The U.S. has issued travel warnings for the Bahamas and Jamaica due to an increase in murders and other violent crimes. The security alert for the Bahamas was elevated by the U.S. State Department after reports of 18 murders in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. The advisory notes that violent crimes, including burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Most of the reported crime takes place on Nassau and Freeport Islands. The advisory urges vigilance, especially in short-term vacation rental properties without private security.
In addition to crime concerns, the travel advisory for the Bahamas also warns against swimming alone due to recent shark attacks. The advisory is categorized as level 2, urging people to exercise “extreme caution.”
For Jamaica, the travel warning is even higher at level 3, recommending people to reconsider travel altogether. The advisory cites common violent crimes, including home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides. It highlights the frequent occurrence of sexual assaults, even at all-inclusive resorts. The report notes that local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and the homicide rate in Jamaica has been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. The advisory advises U.S. citizens to avoid walking or driving at night in Jamaica.