The Bahamas has seen an increase in crime recently, although authorities emphasize that this mainly affects the local community.
The US State Department’s travel advisory remains at Level 2 (Exercise Heightened Caution), but a January 26 update underlined the importance of extra vigilance, especially when visiting The islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama.
According to reports, two American cruise passengers were drugged and sexually assaulted at a resort in Grand Bahama on February 4. An investigation by the FBI and local law enforcement is ongoing, and two resort employees are being held as suspects.
LATEST NEWS from BAHAMAS:
February 22 – The US travel advisory for the Bahamas does not appear to worry local travel agents
At Worcester’s Caribbean Travel Tour, Zuly Echandia doesn’t think The State Department’s warning to be more careful because of crime is quite consistent with what she has heard.
She claims her clients tell her they enjoy visiting the Bahamas and feel it is a safe destination.
She continues, pointing out that the travel advisory is mainly about gang-on-gang violence in the Nassau region.
The Bahamas is at Level 2, placing it alongside countries such as Brazil, Germany, Italy and Spain.
Official travel advice
US travel advisory for the Bahamas
The US Department of State has a “Be extra carefulwarning for the Bahamas, citing a number of violent crimes such as armed robberies, assaults and shark attacks.
Given the moderate crime rate, travelers are urged to use extra caution when visiting Grand Bahama (Freeport) and Nassau’s Over the Hill neighborhood.
Travel advice for Canada
The Canadian government warns its citizens about this exercises a great deal of caution while traveling in the Bahamas due to the high crime rates, especially in Freeport and Nassau.
Authorities also say the most common crimes against visitors in Freeport and Nassau include armed robbery, burglary, purse snatching, theft, fraud and sexual assault. Robberies can occur in cruise ports and in and around well-known holiday resorts.
Areas to avoid in the Bahamas
Most crimes take place on the islands Grand Bahama (Freeport) and New Providence (Nassau). Special vigilance is required in Nassau “Over the Hill” neighborhood (south of Shirley Street) due to incidents of gang-related violence, which mainly affect local residents.
Tourists are advised to visit areas such as Bain and Grants Town, Centerville and Englerston in New Providence, as they are known for their higher crime rates.
Common scams in the Bahamas
Compared to other Caribbean countries, the Bahamas experiences relatively fewer scams. Nevertheless, it is important to remain vigilant against the following fraudulent activities:
Taxi overload: Some taxi drivers may take longer routes or charge higher rates than necessary. To avoid this, consider booking taxis in advance or using ride-sharing services like Uber.
Drink prices: Certain establishments may charge extra for drinks. Always check the price lists or inquire about prices before placing your order.
Hair braiding scams: Visitors can be tricked into paying exorbitant prices for hair braiding services. Despite having agreed on a price in advance, visitors may experience unexpected rate increases, for example due to the time they need or hair length. To avoid this, make sure you set the price before starting the service.
Fraudulent tours and fake guides: Beware of fraudulent tour offers where locals promise exceptional tours but end up charging high guide fees. Always check the credibility of tour operators and guides before booking.
Safety Tips for the Bahamas
Safety standards in the Bahamas are not too high at night. Despite the generally friendly and hospitable nature of the local population, safety issues can arise, especially in remote or urban areas. To ensure your safety, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Stay alert to your surroundings, even in normally safe areas.
- Be careful when approached by unknown persons.
- Avoid visiting deserted beaches or walking alone, especially after nightfall.
- Refrain from using drugs and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
- Avoid walking outside the main tourist areas and beaches, especially if you are alone.
- Choose to stay in downtown Nassau, where police patrols are conducted regularly.
- Stay away from unlit areas and consider traveling in groups after sunset.
- Be careful when using local bus services at night, especially outside the main tourist areas.
- In the event of an attack, you must not resist and comply with any demands, as attackers may be armed.
