The U.S. government has issued a level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, warning Americans to exercise "extreme caution" if they plan to travel to the Caribbean country. The warning comes after increased crimes and violence in the island in January.
The State department announced the change to its Level 3 travel advisory just a few days after it issued a warning about the Bahamas. This level encourages tourists to "reconsider travel" and, if they don't, to remain extremely cautious.
"Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are common," the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica warned Americans. "Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts."
The advisory also called out the Jamaican police system, claiming that it does not properly respond to criminal incidents, as well as hospitals and some private institutions, who may either not be reliable, or require payment up front.
So far, the Jamaica Constabulary Force has reported 65 homicides between Jan. 1 and Jan. 27 of this year. While this represents a drop from the same period last year, when there were 81 homicides, the number of shootings and other people injured in crimes increased this January compared to last year.
The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper also reported that of these 65 murders, 19 occurred within the previous week alone.
"The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere," the State Department noted.
The travel warning comes as many Americans are planning their travel itineraries for the rest of the year.
Tourism is a huge sector for Jamaica's economy, and Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett told the country's lawmakers in December that he expected a "spectacular growth pattern" seen during 2022 and 2023 to continue.
According to the ministry, tourism brought roughly $4.2 billion into Jamaica's economy in 2023.
So what can you do if you still wish to visit Jamaica? Get traveler's insurance, the State Department recommends.
"We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler's insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica," as many health providers overseas won't accept U.S. health insurance, and neither Medicare nor Medicaid benefits apply abroad.
In the warning, the Department advised travelers to be aware of their surroundings, to keep a low profile and to avoid public buses, walking or driving at night, secluded situations and resisting attempts at robbery.
The State Department also recommends the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a program that allows you to enter your itinerary and trips abroad via embassies or consulates to assist you in case of an emergency.
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