Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
The Bahamas is a popular Caribbean destination and most visits are trouble-free. Resorts, cruise ports and tourist areas are generally safe, but parts of Nassau have higher crime, so stay in tourist zones and take normal precautions.
- Overall risk
- Low in resort and tourist areas; higher in some Nassau neighbourhoods
- Main concern
- Property crime and occasional violent crime away from tourist zones
- Emergency number
- 911 or 919 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Most travellers enjoy the Bahamas without incident. Foreign governments note that some areas of Nassau (such as the "Over-the-Hill" district) have higher crime rates and advise avoiding walking alone at night there. Stay in well-populated resort and tourist areas, keep valuables secure and use licensed transport.
- Take care with jet-ski and other watersport rentals; check equipment, insurance and operators before booking.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Resorts, Paradise Island, cruise ports and the Out Islands are the main tourist areas and are generally safe. Some inner-city districts of Nassau, especially the "Over-the-Hill" area, have higher crime.
- Safest areas
- Resorts, Paradise Island, cruise terminals, Out Islands (Exuma, etc.)
- Take extra care
- Some Nassau neighbourhoods away from the tourist strip, especially at night
- Foreign governments advise avoiding the "Over-the-Hill" area south of downtown Nassau, particularly after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated resort and tourist zones and use hotel taxis rather than walking through unfamiliar districts.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
The Bahamas lies in the hurricane belt. Hurricane season runs June to November, peaking August to October, and past storms have caused major damage. Monitor forecasts and follow local advice.
- Hurricane season
- June–November, peak August–October
- Other hazards
- Heavy rain, flooding and storm surge
- Seismic risk
- Very low
- Powerful hurricanes have struck the islands in the past. During hurricane season, check forecasts from the National Hurricane Center, keep travel insurance current, and follow instructions from your hotel and local authorities on evacuation and shelter.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Healthcare is good in Nassau and Freeport but limited on smaller islands, where serious cases may need evacuation to the US. Sun, heat and occasional mosquito-borne illness are the main concerns.
- Healthcare
- Good in Nassau/Freeport; limited on the Out Islands
- Main risks
- Sunburn, heat, dehydration and mosquito bites
- Emergency
- 911 or 919 for ambulance
- Bottled or filtered water is recommended on smaller islands. Use sun protection and insect repellent. For serious illness or injury on remote islands, medical evacuation to Nassau or the US may be required, so comprehensive insurance is essential.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Petty theft and opportunistic crime can occur near tourist areas, and violent crime is more common away from resorts, mostly in Nassau. Watersport disputes and unlicensed operators are also worth watching for.
- Main risk
- Theft from beaches, cars and hotel rooms; robbery outside tourist zones
- Hotspots
- Isolated beaches, quiet streets at night, some Nassau districts
- Advice
- Use resort safes, licensed operators and stay in busy areas
- Do not leave belongings unattended on the beach and use hotel safes for valuables and passports. Use only licensed jet-ski and boat operators, and agree prices in advance. Be cautious withdrawing cash from ATMs and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
The Bahamas is a stable parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm. Politics rarely affect visitors.
- Government
- Stable constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy
- Demonstrations
- Uncommon and generally peaceful
- The country is politically stable with regular elections and a strong tourism-based economy. Any demonstrations are rare and seldom affect travellers; use normal precautions.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Drug offences carry severe penalties. Traffic drives on the left (though many cars are US left-hand-drive). Respect local customs and carry ID.
- Drugs
- Possession, including cannabis, is illegal with heavy penalties
- Driving
- Drive on the left; many vehicles are left-hand-drive US models
- ID
- Carry a copy of your passport photo page
- Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include long prison terms. Dress modestly away from the beach and swimwear is for pools and beaches only. Firearms and ammunition are strictly controlled; do not carry them even inadvertently.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 911 or 919 for police, ambulance and fire. Save your hotel and embassy numbers before travelling.
- All emergencies
- 911 or 919 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Country code
- +1 (area code 242)
- Before you go
- Note your hotel and insurer contacts
- Response times can be longer on the Out Islands than in Nassau. Keep your accommodation address and travel insurance emergency line handy, and note the nearest clinic on smaller islands.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Private medical care is costly and remote islands may require air evacuation to Nassau or the US.
- Must have
- Full medical cover and emergency evacuation
- Activities
- Cover for diving, watersports and boat trips
- Weather
- Check hurricane and trip-disruption cover
- Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, air ambulance and repatriation, as costs can be very high. If you plan to dive, snorkel or use watersports, confirm these activities are included, and check cover for hurricane-related disruption.