Emergency Help Abroad – Bahamas

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting The Bahamas — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Drug possession, use or trafficking carries severe penalties.

• Carrying weapons, including knives or pepper spray, without lawful purpose is illegal.

• Drink-driving is a criminal offence with strict penalties.

• Importing illegal substances results in immediate arrest.

• Random police checks for alcohol and weapons occur in nightlife areas.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Respect churches, local customs and community spaces.

• Littering on beaches, parks or streets can lead to fines.

• Public nudity is prohibited except in designated private resort areas.

• Damaging coral, reefs or protected areas is illegal.

• Respect local music, festivals and cultural events.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a copy.

• Petty theft, especially of bags, jewellery and phones, occurs in busy tourist areas.

• Avoid walking alone late at night in unlit or isolated areas.

• Avoid protests or political gatherings.

• Attempting to bribe officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Only use licensed taxis or reputable shuttle services — avoid unmarked vehicles.

• Driving is on the left; speeding and drunk driving are strictly enforced.

• Public buses require valid fares.

• Overstaying your entry period can result in fines.

• Boat rentals and jet skis must be booked with licensed operators only.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use requires permission from the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority.

• Do not photograph military bases, airports or government facilities.

• Ask permission before photographing local residents.

• Some attractions restrict photography — follow signage.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing coral, shells or sand is prohibited.

• Swimming in areas with strong currents or no lifeguards can be dangerous.

• Feeding wildlife, including sharks and pigs, is regulated.

• Lighting fires on beaches may require approval.

• Hiking off designated paths may be unsafe.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging heritage buildings, caves or archaeological sites is a criminal offence.

• Removing artefacts or fossils is illegal.

• Entering protected marine parks without permission is prohibited.

• Buying souvenirs made from endangered species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels normal or automatic in the UK may be approached very differently in the Bahamas.

• Don’t swim far from shore without checking currents, especially on Atlantic-facing beaches where rip tides are common.

• Don’t touch or stand on coral reefs, which are easily damaged and legally protected.

• Don’t feed pigs, sharks or rays in uncontrolled settings, and avoid operators who promote unsafe wildlife encounters.

• Don’t leave valuables on the beach or in open golf carts, particularly at busy spots.

• Don’t ignore hurricane and storm season warnings, especially between June and November.

• Don’t take shells, starfish or coral as souvenirs, which harms local ecosystems.

• Don’t swim after drinking heavily, especially where there are no lifeguards.

• Don’t walk alone in poorly lit or isolated areas at night, particularly in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

• Don’t buy wildlife products, including turtle shell or black coral jewellery.

• Don’t underuse sun protection, as the combination of sand and sea intensifies UV exposure.

• Don’t wade in unknown waters without checking depth, as sudden drop-offs and boats can pose risks.

• Don’t rely solely on cards, especially on smaller out-islands where cash is still common.

• Don’t litter on beaches or in the sea, even with small items like bottle caps or straws.

• Don’t assume all “swimming with pigs” tours follow good welfare standards, and research operators carefully.

• Don’t take photos of locals without asking, particularly away from main tourist zones.

• Don’t ignore jellyfish or sea urchin warnings, especially after storms.

• Don’t use non-reef-safe sunscreen where reefs are present, as chemicals can damage coral.

• Don’t drive golf carts or scooters recklessly on small islands, where roads are narrow and shared.

• Don’t swim in marinas or busy boat channels, where visibility for captains is limited.

• Don’t underestimate how quickly tropical downpours can flood roads and paths, and plan excursions with weather in mind.