Bahamas

Recommended Vaccinations For Bahamas

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies may be present in bats. Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact with bats.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission also require a certificate.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Bahamas

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malarial medication is generally not recommended for travellers to the Great Exuma Island.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Bahamas

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A may be a risk in the Bahamas.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B may be a risk in the Bahamas.

Chikungunya Fever

Although the mosquito vector that can transmit this disease is present in this country, no outbreaks have been reported, and the risk for the traveller is low.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in the Bahamas.

For Some Travellers

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats. Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact with bats.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission also require a certificate.

Typhoid Fever

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Zika Fever

Zika fever may occur in this country.

Safety & Security in Bahamas

Personal Safety

The Bahamas experiences violent crime including armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults that can occur anywhere in the country. Most crime happens in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Gang violence has resulted in murders at all hours including in broad daylight, with retaliatory gang violence being the primary motive in recent murders. While serious crime declined by 21% between 2022 and 2023, with major crimes dropping from 3,979 to 3,153, violent crime remains a concern for travelers. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in tourist areas, including cruise ship terminals and resort areas, even during daylight hours. Crime increases during holidays, festivals, and regattas. Break-ins and theft have increased, and criminals sometimes place objects on roads to force vehicles to stop for robberies and carjackings. Food and drink spiking has been reported, sometimes followed by sexual assault or robbery. The water sports industry is poorly regulated, with reported sexual assaults by jet ski operators and injuries or deaths from poorly maintained watercraft. If confronted during a robbery, do not physically resist as criminals often carry weapons.

Extreme Violence

Gang violence remains the primary driver of extreme violence in the Bahamas. The Over the Hill area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, experiences high levels of gang violence resulting in murders that primarily affect the local population. Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in murders, with 18 murders reported in early 2024 in Nassau alone. Murders occur at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets. Local gangs predominantly attract young people due to high youth unemployment, and these groups are involved in drug distribution to tourists and locals. Ties between local gangs and foreign actors involved in drug trafficking are well established. While gang violence primarily affects the local population in specific neighborhoods, the escalation in violence and homicides over turf disputes creates a dangerous environment. The Bahamas has a high murder rate, though most incidents occur in downtown Nassau in non-tourist areas after dark. Firearms and ammunition trafficking has increased in recent years, making an impact on other forms of criminality and violence in the country.

Political Unrest

The Bahamas is a stable democracy where political rights and civil liberties are generally respected. Freedom of assembly is constitutionally protected and respected in practice. In October 2022, Lincoln Bain, leader of the Coalition of Independents, and eight supporters were arrested after police tried to move their protest away from Parliament steps. In March 2022, protesters called for reparations for slavery during a visit by Prince William and Princess Catherine of the United Kingdom. Environmental demonstrations have occurred, including a 2021 gathering by Bahamian Evolution pushing to take back the country’s natural resources. The country has a stable political system with a mostly ceremonial governor-general appointed by the British monarch as head of state. The prime minister serves as head of government. Philip Davis became prime minister in September 2021 after the Progressive Liberal Party won parliamentary elections. Government corruption is considered a serious problem, though the country maintains political stability. There are no significant political unrest concerns for travelers, though occasional peaceful demonstrations occur.

Areas To Avoid

The Over the Hill area in Nassau, located south of Shirley Street, is the primary area travelers should avoid. This neighborhood experiences gang violence and has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. It is considered the poorest neighborhood in Nassau and where violent crime tends to occur. A December 2024 travel alert was issued about robberies in the Love Beach area of Nassau. Travelers should avoid walking outside designated tourist areas, particularly after dark. In Nassau, stay within downtown tourist areas, Cable Beach, and Arawak Cay, which have regular police patrols. Avoid unlit areas and travel in groups after dusk. Do not venture outside the main tourist areas and beaches on foot, especially alone. Take care when traveling on local bus services at night away from main tourist areas. Avoid deserted beaches and walking alone, especially after dark. Areas south of downtown Nassau should be avoided. The Out Islands, also known as the Family Islands, have a much lower crime rate than Nassau and Freeport. Downtown Nassau, Cable Beach, and Paradise Island are well-policed and typically safe during the day when staying in tourist zones.