Level 2 Travel Advisories Issued for The Bahamas

The US State Department and the Canadian and United Kingdom governments have all issued Level 2 Travel Advisories, Exercise Increased Caution, when visiting The Bahamas. 

These Travel Advisories say visitors to The Bahamas should be on alert for ‘crime’ in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Freeport. 

Specifically, these Advisories say to exercise caution, especially at night in the area known as "Over the Hill", which is south of Shirley Street, and the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, in Nassau. 

The US State Department said violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault, is common, even during the day and in tourist areas, in its February 25, 2019 update. 

Additionally, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to visit the ‘Sand Trap’ area in Nassau, nor use jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands, due to crime. 

But, the outlying islands of the Bahamas, which are known as the ‘Out Islands’, have reported lower crime rates. There are more than 700 islands in the archipelago that make up The Bahamas.

From a health perspective, medical care is often good in Freeport and Nassau, but limited elsewhere. 

But, medical expenses can be very high. It is normal for clinics to require patients to sign an undertaking-to-pay agreement and to take a credit card impression as guarantee of payment prior to providing medical care. 

Moreover, travel Alerts have been issued for the Carribean Islands, which includes The Bahamas, regarding Dengue and Zika viruses. 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says to ensure you are up-to-date on several Routine Vaccines before visiting The Bahamas. 

Additionally, the CDC suggests Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations when visiting The Bahamas. 

These vaccines and related medications can be found at most pharmacies in the USA. 

Pre-trip, vaccine and medication counseling appointments can be scheduled at Vax-Before-Travel. 

Americans who do visit The Bahamas should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 

And, U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations, such as this Traveler’s Checklist.