Three countries have updated warnings.
Popular destinations have come under the lens of the U.S. State Department. Two Caribbean nations—the Bahamas and Jamaica—have received updated warnings due to crime-related incidents, while a rising Gulf destination has also raised enough alarm bells for the agency to update its advisory.
The Bahamas
The U.S. State Department updated the travel warning for the Bahamas on January 26. The Caribbean island is now at Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution. The U.S. Embassy in Nassau released this alert after 18 murders were reported in Nassau since the beginning of 2024 due to retaliatory gang violence. It states in its advisory, “Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets.”
The security alert also provides a list of actions for travelers, including keeping a low profile, being extremely cautious in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau), and not resisting any attempt at robbery.
The travel advisory has additional information on water safety, alerting travelers that recreational watercraft activities are not regulated and operators may not have certificates. Travelers should also take into account the weather conditions and never swim alone despite their age or skills. Last year, a U.S. tourist was killed in a shark attack in the Bahamas, though it is a rare occurrence.
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Coincidentally, a day after this advisory was updated, Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas Chester Cooper stated during an event in Florida that 2023 was a banner year in tourism with more than 8 million arrivals. The Caribbean island is a tourist magnet and the U.S. is a major feeder market with non-stop flights to Nassau from Dallas, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Miami, and Boston, among other cities.
Related: 15 State Department Warnings That Will Keep You Out of Trouble (and Jail)
Jamaica
The State Department has also issued a warning against another Caribbean island due to a rise in crime: Jamaica. It is now at Level 3 – Reconsider Travel, which is just one short of the highest warning, Level 4 – Do Not Travel advisory.
The advisory states, “Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.” Local police don’t respond effectively to criminal activities, hospitals are underfunded, and the homicide rates are high. “Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities.”
Saudi Arabia
Another destination recently got a red flag from the State Department. On January 24, Saudi Arabia received a Level 3 – Reconsider Travel warning from the U.S. after “periodic review to provide information on the risk of arrest due to social media use and the importation of prohibited items.”
The government agency warns travelers that social media posts (including past commentary) can be judged as critical and offensive by the country and it could lead to arrests. “This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments about Saudi institutions, policies, and public life.” Americans have been convicted under laws of cybercrime, terrorism, and disruption of public order, the U.S. State Department adds, and punishment can be prison sentences up to 45 years.
Apart from that, importation of alcohol, weapons, drugs, pork, or anything close to pornography is also illegal and can lead to severe sentences.
It is always recommended that before you book any travels, check the U.S. Department of State website for recent updates and follow local news closely. You can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which helps the government locate you in cases of emergencies.
Why would anyone want to go there in the first place?