Is Jamaica safe? Travel Advisory 2025

Jamaica is currently considered the fastest growing tourist destination of the Caribbean and one of the world’s fastest recovered countries, according to Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism.

This remarkable expansion shows the tenacity of Jamaica’s tourism industry in the light of international difficulties and confirms the position of the island as a best Caribbean travel destination for holidaymakers from the UK and the US.

Is Jamaica safe to visit?

Jamaica is considered a safe place, but Visitors should only stay in the tourist areas Because there is a lot of gangweld and crime in the cities throughout the country.

Official travel advice for Cuba (US, Canada, VK)

US Travel Advisory – Level 3: Rearterfoeren

On July 25, 2024The US Department of Foreign Affairs updated The travel advice for Jamaica.

The US Department of Foreign Affairs encourages travelers to reconsider a visit because of widespread violent crime and limited medical services.

Although tourist areas are generally safer, armed robberies and sexual attacks are common. The American embassy continues to receive reports of attacks, including incidents in resorts. The response of law enforcement is often slow and persecutions are rare.

Healthcare in Jamaica falls under American standards. Emergency services are limited, especially in rural areas, and private hospitals require payment in advance. Travelers must take the required medicines and secure travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage.

CANADA Travel advice

The Government of Canada advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in Jamaica due to increased levels of violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, in particular in large cities and certain tourist areas such as parts of Kingston and Montego Bay. Despite legal enforcement efforts, the widespread availability of firearms contributes to gang-related violence, so that risks are even to bystanders. Tourists can also be the target of opportunistic crimes such as theft and theft. Criminal activities are often concentrated in areas identified by local authorities as ‘high-risk communities’, but can take place anywhere and at any time. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, to avoid areas with a high risk, especially in the dark, and to follow the supervision of the local authorities. In the case of a theft, it is recommended not to resist, because this can lead to more violence. ​

Uk Travel advice

The British foreign, Commonwealth & Developy Office (FCDO) advises travelers to practice caution in Jamaica because of high crime figures, including gang-related violence and shootings, in particular in inner-city areas. Although tourist regions are generally less affected, vigilance is recommended, especially in Kingston, Spanish city, Savannah-la-Mar and certain neighborhoods in Montego Bay, such as Flankers, Barrett Town, Gendevon, Rose Heights and Mount Salem. The Jamaican government can implement improved security measures such as Emergency (SOOs) or zones of special operations (zosos) in response to violence, so that the law enforcement is granted additional powers such as evening clocks and searches. Travelers must stay informed of local security conditions and adhere to the guidance of local authorities.

Areas to avoid in Jamaica

According to the Canadian government, the following zones have a high figures of violent crime and an important gang population:

St. Ann’s Parish: Steer the city; Buckfield -Neur near Ocho Rios

St. Catherine’s Parish: Spanish city; Central village; Parts of Portmore, including Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park and Waterford

Clarendon Parish: Entire parish (except for passing via T1 and A2 highways)

St. Elizabeth’s Parish: Vineyard District Community (between Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna)

Hanover parish: Logwood; Orange

St. James Parish / Montego Bay: Inland of A1 Highway; Queen’s Drive (San San to Harmony Beach Park)

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish: Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August Town, Downtown Kingston (Bounded by Mountain View Ave., Hagley Park Rd., Half Way Tree Gardens, Including, Including. Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens

Manchester Parish: Green Vale, Gray Ground, Red Ground, Vineyard neighborhoods of Mandeville

St. Thomas Parish: Black Lane (Seaforth), Grands Penn, Church Corner (Yallahs), Town or Yallahs (except Main Highway)

Trelawny Parish: Clarks Town

Westmoreland Parish: Russian community in Savanna-La-Mar (SE Quadrant east of Darling St. and south of A2 HWY/Barracks Rd.), Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, Whitehall, Bethel Town, Red Ground Negril

Tips to keep safe while traveling in Jamaica

• Distance from taking firearms or ammunition. The penalties for wearing such items are serious and can lead to long prison sentences.
• Avoid walking or driving during night hours.
• Stay free from public buses.
• Stay away from remote places.
• In the case of an attempted theft, you do not physically resist.
• Maintain the awareness of your environment and take a low profile.
• Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive notifications and to facilitate you in emergency situations.
• Research the Country protection For Jamaica.
• Make an emergency plan for emergency situations.