Visiting the Bahamas or Jamaica: Canada warns of increased violence

The Bahamas and Jamaica have seen an increase in violent crime, prompting travel advisories from Canada and the United States.

There has been a surge in violent crime in the Bahamas, causing concern for the safety of travelers. The Canadian government has issued travel warnings for both the Bahamas and Jamaica, urging travelers to exercise a high degree of caution on the islands. The United States has also issued travel advisories, warning of increased safety risks.

In the Bahamas, violent crime has been decreasing since 2018, but incidents still occur, particularly on the islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence. The U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued a warning to U.S. citizens about a significant number of murders in Nassau, with retaliatory gang violence being the primary motive. The Canadian government warns of armed robberies, burglaries, purse snatchings, theft, fraud, and sexual assaults as the most common crimes against travelers in Freeport and Nassau.

To stay safe, travelers are advised to avoid certain areas, stay alert, avoid walking alone, secure personal belongings, and avoid deserted beaches. In Jamaica, there have been high levels of violence, leading to a state of emergency in 2023. Although the state of emergency is no longer in effect, travelers are still warned of high rates of violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, particularly in big cities and tourist areas. Many violent drug- and gang-related crimes result in shootings, and tourists may get caught in the crossfire. Travelers should avoid areas with a significant gang population and high incidences of violent crime.

If traveling to Jamaica during the travel advisory, travelers may be subject to searches by security forces and should cooperate with military and police officers, carry valid ID at all times, and be prepared for various checkpoints. Women traveling alone are frequently harassed, and there have been reports of sexual assaults by resort staff and other tourists. Travelers are advised to refrain from excessive drinking, ensure that hotel room doors and windows are locked, and purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy when booking their ticket.

It is important to register trips online before leaving so that the government can contact travelers in an emergency. It is also crucial to monitor local news for updates and stay informed about the current situation. The advisories are in place to ensure the safety of travelers and to provide them with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their travel plans.

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