Jamaica, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, is a popular tourist destination. However, it’s important to be aware of current travel advisories and safety recommendations before you go. This guide provides essential information to help you make an informed decision about your trip to Jamaica.
Understanding the Travel Advisory for Jamaica
The U.S. Department of State currently advises travelers to reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime. They also recommend exercising increased caution regarding medical services. Some areas have an increased risk of crime, so it’s crucial to read the entire Travel Advisory.
Crime in Jamaica
Violent crime is a significant concern throughout Jamaica, including armed robberies and sexual assaults. While tourist areas generally experience lower crime rates than other parts of the country, it’s still essential to be vigilant. The homicide rate in Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including incidents involving U.S. citizen tourists at resorts. Unfortunately, the response to serious criminal incidents can be slow or unsatisfactory. Even when arrests are made, cases are often not prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence.
Health Care Considerations in Jamaica
The level of health care in Jamaica may not be the same as in the United States. Emergency service response times and routine care for illness or injury can be lower. Private hospitals typically require upfront payment before admitting patients and may lack the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services may not always be readily available, especially in rural areas, and might not be staffed with EMTs.
It’s recommended that U.S. citizens bring extra prescription medication, as common medications like insulin can be difficult to obtain. Traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, is strongly encouraged before traveling. The Department of State does not cover medical bills. U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas, and most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Air ambulance service to the United States can cost between $30,000 and $50,000.
Important Safety Tips If You Decide to Travel to Jamaica
If you decide to travel to Jamaica, take the following precautions:
- Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. 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) at www.step.state.gov to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Review the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Jamaica.
- Make a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Restricted Areas for U.S. Embassy Personnel
U.S. embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling to certain areas of Jamaica due to crime. They are also prohibited from using public buses and driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night. These off-limits zones include specific neighborhoods within the following parishes:
- 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 passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways.
- St. Elizabeth’s Parish: Vineyard District Community, between the communities of Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna, St. Elizabeth
- 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. Downtown Kingston includes 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 (The 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 do decide to travel to the above-listed Do Not Travel areas, please visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, deciding whether to travel to Jamaica depends on your personal risk tolerance and preparedness. By staying informed, taking necessary precautions, and being aware of your surroundings, you can minimize potential risks and enjoy a safer trip. Remember to prioritize your health and safety above all else.
