(WJW) – The United States has issued a travel advisory for the Bahamas and Jamaica due to a surge in violent crimes including murders.
The U.S. State Department raised the security alert for the Bahamas on Friday.
This decision follows a security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas last week, which cautioned U.S. citizens about the occurrence of 18 murders in Nassau since the start of 2024.
The alert highlights that the murders have taken place at all times, including during daylight hours on the streets.
According to the alert, retaliatory gang violence has been the main motive behind the murders in 2024.
The travel advisory warns of violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occurring in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
The department specifically points out that most of the crime takes place on Nassau and Freeport Islands.
It advises travelers to be cautious when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies are not present.
Additionally, the department cautions against swimming alone in the Bahamas due to recent shark attacks.
The level 2 travel advisory encourages people to exercise “extreme caution.”
The travel warning for Jamaica is even higher, at a level 3, which advises people to reconsider travel altogether.
“Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services,” the advisory states.
The advisory warns of common violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides. It also highlights the frequent occurrence of sexual assaults, including at all-inclusive resorts.
The state department reports that local police often do not effectively respond to serious criminal incidents.
It notes that the homicide rate in Jamaica has been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere for several years.
The travel warning advises US citizens to avoid walking or driving at night.
Click here for all US travel warnings.
