Jamaica Travel Alert: Hurricane Aftermath, Crime Risks, and Health Precautions for Tourists Visiting Popular Caribbean Destination in 2025

Jamaica remains open for visitors, though travelers should approach their trip with careful planning and awareness, particularly in light of recent developments on the island. The Canadian government currently advises exercising a high degree of caution in Jamaica due to high levels of violent crime, particularly outside tourist areas, with a specific recommendation to avoid non-essential travel to western parishes.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, as a major hurricane, causing significant flooding and widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure across the island. The storm created substantial disruptions to essential services including transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, and medical care. The worst affected parishes include Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, St. James, Hanover, and Manchester. However, some regions remained undamaged by the hurricane and continue welcoming visitors, while other areas have been fully restored to operation. Ground crews are currently making repairs in areas that experienced greater damage levels.

In the hurricane's aftermath, the Jamaican government declared an outbreak of leptospirosis on November 21, 2025. The Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed nine cases of the disease following the storm, with approximately 28 additional suspected and probable cases under investigation. The highest concentration of leptospirosis cases has been recorded in St. James, followed by St. Ann, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, Trelawny, and Westmoreland, with single cases each in St. Mary and St. Catherine.

Major tourist areas like Negril, Ocho Rios, and the resort zones of Montego Bay are generally considered safe for visitors when proper precautions are taken. However, listeners should avoid inner-city neighborhoods in Kingston and Montego Bay, where crime rates are elevated. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 3 travel advisory recommending that travelers reconsider their plans due to crime, health, and natural disaster risks, though some areas carry increased risk.

Common crimes include petty theft and pickpocketing. Listeners should keep belongings secure, avoid displaying flashy jewelry, refrain from walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and avoid using buses at night. When driving, stay on main roads, keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked, and keep valuables out of sight. If threatened by robbers, do not resist and hand over cash and valuables, as resistance may provoke violence.

Regarding water activities, coastal waters can be dangerous due to common riptides. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags, so listeners should exercise caution when swimming, avoid swimming alone or after hours, and consult with residents and tour operators about safe swimming areas.

Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston has reopened for commercial flights following hurricane damage, though other airports remain closed or offer only limited operations. Listeners should contact their transportation providers to confirm flight availability before travel.

For health precautions, listeners should use approved bug spray on exposed skin, wear light-colored loose clothing made of tightly woven materials, wear socks and closed-toe shoes, and sleep under mosquito netting if staying outdoors. Hand hygiene is important, and masks should be worn in crowded settings and large indoor events.

Listeners planning travel during hurricane season, which runs from early June through November, should be prepared to change their travel plans on short notice, stay informed of latest regional weather forecasts, carry emergency contact information for airlines or tour operators, and follow advice from local authorities.

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