Bahamas Issues US Travel Advisory Citing Racial Tensions

The Ministry also advised its citizens to avoid crowds

The Bahamas on Friday issued a travel warning to its citizens visiting the United States, recommending that young men in particular take care in cities affected by recent tensions over police shootings.

"We wish to advise all Bahamians traveling to the U.S. but especially to the affected cities to exercise appropriate caution generally," according to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. "In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police."

The Ministry also advised its citizens to not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds.

The advisory comes as protests against deadly police shootings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and suburban St. Paul, Minnesota, were held in cities across the U.S. The demonstrations came after a sniper attack that killed five police officers and wounded seven others in Dallas.

The U.S. regularly issues travel advisories for Americans visiting other countries. In January, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau put out a warning over crime in the Bahamian capital, which prompted complaints from business owners in the tourism-dependent island nation.

The statement from the Bahamian foreign ministry provided a list of consular offices in the U.S. for its citizens to contact in case issues arise.

"Pay attention to the public notices and news announcements in the city that you are visiting," the advisory said. "Be safe, enjoy the holiday weekend and be sensible."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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