February 3, 2024
The State Department is urging Americans to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica.
The US government has issued a level 3 travel warning for Jamaica amid an increase in violent crime.
“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults and murders, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, even at all-inclusive resorts,” the alert warned , which was released in January. 24.
A Level 3 warning, as categorized by the State Department’s classification system, signals an elevated risk and advises individuals to reevaluate their travel plans completely.
The island saw 65 murders January 2023 – the second highest in the world according to the World Population Review. The council also said victims could face obstacles when reporting a crime to the authorities.
“Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are rarely prosecuted to a conclusion. Families of American citizens killed in accidents or homicides often wait a year or more for the final death certificates to be issued by the Jamaican authorities.”
The island saw 65 murders in January 2023 – the second highest in the world, second World Population Review.
Antony Anderson, Commissioner of Police for the Jamaica Constabulary Force said NBC News that they take measures to increase security by hiring more police officers. Jamaican officials also noted that homicide rates have decreased by nearly 20 percent since January 2023.
This is the second travel advisory for a Caribbean island in days. The US Embassy posted a level 2 warning for the Bahamas. This in response to an increase in murders on the island. The US Embassy cites “retaliatory gang violence” as the reason for most of the killings. They also stated that most of the violence occurred on the islands of New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport). They warn travelers to be aware of their surroundings and to use an extra deposit when staying at properties that do not have security.
If you think travel to Jamaica o Bahamas, the State Department advises Americans to obtain travel insurance, including medical evacuation insurance. They also encourage travelers join the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), which can make it easier for you to be located in case of emergency.
