U.S. State Department shares new warning for Bahamas travel | Louis Velazquez - Official Website, Entrepreneur, Finance, Technology

As a frequent visitor to many parts of the Bahamas via cruise ship, it’s easy to forget that, along with great shopping, local restaurants, plentiful drinks, and beautiful beaches, there’s also crime, danger, and a need to be careful.

That’s not always easy to remember while you’re looking at the crystal-clear water or chatting with a friendly shopkeeper who’s usually trying to convince you that you’re getting a fabulous deal, which might not actually be the case.

The Bahamas offers a slice of paradise that’s easily accessible via Florida’s cruise ports, but when you visit, it’s important that you know what to expect.

It’s not that the islands of the Bahamas are dangerous. Millions of tourists visit the Bahamas each year without incident, but the State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution.

The federal agency has revised its warning for the Bahamas, and while it has not raised the danger level, it has added some new language that travelers need to be aware of.

State Dept. shares revised Bahamas warning

The U.S. State Department has maintained its Level 2, Exercise increased caution warning for the Bahamas, but it has updated the language in the warning. Its new language now says “Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime.”

In the revised warning, the Federal agency details what it means by 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.

The warning also maintains its language on 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 three years in prison.

In addition, the warning contains a section on beach safety.

Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore.
Sexual assaults have occurred on and near downtown Nassau beaches. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms.
Be aware of your own fitness and swimming capabilities. If you are new to snorkeling, understand the risks. Swimmers and snorkelers have died after overestimating their physical fitness or health.
Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injury and death.
Be aware of weather and water conditions and follow local warnings.

If traveling on a cruise ship, the ports in Nassau and Freeport have shopping villages inside a security barrier. These areas are generally well-patrolled and popular with cruise passengers, but you should still take basic precautions.

When leaving that secured zone, recognize that you’re in a foreign country and be vigilant. Pickpockets are common, so secure your wallet and other valuables.

In many ports, a government-issued photo ID and your cruise ship card are sufficient, allowing you to leave your passport secured in your cabin. Always follow your cruise line’s guidance, as identification requirements vary by itinerary.

Be alert for any warnings specific to your destination, as some countries ban vaping, while others don’t allow camouflage clothing.

It’s important to be careful no matter where you travel.

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Travel agent shares Bahamas travel tips

As someone who visits the Bahamas regularly, it’s important to remain vigilant. In many cities, you will be approached by people offering drugs, “Cuban” cigars, and other items for purchase outside of stores. In most cases, it’s best to just refuse and keep walking.

Dennis Post, co-owner of Postcard Travel Planning and a retired police officer who also served in the Coast Guard, shared his advice on the Bahamas with TheStreet.

“We advise people to use precautions whenever traveling abroad in all countries they go to. Referring to the Bahamas, being a Level 2 threat level under the State Department travel advisory, we suggest you exercise normal caution when traveling to foreign ports in the Caribbean, regardless of the warning level,” he said.

He noted that you need to be aware of specific risks in the country where you’re traveling.

“Most of the Caribbean island countries visited by cruise ships stop in ports that are Level 2; however, Jamaica is a Level 2 but requires a higher level of caution than the other ports, including the Bahamas,” he added.

Post also suggests that any cruisers or visitors to any foreign countries register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which gives travelers quicker access to a consulate or Embassy when traveling and also immediate updates to their personal phone whether there’s a security risk, health risk, or weather risk.

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“You merely register your trip where you’re going and when, and the State Department handles it from there,” he said.

Post, who has 35 years of military and law enforcement experience, preaches caution, but also reminds people to have fun when traveling.

“Enjoy traveling and exercise precautions where you go, but enjoy your trips, including all the Bahamas, ports like Nassau and Freeport. Standard precautions are staying in well-lit areas and those frequented by travelers, traveling in groups, avoiding downtown areas and back streets, and avoiding going to places outside of the port area unless on a recommended excursion from the cruise ship,” he added.

The U.S. State Dept. warning levels

Level 1, Exercise normal precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risks. There is some risk in any international travel, and conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States.
Level 2, Exercise increased caution: Be aware of increased risks to safety and security. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory.
Level 3, Reconsider travel: Reconsider your travel to the destination due to serious risks to safety and security. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory.
Level 4, Do not travel: This is the highest advisory level due to life-threatening risks. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory. The U.S. government may have very limited or no ability to help, including during an emergency. We advise that U.S. citizens do not travel to the country, or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. Source: U.S. State Department

“Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive email updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate,” the federal agency shared on its website.