The U.S. State Department has updated a warning urging travelers to avoid a popular Caribbean hotspot.
The update, published on July 25, urged people to reconsider traveling to Jamaica due to crime and lack of medical services. The ministry first issued its alert in February, citing an increase in home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults and murders, with some incidents occurring at popular all-inclusive resorts.
“The U.S. Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault, particularly from American tourists at resorts. U.S. citizens report a slow or inadequate response to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are rarely pursued to a final verdict and sentence,” the notice said.
In its update, the State Department noted that while tourist areas generally experience lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country, incidents can occur throughout Jamaica, which has one of the highest homicide rates in the Western world.
Jamaica is classified as a Category 3 country, meaning people should “reconsider travel” to the country. Other Level 3 countries include Egypt, Pakistan, Lebanon, El Salvador, Guatemala and Saudi Arabia. Some areas of the country are under a travel ban for embassy staff.
More … than 206,000 Americans visited the island last year.
Health concerns
Adding to Jamaica's travel problems are health care issues, officials said.
Emergency response times and routine care for illness or injury are shorter. Private hospitals require advance payment before admitting patients, and specialized care is limited. Ambulance services are not always staffed by trained medical personnel or readily available, particularly in rural areas. U.S. citizens traveling to Jamaica are advised to bring their own prescription medications, particularly for products such as insulin, which may be difficult to obtain.
“We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling,” the alert states.
If you are traveling to Jamaica, the Department of State recommends:
- Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition, including stray bullets, cartridges, or spent shell casings. Penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences.
- Avoid walking or driving at night.
- Avoid public buses.
- Avoid isolated places or situations.
- Do not physically resist an attempted theft.
- Be aware of your surroundings and remain discreet.
- Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program has www.step.state.gov to receive alerts and facilitate your location in the event of an emergency.
- Follow the State Department on FacebookAnd X/Twitter.
