- Violent crime concentrated in Nassau and Freeport; gang activity noted in Over the Hill area
- Sexual assault reports linked to jet ski operators; US employees prohibited from using independent operators
- Firearms and ammunition illegal; possession leads to arrest and imprisonment
- Major crimes decreased nationally in 2025, though attempted murders rose 23 percent
The United States Department of State has updated its travel advisory for The Bahamas, maintaining a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution warning over violent crime and water-sports safety concerns. The advisory highlights crime concentrations in Nassau on New Providence island and Freeport on Grand Bahama island, with gang violence present in the “Over the Hill” area south of Shirley Street.
The advisory specifies risks at vacation rental properties lacking private security and warns of sexual assault reports involving jet ski operators and unregulated commercial watercraft. U.S. government employees are prohibited from using independent jet ski operators on New Providence and Paradise Islands. Firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited in The Bahamas, with travellers facing arrest and prison sentences for possession.
According to Royal Bahamas Police Force figures, major crimes decreased by 15 percent nationally in 2025 compared to 2024, with homicides falling 31 percent and armed robberies declining 39 percent. Attempted murders rose 23 percent nationally during the same period. The Bahamas receives approximately 9.5m American visitors annually.
