The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for those planning to visit Jamaica. This advisory, categorized as "Level 3," advises Americans to "reconsider travel" due to the prevalence of "violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides."
The advisory also makes specific reference to all-inclusive resorts. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica has posted a similar advisory.
In addition to the advice to reconsider travel, the agency suggests that travelers refrain from walking or driving at night and avoid using public buses in Jamaica.
Furthermore, the agency has provided specific guidance for each neighborhood in Jamaica, with some areas receiving a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory.
Moreover, the agency advises travelers to take additional precautions when it comes to insurance and healthcare planning before their trip to the island.
“We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica,” the advisory states. “The Department of State does not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.”
In response to the advisory, Jamaica's tourism board conveyed in a statement to Travel + Leisure that "there are very distinctly defined areas within Jamaica that the advisory cites as having high risk for crime, so the majority of the island’s tourism product remains unaffected."
The tourism board assured visitors, stating "Visitors can continue to come with confidence to enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer."
Furthermore, the U.S. State Department has recently issued a Level 2 advisory for the Bahamas, encouraging travelers to exercise increased caution due to ongoing crime.
Travelers heading to international destinations can find up-to-date travel advisories on the State Department's website.
