NASSAU, The Bahamas – The U.S. State Department and Embassy in The Bahamas is putting out a new warning for anyone traveling to Nassau.
In a new travel advisory, the department is urging people to “exercise increased caution,” saying the number of crimes have increased since the beginning of 2024.
Recommended Videos
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
The U.S. Embassy in Nassau said in its own alert that 18 murders have happened this year with some happening in “broad daylight on the streets.”
The state department said a majority of crimes occur on New Providence (Nassau) and the Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In Nassau, the agency is advising Americans to practice vigilance in the “Over the Hill” area, south of Shirley Street, where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate. The group goes on to say violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults are occurring in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
The U.S. State Department is also urging Americans to be cautious when staying at short-term vacation rental properties, participating in commercial or recreational water tours and activities in or near the water.
The embassy is urging Americans to be aware of their surroundings, keep a low profile and use caution when walking or driving.
Nassau is one of the many places that people from visit while on a cruise from Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
On Monday, The Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis, told the Nassau Guardian that The Bahamas remains a safe place for visitors and expressed regret over the way some international news outlets have portrayed the country.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: