U.S. State Department: The Bahamas at Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution'
The U.S. Department of State rates The Bahamas as Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' due to crime. Violent crime, including armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults, can occur anywhere, with most crime in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Jet ski and boating operations are poorly regulated, with injuries, deaths, and reports of sexual assault; U.S. government employees are barred from using or renting jet skis and personal watercraft from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise Islands. Operating a fishing boat or charter in Bahamian waters without a Port Department license is prohibited, and police have detained American boaters, with pe…
Impact and considerations
Crime and poorly regulated water activities pose safety risks for business and leisure travelers to The Bahamas, and strict firearms and ammunition enforcement could lead to detention. Companies should pay attention to employee travel and activity arrangements in the destination.
Key points
- The U.S. Department of State rates The Bahamas as Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' due to crime.
- Violent crime, including armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults, can occur anywhere, with most crime in Nassau and Freeport.
- Jet ski and boating operations are poorly regulated, with injuries, deaths, and reports of sexual assault; U.S. government employees are barred from using or renting jet skis from independent operators.
- Operating a fishing boat or charter in Bahamian waters without a Port Department license is prohibited; police have detained American boaters, with fines up to $100,000 and 3 years in prison.
- Firearms and ammunition are illegal and strictly enforced, with travelers facing arrest and jail time.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- U.S. Department of State
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 28 Jul 2026, 08:00
- Page published
- 17 Sept 2026, 23:58
- Last updated
- 28 Jul 2026, 08:00
- Original links
- US Travel Advisories：The Bahamas - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 28 Jul 2026, 08:00