Jamaica, a popular Caribbean destination renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, unfortunately carries a serious concern for travelers: crime, including a high rate of murders. This updated travel advisory addresses the risks associated with violent crime in Jamaica, specifically murders, and provides crucial information to help you make informed decisions about your trip. It’s essential to reconsider travel to Jamaica due to these safety concerns and exercise increased caution regarding medical services, as some areas pose a higher risk than others.
Violent crime is a pervasive issue throughout Jamaica. While tourist areas often experience lower crime rates compared to other parts of the island, it’s critical to understand that no area is completely immune. The Jamaican government’s reported homicide rate is alarmingly high, ranking among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are also frequently reported incidents, further highlighting the serious crime situation.
The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica consistently receives reports of sexual assaults, sometimes involving U.S. citizen tourists even within resort settings. Adding to the concern is the often slow and unsatisfactory response from local authorities when serious crimes occur. Even when arrests are made, the unfortunate reality is that cases frequently do not progress to a final verdict and sentence, leaving victims with little recourse and a sense of insecurity.
Beyond crime, it’s important for travelers to be aware of the healthcare situation in Jamaica. The standard of medical care available may not be comparable to what you expect in the United States. This includes potentially longer emergency service response times and limitations in routine care for illnesses or injuries. Private hospitals typically demand upfront payment before admitting patients and may lack the capacity for specialized treatment. Ambulance services might not always have trained EMTs on staff and can be unreliable, especially in rural areas. If you require specific prescription medications, it’s wise to bring an ample supply, as even common medications like insulin can be difficult to obtain locally.
Given these risks, obtaining comprehensive traveler’s insurance is strongly recommended before you travel to Jamaica, and this should include medical evacuation coverage. It’s important to remember that the U.S. Department of State does not cover medical expenses for citizens abroad. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid provide no coverage outside the United States. Most hospitals and doctors in Jamaica will not accept U.S. health insurance plans. Emergency air ambulance services to the United States can be extremely expensive, potentially ranging from $30,000 to $50,000. For more detailed information, refer to the country information page on the State Department’s website.
If, after considering the risks, you still decide to travel to Jamaica, it is crucial to adhere to the following safety precautions:
- Absolutely do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition into Jamaica. This prohibition extends to even stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for violating firearm laws, even unintentionally, are severe and can result in lengthy prison sentences.
- Avoid walking or driving at night. Criminal activity tends to increase during nighttime hours.
- Steer clear of public buses. These can be less secure and more prone to crime.
- Avoid secluded places and situations where you are isolated. Stick to well-populated and public areas.
- Do not physically resist if you are targeted in a robbery attempt. Your safety is paramount; cooperate with demands.
- Maintain heightened awareness of your surroundings at all times and try to keep a low profile. Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.step.state.gov to receive security alerts and enable easier location in case of emergency.
- Stay informed by following the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Thoroughly review the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Jamaica.
- Develop a contingency plan for potential emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist for essential preparations.
- Consult the CDC page for the most up-to-date Travel Health Information relevant to your trip.
Due to the elevated risk of crime, U.S. embassy personnel in Jamaica face specific restrictions and are prohibited from traveling to certain areas. They are also restricted from using public buses and from driving outside designated areas of Kingston after dark. These off-limits zones, which reflect areas with particularly high crime levels, are detailed below for each parish and are designated as Level 4: Do Not Travel areas for embassy personnel:
Off-limits locations for U.S. Embassy personnel throughout Jamaica – Level 4: Do Not Travel:
- St. Ann’s Parish: Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios.
- St. Catherine’s Parish: Spanish Town, Central Village, areas within Portmore including Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford.
- Clarendon Parish: All of Clarendon Parish, except when traveling through on the T1 and A2 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 side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park.
- Kingston and St. Andrew Parish: Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August Town, and downtown Kingston (defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads, including Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens).
- Manchester Parish: Green Vale, Gray Ground, Red Ground, and Vineyard neighborhoods of Mandeville.
- St. Thomas Parish: Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth, Grands Penn, Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs, Town of Yallahs (except when driving through on the main highway).
- Trelawny Parish: Clarks Town.
- Westmoreland Parish: Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (Southeastern quadrant of Savannah la Mar east of Darling Street and south of the A2 highway/Barracks Road), Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril.
If you are considering travel to any of the Do Not Travel areas listed above, it is strongly advised to reconsider your plans due to the extreme safety risks. If travel to high-risk areas is unavoidable, please consult the State Department’s website for guidance on Travel to High-Risk Areas. Your safety and well-being should be the top priority when making travel decisions, especially when considering destinations with high crime rates like Jamaica.
