Bahamas

Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

A - Well governed state with low corruption and a medium frequency of crime risk against foreigners which can be reduced to low with mitigation, terrorism risk is low. The workplace HSE risk is medium due to poor regulation.The country scores 22/177 on the corruption perception index, with a score of 1.354 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

 

 

 

 

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue, obeying the appropriate travel advice.

 

Crime

 

Some tourists have been victims of robbery, sometimes armed, in isolated areas and in tourist areas of New Providence and Grand Bahama. Police patrols have been increased in tourist areas.

 

Be vigilant at all times and don’t walk alone away from the main hotels, tourist areas, beaches and downtown Nassau, particularly after dark. Take care if travelling on local bus services after dusk on routes away from the main tourist routes. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Robbers may be armed.

 

The outlying islands of the Bahamas (known as the Family or Out Islands) have very low crime rates.

 

Excursions and activities

 

Before booking any excursion or activity make sure that health and safety precautions are evident and that the operator has adequate insurance cover.

 

The water sports industry in The Bahamas is poorly regulated. Every year people are killed or seriously injured using jet skis and other watercraft carelessly, or by the reckless behaviour of others. Do not rent jet-skis or other water sports equipment unless you are an experienced user.

 

Road travel

 

You can drive in The Bahamas on an International Driving Permit. Although traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road most vehicles are imported from the United States and are left hand drive.

 

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

In an emergency dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. Medical treatment is of a good standard but can be expensive. Emergency medical facilities are limited on all the Family Islands and serious cases are transferred to Nassau, Freeport or Miami by air ambulance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year.

 

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 6,100 adults aged 15 or over in The Bahamas were living with HIV; the rate was of infection was estimated at around 3.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

 

If you need to contact the emergency services in the Bahamas call 911.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Penalties for possessing or trafficking drugs are severe. Tourists may be offered drugs in pubs and bars. Police are vigilant and you could face a substantial fine, deportation or imprisonment.  

 

Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through Customs for anyone else.

 

Carry photocopies of your passport and travel insurance documents and keep the originals in a safe place.