US Travel Advisory Urges Caution for Bahamas Visitors

The US State Department has raised its Bahamas travel advisory to Level 2, urging Americans to exercise increased caution due to crime, with most incidents concentrated in Nassau and Freeport. Travelers should be vigilant at vacation rentals lacking private security, heed boating risks from unlicensed watercraft, and beware penalties (up to $100,000 fine and prison) for operating charter boats without proper Bahamian licenses. The advisory also notes past jet-ski–related sexual assaults and injuries. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and follow security guidance (locks, avoid resisting robberies).