US issues travel advisory for Bahamas, urges Americans to reconsider travel to Jamaica

The U.S. Department of State is warning Americans about traveling to two popular vacation destinations.

The government agency issued a Level 2 travel advisory for The Bahamas, urging travelers to exercise increased caution in the island country due to the crime. According to the U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas, 18 people have been murdered in Nassau just this month — primarily among the local population — with a spike in burglaries and armed robberies in local and tourist areas.

The security alert also specifically said jet ski operators have been known to sexually assault tourists.

"Be cautious, be aware of your surroundings, make sure you always have a photo copy or a picture on your phone of your passport, so if it does get stolen, you still have identification," Dr. Jasmien Lewis said.

Lewis is a travel agent and the owner of Travel Life Services. She tells 3News a number of her clients have additionally called with concerns about Jamaica.

The state department also issued an even higher Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica that states people should reconsider traveling there due to concerns with crime and medical services. The alert says armed robberies and homicides are common and sexual assaults frequently happen at all-inclusive resorts, with a lack adequate of police response.

Bri Buckley reports. --

At 3News, we’re not here to tell you the news, we’re here to share the stories that you say matter most to you. Share your ideas, thoughts, concerns and engage in conversations about the communities in which we all call home.

Follow 3News on Social:

Facebook:   /     
Twitter:   / wkyc    
Instagram:   /     

Visit our site: https://www.wkyc.com/
And be sure to download our app here: https://wkyc.com/app