Citing “racial tensions in some American cities,” Bahamas has issued a travel warning for its citizens thinking about a trip to the United States.
The alert, posted Friday – the day after five police officers were shot dead in Dallas – is not unlike the advisories issued by the Department of State for U.S. citizens traveling to unstable and warn-torn nations.
“We wish to advise all Bahamians traveling to the US but especially to the affected cities to exercise appropriate caution generally,” the warning reads. “In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police. Do not be confrontational and cooperate.”
July 10 is Independence Day for citizens of Bahamas, and the government is anticipating revelers traveling to celebrate in nearby Florida.
“Do not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds,” the alert warns.
See the full travel advisory below:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration has taken a note of the recent tensions in some American cities over shootings of young black males by police officers.
At the commencement of the Independence holiday weekend, many Bahamians will no doubt use the opportunity to travel, in particular to destinations in the United States.
We wish to advise all Bahamians traveling to the US but especially to the affected cities to exercise appropriate caution generally. In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police. Do not be confrontational and cooperate.
If there is any issue please allow consular offices for The Bahamas to deal with the issues. Do not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds.
The Bahamas has consular offices in New York, Washington, Miami and Atlanta and honorary consuls in Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago and Houston.
Their addresses are on the Ministry’s website – mofa.gov.bs
Pay attention to the public notices and news announcements in the city that you are visiting.
Be safe, enjoy the holiday weekend and be sensible.