The Bahamas

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 911 or 919 for police. 
• Dial 911 or 919 for ambulance.

Crime

Violent crime can occur anywhere in The Bahamas. Crimes include armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults.

• Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. 
• Stay alert in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents, typically in targeted attacks.
• Stay alert in vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.

Find more information about common safety and security concerns in The Bahamas including credit card fraud, real estate matters, and water sport and scooter safety.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Common scams include: 

• Credit card fraud
• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in The Bahamas: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. Report crimes to the local police at 919 or 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +242-461-5025. 

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of destitution. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs. 
• Staff may not be trained or certified. 
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city or be medically evacuated to the United States for appropriate medical care. 
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 

Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel 

Water tour and recreational watercraft companies in The Bahamas are not consistently regulated. Boats are often poorly maintained, and many operators lack required safety certifications. Avoid water activities in rough seas or bad weather. Accidents and deaths have occurred in these conditions.

Before booking any boat tour or water activity, confirm the following with your operator:

• Valid licenses and certifications to operate in The Bahamas
• Liability coverage in the event of an accident
• Safety and rescue procedures

Jet skis and boating

Jet skis and boating are not well regulated. Rules are not always enforced. Sexual assaults, injuries, and deaths have occurred.

• Due to security risks and lack of safety regulation enforcement, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators. 
• Watercraft may not be safe. Some operators are not licensed or insured. 
• Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts.

Beach safety

Monitor local conditions and follow any posted warnings:

• When swimming, watch out for jet skis and boats moving close to shore.
• Understand the risks of snorkeling. Snorkelers have died after overestimating their physical fitness or health.
• Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death.
• Be cautious of strong currents and riptides.
• Supervise children closely near water. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist areas. 
• Avoid leaving food, drinks, or belongings unattended.

Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. 

• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in The Bahamas seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  
• Do not operate a fishing charter in Bahamian waters without a license. Get all necessary charter licenses from The Bahamas Port Department if you plan to operate a charter vessel. 

Illegal drugs

• Marijuana and all products that contains its derivatives such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – including gummies, oils and other edible products – are illegal in The Bahamas. 
• Having a prescription or medical card for cannabis or marijuana does not exempt you from being prosecuted. Bahamian laws make no distinction between medical and recreational use of marijuana.
• The possession or use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy, is a criminal offense in The Bahamas. It can result in time in prison. 
• Drug violators are regularly arrested, even for possession of small quantities.
• All persons 16 years of age or older in The Bahamas are tried as adults in court. 

If you are arrested for drug possession, you should expect to spend at least 1 night, and possibly longer, in custody. Stay away from drug dealers, who may be armed and violent. Do not accept packages from people you meet during your stay.

Firearms and ammunition

• Firearms and ammunition are illegal, including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage. Police strictly enforce these laws, even at the airport when travelers are leaving.  
• Travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time, and fines. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in The Bahamas. 
• However, the age of consent is 18 for same-sex relations and 16 for opposite-sex relations.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with disabilities or accessibility needs

The law in The Bahamas prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is enforced. 

• The most common types of accessible amenities are found in newer buildings in tourist-centric areas.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation.

Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

Review our information on Studying Abroad. 

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Bahamas Traveler Information Page provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

Dial 911 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands, but ambulance response times are typically slow. Serious illnesses or injuries might not be treatable locally.  

• Ambulances are available on the major islands, but traffic congestion on New Providence Island can cause delays.
• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment.  
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in The Bahamas. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Credit cards are widely accepted.  
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Many U.S. citizens express dissatisfaction with the quality of care available at the public hospital in Nassau. Medical evacuation insurance will ensure you have another option.

If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Healthcare facilities 

Health facilities are available in New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. 

• Outer islands have only small clinics, and medical care is limited.
• Serious health problems requiring hospitalization or medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars in up-front costs.
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications 

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 
• Check with The Bahamas Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in The Bahamas. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to The Bahamas to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 
• Surrogacy is unregulated in The Bahamas with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Bahamian courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in The Bahamas via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. 
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences. 

Water quality and food safety 

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking in urban areas and on the major islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. 
• In many outer islands, tap water is not safe to drink. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels now serve bottled water. 
• In the outer islands, you may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water. 

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in The Bahamas. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 

For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Traffic congestion in Nassau is severe. Drivers frequently display aggressive or careless tendencies. 

• Accidents involving pedestrians on New Providence Island are common. 
• Drive defensively and be alert to cars pulling out from side streets. Local practice is to allow this on a case-by-case basis. 
• There are often poorly maintained or excessively loaded vehicles on roadways. Rural roads can be narrow, winding, and in poor condition.
• Road flooding occurs frequently in many areas, including Nassau and Freeport, during and after rainstorms. Stay alert for unmarked or poorly marked construction zones.

Traffic laws  

Driving in The Bahamas is on the left-hand side of the road. You need a valid U.S. driver’s license to drive a car in The Bahamas.

• An International Driver’s Permit is needed for stays of more than 3 months.
• Seatbelts are required for drivers and passengers.
• You must wear a helmet on scooters and motorbikes. 

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxis are generally safe and reliable to use in The Bahamas.

• Taxi fares are based on zones and surcharges can apply for additional passengers and luggage. 
• It is important to agree on a fare prior to leaving for your destination.
• Major international ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft are not available.

Public and commercial transportation 

Public transportation is available by minibus (known as jitneys) and taxi.

• Jitneys stop frequently and often without warning at undesignated stops.
• Visit the website of The Bahamas’s national tourist office responsible for road safety. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that the Bahamas meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to The Bahamas should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons 

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Hurricanes 

Hurricane season generally runs from June through November, although hurricanes and heavy rainstorms can occur outside that period. 

• Monitor local weather reports closely. Airports and seaports stop operations well before a predicted storm arrives. Seats on most commercial transportation may sell out far in advance.
• For more information on hurricane preparedness, please refer to the Department of State’s page on Crisis Abroad and the U.S. Embassy Nassau’s Hurricane Preparedness page.

Tropical storms

Tropical storms can occur during the same season of hurricanes. Tropical storms can create heavy rain, localized flooding, and can disrupt travel plans.

• Oceans around The Bahamas can be dangerous due to dangerous surf and rip currents year-round.
• Monitor The Bahamas Department of Meteorology website for weather alerts and forecasts. 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates