The Bahamas Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime.

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.

Jet skis, boating, and licenses

• Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred.
• There have been reports of sexual assaults by jet ski operators.
• Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees are not allowed to use or rent jet skis and personal watercraft from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise Islands.
• Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured.
• Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts.
• Do not operate a fishing boat or other charter in Bahamian waters without a license from The Bahamas Port Department. Police have detained American boaters and seized their vessels. Penalties include a fine of up to $100,000 and 3 years in prison.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in The Bahamas

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in The Bahamas, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Violent crime

There have been violent crimes and armed robberies, sometimes fatal, in residential and tourist areas of New Providence and Grand Bahama.

To reduce your risk, do not go on foot outside the main tourist areas and beaches, especially if you are alone. Stay in downtown Nassau, where there are regular police patrols. Avoid unlit areas, and travel in groups after dusk.

Take care if travelling on local bus services at night away from the main tourist areas. If you are attacked, do not resist and comply with any demands. Robbers may have concealed weapons.

Protecting your belongings

There is an increase in reported break-ins and thefts. The outlying islands of The Bahamas (known as the Family or Out Islands) have lower crime rates.

The risk of petty theft and pickpocketing increases during regattas and festivals. You can take precautions by keeping valuables in a safe place. Take care to lock doors and windows when staying at short-term vacation rental properties, especially if there are no security guards.

Drink spiking and sexual assault

The risk of sexual assault increases during regattas and festivals. Do not leave your drinks unattended.

There have been reports of sexual assaults on foreign nationals by jet ski operators in Nassau.

Risk level

The Bahamas - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in The Bahamas due to high rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, may occur in tourist areas.

Robberies also occur in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas in Nassau and Freeport, even in daylight hours. Crime increases during the holidays, festivals and regattas.

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• do not show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs and is often related to gang activity. Most crime occurs on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. The Bahamas has a high murder rate, but incidents mostly occur in downtown Nassau in non-tourist areas after dark. High incidences of violent crime occur in neighbourhoods outside of high tourist areas.

The most common crimes committed against travellers in Nassau and Freeport are:

• armed robberies
• burglaries
• fraud
• sexual assaults
• theft

There is an increase in break-ins and theft. Do not exit your vehicle to remove objects blocking the road, as robberies and carjackings can take place.

During your trip:

• always remain vigilant
• stay in tourist areas
• avoid isolated areas, including beaches, especially at night
• keep your doors and windows locked
• avoid walking alone after dark
• be wary of strangers offering to help you
• if you're threatened by armed criminals, stay calm and do not resist

巴哈马风险等级为蓝色（低风险）