SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. State Department has eased its travel warning for Jamaica, lowering the advisory from Level 3: Reconsider Travel to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, while still urging travelers to remain vigilant due to ongoing crime risks.
The May 29 advisory follows U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Jamaica in March, where he pledged to reconsider the advisory in light of improving security data. While violent crime has decreased since 2024, the agency notes that the country’s homicide rate remains one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
“Tourist areas tend to be safer,” the advisory states, “but travelers should exercise increased caution throughout the country.”
The State Department warns that armed robberies and sexual assaults are common, and some U.S. citizens have reported slow emergency responses and limited access to quality healthcare. Private hospitals often require payment upfront, and basic medications such as insulin can be difficult to find. Ambulance services may also be limited, especially in rural areas.
Some parts of Jamaica remain under a “Do Not Travel” designation, including:
Downtown Kingston, Cassava Piece, Grants Pen, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens
Areas within Montego Bay along the inland side of the A1 highway
Neighborhoods in Spanish Town, Portmore, Savanna-la-Mar, Negril, and more
The U.S. embassy also prohibits its employees from using public buses and traveling between cities at night.
If you plan to travel to Jamaica, the State Department recommends:
Avoiding remote areas and public buses
Avoiding walking or driving at night
Not resisting robbery attempts
Keeping a low profile and being aware of your surroundings
Never carrying firearms or ammunition — even accidentally — as penalties are severe
For more details and updates, visit travel.state.gov.
