories. Here’s what they mean and what you should do. Remember conditions can change at any time:
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://palmbeachpost.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Heading to Bahamas? Here’s why the State Department is urging caution
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
