The US Department of State has updated its travel advisory for those wanting to travel to Jamaica. After having classified the island as ‘Level 3: Reconsider Travel’ due to high crime rates at the start of the year, the Department of State renewed advisory on 25 July. Even though the advice hasn’t reached ‘Level 4: Do not travel’ yet, the US is sticking to its earlier assessment of the situation in Jamaica, warning of high crime rates and limited medical services.
“Violent crime occurs throughout Jamaica. Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common”, the advisory reads. “The US Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from US citizen tourists at resorts. US citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence.”
Moreover, the medical situation in Jamaica seems to be worsening. Apart from bringing their own prescription medication, tourists should also prepare their stay by obtaining a fitting travel insurance which includes medical evacuation insurance, as US Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.
For those opting to travel to Jamaica despite the negative travel advice, the Department of State has issued several guidelines:
- Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.
- Avoid walking or driving at night.
- Avoid public buses.
- Avoid secluded places or situations.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Jamaica.
- Make a contingency plan for emergency situations.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
