(NewsNation) — The U.S. State Department has increased its advisory level for would-be travelers to the Bahamas and is advising “increased caution,” due to high crime rates in the country.
The increase to Level 2 follows a security alert issued on Wednesday by the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas, which warned that Americans might be victimized by gang violence in Nassau, the country’s capital.
“The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands,” the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs said in a Travel Advisory Friday. “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.”
Additionally, the embassy reported that 18 murders have occurred since the start of the year in Nassau.
“Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets,” the alert read. “Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders.”
The State Department is advising Americans who travel to the Bahamas to take actions like not answering the door at their hotel unless they know who it is and to “not physically resist any robbery attempt.”
“Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas,” the alert warned. “Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.”
Additionally, the agency has advised Americans to use caution when out a night anywhere in the Bahamas, “keep a low profile,” be aware of the surroundings, and have a plan in case of an emergency.
The State Department also warned that recreational watercraft rentals, tours and trips are “not consistently regulated” and come with an additional layer of risk.
“Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications,” the agency said. “Always review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities.”
The department also warned Americans not to swim alone in the Bahamas, where there have been recent shark attacks.