The Bahamas has seen a surge in crime lately, though authorities underscore that it primarily impacts the area people.
The U.S. State Division’s journey advisory stays at stage 2 (Train Elevated Warning), however an replace underscored the significance of exercising further vigilance, notably when visiting New Windfall and Grand Bahama islands.
LATEST NEWS from BAHAMAS:
October 31 – The Bahamas Declares “All Clear” After Hurricane Melissa, Tourism Operations Resume
The Bahamas Division of Meteorology has lifted all hurricane warnings following Hurricane Melissa, declaring an “All Clear” throughout the islands. Most airports reopened Thursday after security inspections, with solely minor harm reported.
Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister I. Chester Cooper recommended the nation’s resilience and fast restoration, noting that each residents and guests might safely return. Home and worldwide flights have been resuming to Nassau, Freeport, and the Household Islands, and the Ministry of Tourism confirmed that resorts and marinas sustained minimal affect.
Officers prolonged help to close by Caribbean nations hit tougher by the storm, as The Bahamas welcomed the return of clear skies — and vacationers — as soon as once more.
February 22 – The U.S. journey advisory for the Bahamas doesn’t appear to fret native journey brokers
At Worcester’s Caribbean Journey Tour, Zuly Echandia doesn’t think the State Division’s alert to be extra cautious due to crime fairly matches up with what she’s been listening to.
She claims her purchasers inform her they take pleasure in visiting the Bahamas and consider it to be a protected vacation spot.
She continues, mentioning that the journey advisory notably addresses gang-on-gang violence within the Nassau area.
The Bahamas are ranked at stage 2, which locations them alongside international locations like Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Official Journey Advisories
U.S. Journey Advisory for the Bahamas
America State Division issued an “Exercise Increased Caution” warning for the Bahamas, citing numerous violent crimes like armed robberies, sexual assaults, and shark assaults.
Given the reasonable crime charge, vacationers are urged to train further warning when visiting Grand Bahama (Freeport) and Nassau’s “Over the Hill” neighborhood.
Canada Journey Advisory
The Canadian authorities is cautioning its residents to exercise a high degree of caution when touring within the Bahamas as a consequence of excessive charges of crime, particularly in Freeport and Nassau.
Authorities additionally state that essentially the most frequent crimes towards guests in Freeport and Nassau embrace armed robberies, burglaries, purse snatchings, theft, fraud, and sexual assaults. Robberies can happen at cruise ports and in and round famend resort areas.
Areas to Keep away from within the Bahamas
Most crimes happen on the islands of Grand Bahama (Freeport) and New Windfall (Nassau). In Nassau, specific vigilance is suggested within the “Over the Hill” neighborhood (positioned south of Shirley Avenue) as a consequence of incidents of gang-related violence, which predominantly affect native residents.
Vacationers are suggested to keep away from areas resembling Bain and Grants City, Centreville, and Englerston in New Windfall, as they’re identified for increased charges of legal exercise.
Frequent Scams within the Bahamas
When in comparison with different Caribbean international locations, the Bahamas experiences comparatively fewer scams. However, it’s essential to stay vigilant towards the next fraudulent actions:
Taxi Overcharging: Some taxi drivers might take longer routes or quote increased fares than mandatory. To keep away from this, take into account pre-booking taxis or utilizing ride-sharing providers like Uber.
Drink Pricing: Sure institutions might cost further for drinks. At all times examine for tariffs or inquire about costs earlier than putting your order.
Hair Braiding Rip-off: Guests could also be misled into paying exorbitant costs for hair braiding providers. Regardless of agreeing on a worth upfront, guests might discover themselves confronted with sudden payment hikes, citing causes resembling time taken or hair size. To forestall this, guarantee to finalize the value earlier than commencing the service.
Fraudulent Excursions and Faux Tour Guides: Watch out for fraudulent tour provides the place locals promise distinctive excursions however find yourself charging inflated information charges. At all times confirm the credibility of tour operators and guides earlier than reserving.
Security Suggestions for the Bahamas
Security requirements within the Bahamas aren’t too excessive throughout nighttime hours. Regardless of the widely pleasant and hospitable nature of the locals, safety points might come up, notably in secluded or city areas. To make sure your security, adhere to the next tips:
- Stay vigilant of your environment, even in usually protected areas.
- Train warning when approached by unfamiliar people.
- Keep away from visiting abandoned seashores or strolling alone, notably after dusk.
- Chorus from utilizing medicine and consuming extreme quantities of alcohol.
- Don’t enterprise on foot exterior of the principle vacationer areas and seashores, particularly when alone.
- Decide to remain in downtown Nassau, the place common police patrols are carried out.
- Keep away from unlit areas, and take into account touring in teams after sundown.
- Train warning when utilizing native bus providers at evening, particularly exterior of principal vacationer areas.
- Within the occasion of an assault, don’t resist and adjust to any calls for, as attackers could also be armed.
