Jamaica has recently had a turbulent relationship with other countries due to travel advisories that paint a less-than-appealing picture. In particular, the U.S. has (controversially) labeled Jamaica as a place to be cautious about traveling to. The U.S. has, in theory, labeled Jamaica as an unsafe place to visit with its renewed travel warnings earlier this year. The notice came at an unfortunate time for Jamaica, just ahead of the country’s high tourist season, of which American citizens account for a large segment of the country’s visitors. Recently, the U.S. reissued the travel advisory, which has also been met with critical judgments.
The Latest Travel Warning For Jamaica
The U.S. Department of State has given Jamaica a travel advisory level ranking. Of the four levels in the ranking system, each represents the amount of caution travelers should have when considering a visit to a given destination. Level 1 is the best regarding safety and security since it is when travelers should exercise normal precautions. Level 2 is when people should exercise increased caution while abroad. Levels 3 and 4 are when the government suggests reconsidering travel or not traveling to the destination at all, respectively.
The government’s assessment of the safety and security of Jamaica for American visitors has resulted in a level 3 advisory. With this travel advisory level comes the assumption that Jamaica is a pretty dangerous place to visit. Seemingly because of the backlash from the travel advisory, new information has been released regarding the specific reasons for Jamaica’s ranking. On July 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of State updated the travel advisory for Jamaica to reflect additional relevant information. According to the travel advisory, travelers should be concerned about health care and crime in Jamaica.
The Travel Advisory Update
The “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” designation the U.S. Department of State assigned to Jamaica indicates serious concerns about the safety of U.S. citizens.
Hospitals in Jamaica may require payment upfront, lack the capacity for specialty care, and often provide delayed emergency response. Ambulance services may not be staffed with EMTs, and essential medications like insulin can be difficult to find. As a result, the U.S. government strongly recommends purchasing medical evacuation insurance, as emergency airlifts to the U.S. can cost $30,000 to $50,000.
Crime remains an even more urgent concern. While tourist areas experience lower crime rates than other parts of the country, incidents still occur — including armed robberies and sexual assaults, even within gated resorts. Law enforcement response is often slow, and cases are rarely prosecuted to conclusion.
Why the Advisory Was Issued: Global Peace Index And U.S. Findings
According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Jamaica ranks 91 out of 163 countries, placing it in the lower half of the global ranking for peace and security. Its overall peace score is 2.12 out of 5, with higher numbers indicating more violence and instability. Key breakdowns include:
- Homicides: 5.0 / 5
- Violent crime: 5.0 / 5
- Police effectiveness: 3.48 / 5
- Access to weapons: 4.0 / 5
- Safety and security domain: 3.06 / 5
These numbers reflect the U.S. government’s concerns. In fact, the State Department reports that sexual assault against tourists — including U.S. citizens — is a persistent issue, and local prosecutions are rare or slow. U.S. travelers have also reported difficulty obtaining justice, proper care, or follow-up in serious cases.
Adding to the concern, U.S. Embassy personnel are banned from entering specific neighborhoods across Jamaica due to extreme risk. This includes areas in Kingston, Montego Bay, Spanish Town, Portmore, and other parishes. These zones are considered “Level 4: Do Not Travel” and are listed in full on the U.S. Department of State’s advisory page.
How The Travel Warning Impacts Travelers
This updated advisory has caused concern among tourists, especially those drawn to Jamaica’s laid-back culture and natural beauty. While the country remains a popular destination, many might now feel compelled to weigh the risks more seriously.
Some argue the Level 3 advisory is overly severe given Jamaica’s popularity and tourism protections. Still, the government’s warnings — supported by global data and recent embassy reports — signal that travelers must take responsibility for their own safety and be well-informed before visiting.
How To Stay Safe When Traveling To Jamaica
If you do choose to visit, the U.S. Department of State recommends taking the following precautions:
- Avoid walking or driving at night.
- Do not use public buses.
- Avoid secluded places and off-resort outings with strangers.
- Do not resist robbery attempts.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety alerts.
- Carry extra prescription medication and ensure you have travel and evacuation insurance.
- Stay alert and keep a low profile.
- Report any incidents immediately to both local authorities and the U.S. Embassy.
- Be cautious at resorts — crime, including sexual assault, can still occur within tourist accommodations.
Above all, travelers are advised to stay updated through the U.S. State Department’s Jamaica travel page and avoid all restricted zones where U.S. personnel are prohibited from entering.
