CLEVELAND — The U.S. State Department is warning Americans against traveling to two popular vacation destinations.
The government agency has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas, urging travelers to use increased caution in the island nation due to crime. According to the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas, 18 people, mostly locals, have been killed in Nassau this month alone, and robberies and armed robberies are on the rise in local and tourist areas.
The security alert also specifically stated that jet ski operators are known to sexually assault tourists.
Dr Jasmien Ruiz says: 'Be cautious, be aware of your surroundings and always keep a copy or photo of your passport on your phone so if your passport is stolen you will have proof of identity.' said.
Lewis is a travel agent and owner of Travel Life Services. She told 3News that many of her clients have called with concerns about Jamaica.
The State Department also issued a higher level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, asking people to reconsider traveling to the country due to concerns about crime and health care. The alert says armed robberies and murders are on the rise, and sexual assaults are common at all-inclusive resorts without adequate police response.
Officials said, “Even if arrests are made, they are rarely prosecuted and sentenced.Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides do not receive a final death certificate from Jamaican authorities.'' They often wait more than a year before they can receive treatment.”
Hospital treatment and emergency services vary from country to country, and the quality of care may not be at the same level as U.S. standards because public hospitals lack resources and private hospitals require advance payment before admitting patients. There is a gender.
“Make sure to bring a medical kit and first aid kit.” [is important]since there are many [places in] We are seeing these issues particularly in Jamaica and the Bahamas, which are hampering some of the health services we are able to provide,” Lewis warned.
Still, Jayla Warner, a travel nurse who lives in Copley, said she's not too worried about the warning.
“I “I feel like I hear those voices everywhere I go, so I have to be on guard wherever I go,” she said. If you want to go to Jamaica or the Bahamas, you have to be a little more cautious. But I don't think I can let that stop me from having fun. ”
Meanwhile, Akron resident Donald Garrick says he always checks the State Department's warnings before booking a trip.
“Even if you're going to a country you've been to before, conditions change, politics change, weather changes, and just taking five or 10 minutes to research can avoid some surprises.” Garrick said.
The advisory also urges people to use caution when staying in short-term vacation rental facilities, as they lack the same security as hotels and resorts. We also offer traveler insurance, including medical insurance.
Lewis added that if you still want to go to the Bahamas or Jamaica, you may want to postpone your dates.
