The advisory remains at Level 2, urging travelers to stay aware of their surroundings and take extra precautions. Level 2 means travelers should remain vigilant if visiting the Bahamas. The State Department uses four advisory levels, ranging from Level 1, "Exercise Normal Precautions," to Level 4, "Do Not Travel."
Violent crime, including armed robbery, burglary and sexual assault, can occur throughout the Bahamas, the State Department said.
Most reported crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport, on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Travelers are warned to remain alert in Nassau's "Over the Hill" neighborhood, south of Shirley Street, due to gang-related killings. Vacation rentals without private security also pose greater risks, according to the advisory.
Warnings about water recreation were also renewed, as boating in the Bahamas is poorly regulated, with injuries and deaths reported. The advisory also warns that some operators are unlicensed or uninsured, and may ignore weather forecasts.
Since August 2024, six U.S. citizens have been hospitalized following jet ski accidents in the Bahamas, including three who needed emergency medical evacuation to the United States. In August 2025, a U.S. citizen riding a jet ski was killed after being struck by an unlicensed operator driving an unregistered boat off Paradise Island.
“Due to the severity of these risks, U.S. government employees working in The Bahamas are prohibited from renting or using jet skis on New Providence and Paradise Islands,” the U.S. Embassy in Nassau said in June. The embassy also advised all U.S. citizens to avoid renting jet skis in The Bahamas, beware of solicitors near the Cruise Port and popular beaches, and always follow local weather and marine alerts.
In addition, sexual assaults have occurred on and near downtown Nassau beaches, warns the travel advisory. The advisory also states: “Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms.”
U.S. citizens who plan to operate fishing boats or charter vessels in Bahamian waters must secure a license from the Bahamas Port Department. The State Department reports that police have detained American boaters and seized vessels for violations. Penalties may include fines up to $100,000 and prison terms up to three years.
Officials urged beachgoers to avoid swimming alone, stay alert for watercraft operating close to shore and watch for changing weather and ocean conditions.
Shark attacks have also caused serious injuries and deaths. The advisory also warns that some swimmers and snorkelers have died after overestimating their abilities.