Tourists should avoid popular travel destination after 18 murders this month
United States tourists are being told to not head to The Bahamas because of an influx of crime, including 18 murders that have happened this month.
The U.S. Department of State issued an advisory on Friday, Jan, 26, telling travelers to use extreme caution in the The Bahamas because of crime.
The advisory said the majority of crimes occur in popular travel destinations like New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In addition, the “Over the Hill” area of Nassau has seen more gang-on-gang violence that “has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population.”
“Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas,” the advisory continued. “Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.”
The advisory came after the U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas posted an alert on Wednesday, Jan. 24, urging citizens to be aware that “18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024.”
The murders have occurred in broad daylight and are believed to be motivated by retaliatory gang violence. The embassy said that those who decide to travel to The Bahamas should do the following:
- Exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau)
- Use caution when walking or driving at night
- Keep a low profile
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt
- Review your personal security plans
In addition, the U.S. Department of State said tourists can read the country information page for more information on travel to The Bahamas.