March 11, 2024 - Meagan Palmer
If you’re anything like our team, we find ourselves dreaming about a trip to the Bahamas. With that region seeing an influx of crime, feeling uneasy about travel is completely normal. This guide will answer the questions your family needs to feel more comfortable moving forward and making travel plans. Here’s what you should know about Bahamas safety as a tourist.
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Can I travel to the Bahamas right now?During the pandemic, the Bahamas temporarily shut down but has now reopened with minimal restrictions. Since its reopening, the country has included strict health regulations. One of these is called, “Clean & Pristine”, in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, and other agencies. This certification ensures suppliers are meeting health and safety rules before reopening.
Below you can view up-to-date resources on Bahamas travel restrictions to help you plan a fun and safe trip.
Is the Bahamas safe?As with other Caribbean islands, the Bahamas has faced past negative news headlines –usually related to increased crime. Check out the Bahamas travel advisory and safety information below. There are plenty of safe places (and heavily security-guarded areas) to enjoy your adventure in the Bahamas.
It’s highly unlikely you’ll encounter a violent crime as a tourist since it occurs between Bahamians. However, it should be noted to use extra caution when in Nassau (New Providence) and Grand Bahama (Freeport), as higher crime rates occur here. These tips should help you stay aware of advisories and out of harm’s way.
Leave the Valuables: Petty crimes like stealing can happen anywhere, but just make sure to leave valuable items either at home or in the hotel safe while you’re out and about. If someone tries to rob you, give them what they want—it’s not worth the risk of getting harmed.
Dress Modestly: It’s perfectly safe to travel solo as a female tourist or even as a family with kids in the Bahamas. However, it’s best to avoid revealing clothing as best you can to keep unwanted attention at bay.
Book Reputable Tours: Be cautious about where you book your tours, especially water tours since they tend to not be regulated. When booking, confirm the operator has credentials and certifications, liability if an accident were to occur, and safety and rescue protocols.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: Otherwise known as STEP, once registered (for free!), can help maintain your safety while traveling. You’ll receive travel advisory, unrest, and emergency updates from the U.S. Embassy about your destination. It’s unlikely to happen, but should you need to be evacuated from your location, the STEP can connect you with services to do so. After creating an account, enroll your future expedition to start receiving updates on that area through the U.S. embassy in Nassau.
If you’re feeling a little apprehensive about the safety in the Bahamas, purchasing a travel insurance policy can really take the edge off. You’ll receive coverage for trip cancellation, injuries during your adventure, emergencies, and access to 24/7 emergency health provider assistance. This service helps make sure you get the help you need in a travel or medical emergency.
Can you travel to the Bahamas without a passport?No, the U.S. State Department recognizes that it’s widely required to have a valid passport when entering the Bahamas and upon returning to the States. It’s also been noted that you might need proof of your anticipated departure when traveling to the Bahamas. If you don’t currently have a passport, check out our travel safety guide page to find a destination that doesn’t require you to have a passport.
Do hurricanes hit the Bahamas? Yes, since the Bahamas is located near the Caribbean Sea, there is a chance of hurricanes. Although the Bahamas have a lower chance of getting hit by a hurricane, there is a higher possibility during the prime hurricane season from June to November.
When compared to Miami though, the Bahamas has a lower chance of experiencing a hurricane each year. Keeping a close eye on the weather before you leave is helpful, but having a travel insurance policy in place could provide benefits in the event you have to cancel.
What to Do in the BahamasHotels: Looking for a secure hotel in the Bahamas? Try Melia Nassau Beach (which offers babysitting and kids’ programs!), Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, or the Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas, which have all been quite popular bookings from U.S. travelers and other tourists.
Kid-friendly Activities in Nassau Bahamas: If you’re planning to travel to the Bahamas for a vacation, your resort might already have activities to keep you busy. We encourage you to reach out to the hotel or resort for updated alerts and information.
If you’re adventurous and want to explore more, consider these beach alternatives and kid-friendly ideas to guide you.
Blue Lagoon Island: It’s closer to the Nassau port, but is great if you’re looking for a mix of fun and relaxation. Your kids will love the up-close-and-personal experience with dolphins and sea lions and you’ll appreciate the beach hammocks when afternoon nap time comes around.
The Ardastra Gardens Zoo and Conservation Centre: If you have various ages of kids in the clan, this venue offers something for everyone! From seeing endangered species to flamingo shows, this smaller zoo takes about two and a half hours to walk through.
Graycliff Chocolatier: This is a fun one for kids and adults with a sweet tooth! You’ll see how chocolate is made and even get to craft your own chocolate creations. Definitely a win for those ages six and older.
In reality, it’s rare to encounter an emergency or violent crime while on your travel journey. The United States Embassy will be there to help, but so will your travel insurance plan –especially if you need to receive care right away. With uncertainty still within the air about travel, it’s a wise choice to protect your nonrefundable travel costs like your airfare, hotels, and prepaid tours.
On Yonder’s website, you can compare policies from the top providers. If you’re still not sure which plan is best for you or your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly humans, who will talk through your options and address your travel concerns.
Travel Insurance for the BahamasWe always think travel insurance is a wise idea –especially as the travel industry continues to fluctuate. Purchasing travel insurance for your vacation to the Bahamas can help protect your travel costs should you suddenly need to cancel or interrupt your getaway for a covered reason.
Travel insurance offers another great benefit: if your flight is delayed, your policy could reimburse any extra hotel, meal, or local transportation costs you incur during the delay. Plus, COVID-19 is still treated as a covered medical event by most providers! Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of travel insurance experts to help you find the right Bahamas travel insurance.
As a seasoned professional with over five years of experience in the travel insurance industry, Meagan has honed her expertise in marketing and operations working for Yonder Travel Insurance. Throughout her career, she's shown dedication assisting customers at every stage of their travel insurance journey, from the initial quote process to navigating the claims process. Her expert understanding of travel insurance equips her to provide unbiased and valuable insights, which help travelers find the best coverage and maximize its benefits.
Tags: hurricanes, coronavirus
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