News Americas, New York, NY, 15 November 2024: Canada has updated its travel advice for the Bahamas, urging its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting the island nation, citing high crime rates, particularly in Freeport and Nassau. The updated warning, issued on November 14, 2024, highlights several safety concerns for travelers, including violent crime, fraud and safety risks associated with water and road activities.
Crime and security concerns
The advisory warns that violent crimes, often linked to gang activity, occur in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island and Nassau, and sometimes target travelers. Reported incidents include armed robbery, home invasion and sexual assault. Tourists have been victims of theft, fraud, theft and even crimes at cruise ship terminals and tourist areas, sometimes during daylight hours.
Crime rates tend to rise during the holiday season, and Canadian authorities are advising travelers to:
- Stay within the tourist areas.
- Always be alert.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Women’s safety
Sexual assault remains a significant concern, particularly in Nassau and near tourist centers such as Paradise Island. Incidents have been reported in hotels, casinos, beaches, and even on cruise ships. Authorities warn women that:
- Avoid jet-skiing with unlicensed operators, as several incidents of sexual assault have been linked to the activity.
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs.
- Never accept rides from foreigners or unlicensed taxi drivers.
- Be careful when accepting food, drink or other items from new acquaintances.
Risks of Fraud
Credit card and ATM fraud is common in Nassau, with authorities advising travelers to:
- Use ATMs in well-lit public areas or banks.
- Monitor credit card transactions closely.
- Cover PIN blockers and avoid unknown card readers.
Water sports and the dangers of boating
Tourists are also advised to rent water sports equipment only from reputable and registered operators. Reports of injuries related to poorly regulated water activities, such as jet skiing, are common. Boaters are warned of possible encounters with vessels operated by illegal drug traffickers and should only use official mooring facilities.
Road and public transport safety
While roads in major cities are adequate, rural areas often have poorly maintained infrastructure. Drinking and driving is widespread, and road accidents are frequent. Travelers are encouraged to:
- Keep car doors closed and windows up.
- Avoid leaving valuables visible in parked vehicles.
- Be careful when encountering obstacles on the road, which can be used as a robbery tactic.
Travelers are also advised to avoid using public buses on roads outside tourist areas after dusk.
Tips for cruise travelers
Several ports in the Bahamas are frequent stops for cruise ships. Visitors should remain vigilant when exploring local areas near ports and consider sticking to organized group activities.
The Canadian government encourages its citizens to stay informed of local conditions and take precautions while enjoying their travels in the Bahamas.
