Bahamas issues travel advisories for U.S. and others

By Sheri-kae McLeod / Caribbean National Weekly

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas has issued a series of travel advisories for Bahamian citizens, urging caution or complete avoidance of travel to several countries amid rising geopolitical tensions and regional instability.

The advisories—covering Iran, the United States, Israel, and the wider Middle East—are aimed at protecting Bahamians.

These advisories may be related to recent military escalations between Iran, Israel, and the U.S., including airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and mutual missile exchanges that have significantly raised regional tensions.

Iran – Avoid All Travel

In an advisory dated June 22, the Ministry strongly warned against any travel to Iran. “Due to the increased risk of regional military escalation and the risk of unexpected closure of Iranian airspace and airports, Bahamians are advised not travel to Iran under any circumstances,” the statement said.

United States – High Caution in Major Cities

For the United States, issued June 21, the Ministry advised Bahamians to take “normal security precautions” when visiting but added that a “high degree of caution” should be exercised in Washington, D.C. and other major cities. The advisory included information on enhanced border screening and entry requirements for Bahamian travelers.

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories – Avoid All Travel

Bahamians are also advised not to travel to Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories—including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem. “This advisory contains important information regarding the current security situation in Israel,” the Ministry noted, emphasizing that travel to these areas should be avoided entirely.

Middle East – Avoid Travel to Several Countries

A broader advisory for the Middle East, also issued on June 22, urged Bahamians to “avoid all non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” depending on the country. The advisory covers a wide range of territories, including Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The Ministry specifically listed Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, and Syria as destinations to avoid altogether.

The Bahamas Ministry encourages all Bahamians traveling or residing abroad to register with Bahamian authorities and to seek consular support in emergencies by emailing consularcrisis@bahamas.gov.bs.