The U.S. State Department has issued a warning for Americans “not travel to The Bahamas due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions. Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime. Some areas have increased risk.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the Bahamas due to COVID-19.

“Travelers to The Bahamas may experience travel prohibitions, stay at home orders, business closures, and other emergency conditions within The Bahamas due to COVID-19.”

The State Department warning indicates “violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault, occurs even during the day and in tourist areas.”

“Although the family islands are not crime-free, the vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands.”

“U.S. government personnel are not permitted to visit the area known by many visitors as the ‘Sand Trap’ area in Nassau due to crime.”

“Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercrafts are often not maintained, and many companies do not have safety certifications to operate in The Bahamas.” “Jet-ski operators have been known to commit sexual assaults against tourists. As a result, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.”

“Exercise caution in the area known as “Over the Hill” (south of Shirley Street) and the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay in Nassau, especially at night.”

If you decide to travel to The Bahamas:

See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19.

Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.

Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Review the Crime and Safety Report for The Bahamas.

U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations.