An increase in violent crime coupled with poor policing has led the State Dept. to update its travel advisories for Jamaica and The Bahamas
As college students consider their spring break plans, the U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings for both Jamaica and the Bahamas following a rise in crime in both Caribbean tourism hotspots.
A travel advisory updated Friday urges Americans heading to the Bahamas to “exercise increased caution,” especially on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands, where a majority of crime occurs.
“The U.S. Embassy in Nassau advises U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024,” officials said in a Jan. 24 security alert .
“Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets. Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders.”
The Embassy urged Americans to use caution when out at night, to not resist any robbery attempt, and to keep a low profile.