NASSAU, Bahamas, July 9 (UPI) -- The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration issued a travel advisory for citizens visiting the United States, warning Bahamians to use "extreme caution" in cities affected by police shootings.
The advisory comes as many locals prepare to travel in celebration of the country's Independence Day.
The ministry warned against racial tensions in some U.S. states after the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, La., and Philando Castile in Minnesota. More than 90 percent of the country's residents are black according to the CIA.
"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," the advisory stated. "We wish to advise all Bahamians traveling to the U.S. but especially to the affected cities to exercise appropriate caution generally."
Male visitors were particularly advised to avoid confrontation during encounters with police.
"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," officials wrote.
Bahamians traveling to the United States were also strongly encouraged to avoid protests, after five officers were killed during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Dallas.
"Do not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds," officials wrote.
The ministry also provided a list its consular offices throughout the United States and advised citizens visiting the country to allow these offices to deal with any issues.
