The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for travelers to Jamaica, citing “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common” even at tourist areas. The advisory comes after the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica reported that “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common”. Jamaican and Bahamian officials are pushing back on U.S. claims that the island countries are unsafe for tourists due to rampant crime and poor access to medical services.
Travelers are advised to be aware of their surroundings, keep a low profile, and avoid public buses, walking or driving at night, secluded situations, and other dangerous activities. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere, with armed robberies and sexual assaults being common. The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts.
Crime rates are high in and around Kingston and Montego Bay, with gang violence and shootings common in inner city areas. Dengue, HIV, and Zika are still present in Jamaica, but not considered widespread. The threat of COVID-19 is greatly diminished, though proof of these crimes remains.
In 2018, Jamaica had the highest murder rate in the world, with 1,674 murders in 2005. The U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, stating that gang violence and shootings are high in inner cities and has a list of places to avoid.
📹 Travel warnings issued for Jamaica and Bahamas amid growing violence
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Took a trip to Montego Bay and hired a local tourists. She told us the same thing. These big companies are coming in and restricting the locals from beaches and pushing them to find other places and ways to make money. Their previous sources of income are no longer obtainable due to having to purchase high permits or just flat out being bought out and pushed away by big companies and the government. It’s sad. It makes it dangerous for tourists as well. The independent workers at one excursion we did were being intimidated by a bigger company. Of course the lucrative company had all the appealing amenities to attract tourist to purchase their excursions versus the struggling locals…and they were both on the same beach doing the same activities. The tourist are also told that the locals are dangerous and not to book with them but the smaller company we dealt with was nothing less of great. Good prices with locals, great food, and chill personalities. I hate what our world is coming to. May the land and locals of One Love Country prosper and get what’s rightfully theirs back🇯🇲