Jamaica Travel Advisory: High Crime Risks, Hurricane Damage Prompt Caution for US, UK, and Canadian Travelers in 2025

Jamaica is currently under a Level 3 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State, which means listeners should reconsider travel to the country due to risks related to crime, health, and natural disasters. The U.S. Embassy in Kingston has resumed normal operations after Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, 2025, causing widespread damage across the island. Some airports, including Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, have reopened for commercial flights, but others remain closed or offer only limited operations. Travelers are advised to contact their transportation providers for confirmation of availability, as the Black River community and other areas were heavily damaged.

Crime remains a significant concern in Jamaica. Violent crime has decreased since 2024, but the homicide rate is still among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. government has imposed travel restrictions for its employees in several high-risk areas, including parts of St. Ann, St. Catherine, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, St. James, Kingston and St. Andrew, Manchester, St. Thomas, Trelawny, and Westmoreland parishes. U.S. citizens are advised to take the same precautions as embassy staff, avoiding these areas unless absolutely necessary.

Health risks are also present, as basic and specialized medical care may not be available in many parts of Jamaica. Emergency service response times can be slow, and there may be limited availability of care for illness or injury. The Department of State does not pay medical bills, so listeners should ensure they have adequate travel insurance.

The UK government also advises that crime and homicide rates are high, with gang violence and shootings mostly occurring in inner city areas. Tourist areas are generally not affected, but listeners should remain cautious, especially in Kingston, Spanish Town, Savanna-la-Mar, and parts of Montego Bay. Curfews can be imposed with little notice, and protests or demonstrations may cause significant disruption to traffic and public transportation. Large crowds have the potential to turn violent, and criminals may use these events as cover for robbery and theft.

The Canadian government has issued a more severe warning, advising listeners to avoid all travel to Jamaica due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, except for the parishes of Kingston, Portland, St Ann, St Mary, and St Andrew, where a high degree of caution is recommended. Essential services such as transportation, power, water, food supply, telecommunications, emergency services, and medical care have been significantly disrupted.

Listeners planning to travel to Jamaica should maintain a high level of personal security awareness, avoid visiting or traveling at night, follow the advice of local authorities, avoid walking alone, and go out in groups. If threatened by robbers, it is advised not to resist and to hand over cash and valuables to avoid provoking violence.

The hurricane season in Jamaica runs from early June to the end of November, and even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes. Travelers should be prepared to change their plans on short notice, stay informed of the latest weather forecasts, and carry emergency contact information for their airline or tour operator.

Jamaica tourism officials have stated that the island is ready to welcome visitors for the winter tourism season and have detailed hurricane preparedness plans in place. However, listeners should carefully consider the risks and take all necessary precautions before deciding to travel to Jamaica.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI