U.S. downgrades travel advisory to this Caribbean island nation to ‘exercise increased caution’

The U.S. State Department recently downgraded its travel advisory level for Jamaica to a less severe level, but still warned travelers of some risks in the island nation.

According to the advisory, travelers are warned to “exercise increased caution” due to crime in certain areas and limited medical services throughout the country.

Here’s what you need to know if you plan on traveling to Jamaica.

What does the latest travel advisory to Jamaica mean to you?

The agency gave a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory to Jamaica due to crime and limited medical care available in the area.

The level is a downgrade from its previous risk level, “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” which is the second-highest risk warning from the State Department when ranking countries.

“While violent crime in Jamaica has decreased since 2024, it remains statistically high throughout the country. Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country,” the State Department notes.

“The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common,” the agency added.

The State Department also noted that “U.S. Citizens should not expect the same level” of medical care in Jamaica that is available in the U.S.

Travelers are also strongly advised to buy supplemental health insurance before travel as most health facilities do not take U.S. health insurance.

Which areas of Jamaica still have a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory?

While the State Department downgraded the advisory level for most areas in Jamaica, select parishes still have certain sections that remain at a Level 4.

The following parishes have “off-limits zones” for U.S. government employees:

• St. Ann’s Parish — Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios
• St. Catherine’s Parish — panish 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, unless you are just driving 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 — the 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, which is between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads
• Manchester Parish — Green Vale and Gray Ground neighborhoods of Mandeville
• St. Thomas Parish — Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth, Grands Penn, Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs, Town of Yallahs, except if you are driving through on the main highway
• Trelawny Parish — Clarks Town
• Westmoreland Parish — Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar, Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, The Whitehall, Bethel Town and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril

You can find more information about traveling to these “off-limits zones” here.

What is the highest travel advisory?

There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4. This travel advisory for Jamaica is a Level 2 concern for the entire area, and Level 4 for certain parishes for Embassy employees.

When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination. So, which level is the most concerning?

• Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions – This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit.
• Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution.
• Level 3: Reconsider Travel – There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination.
• Level 4: Do Not Travel – This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency.

What should travelers to Jamaica do in light of this travel advisory?

Travelers to Jamaica should buy insurance before leaving for Jamaica, as most places overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Travelers should also not bring firearms or ammunition, avoid walking or driving at night, avoid public buses and avoid remote places.

If faced with a robbery attempt, travelers should not physically resist it, and should “be aware” of their surroundings at all times while traveling throughout the country.

For more information and advice about traveling to Jamaica, read the full travel advisory here.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.