The U.S. State Department has recently downgraded its travel advisory for Jamaica, one of the Caribbean’s most popular cruise destinations, marking a significant shift for travelers eager to explore its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.
This change comes in the wake of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s spring visit to Jamaica, during which he assured local officials that the advisory would be reconsidered in light of updated crime statistics. The newly revised advisory reflects an overall decrease in the national homicide rate, despite it still being high relative to other regions.
Travel Advisory Drops to Level 2
Travelers and Jamaican tourist authorities have welcomed this downgrade from “Level 3—reconsider travel” to “Level 2—exercise increased caution.” While this is a positive step, caution is still advised, particularly in response to the ongoing issues of robbery and sexual assault. Fortunately, the areas that are commonly visited by tourists tend to be safer, offering a contrasting experience to some neighborhoods that remain problematic.
“Do Not Travel” Warning Remains for Specific High Crime Areas
Despite the relaxed travel advisory, certain areas still remain perilous for tourists. The U.S. State Department continues to advise against travel to several specific neighborhoods due to elevated crime rates, categorizing them under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” alert. High-risk areas include:
- St. Ann’s Parish: Steer Town and Buckfield near Ocho Rios.
- St. Catherine’s Parish: Spanish Town, Central Village, and various regions within Portmore.
- Clarendon Parish: All areas, aside from transient travel on designated highways.
- St. Elizabeth’s Parish: Vineyard District Community between Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna.
- Hanover Parish: Logwood and Orange Bay.
- St. James Parish/Montego Bay: Inland areas along the A1 highway and surrounding regions.
- Kingston and St. Andrew Parish: Multiple specified neighborhoods, particularly in downtown Kingston.
- Manchester Parish: Green Vale and Gray Ground.
- St. Thomas Parish: Remote areas, advised against except when passing through on main highways.
- Trelawny Parish: Clarks Town.
- Westmoreland Parish: Various communities, including regions in Savanna-la-Mar and Negril.
Warning to Visitors
As a precaution, American travelers are advised to avoid walking or driving at night, refrain from using public buses, and steer clear of remote areas. It’s crucial to remember that if faced with a robbery, compliance is recommended instead of resistance. Additionally, visitors should be mindful of the healthcare system in Jamaica, which may not meet North American standards.
The advisory underscores the importance of being informed about emergency medical services, noting that private hospitals often require upfront payment and may lack specialized care options. Reports indicate that when crimes occur, law enforcement can have slow response times, further necessitating vigilance.
