WASHINGTON, DC – A second travel warning to a popular tropical vacation destination could derail travelers' plans, according to the U.S. State Department.
The U.S. government had previously issued a travel warning for the Bahamas, but now it has also issued a travel warning for Jamaica, citing an increase in crime.
The latest warning is a level 3 travel advisory. The U.S. government has increased its alert due to an increase in violent crimes and murders.
read: The United States is advising travelers heading to the Bahamas to “exercise increased caution.” Here's why:
This is the second highest level and means you may need to reconsider your travel plans. This comes just days after a travel warning was issued for the Bahamas following a series of murders.
In a warning, the State Department said violent crimes including home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults and murders are on the rise. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.
US officials added that local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrested, charges and convictions are rare.
Families of American citizens killed in accidents or homicides often wait more than a year for a final death certificate to be issued by Jamaican authorities, U.S. officials say. The murder rate announced by the Jamaican government has been one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere in recent years.
U.S. government employees with COM security responsibilities are prohibited from traveling to certain areas, using public buses, and driving outside of designated areas of Kingston at night.
Another issue that U.S. officials pointed out was the issue of Jamaica's health care services. They warned that emergency services and hospital care vary across the island, and response times and quality of care may differ from U.S. standards. Public hospitals lack resources and cannot always provide highly specialized medical care.
Private hospitals require advance payment before admitting patients and may not have the capacity to provide specialized treatment, officials said. Ambulance services are not always readily available, especially in rural areas, and may not always be staffed by trained personnel.
The State Department encouraged travelers to purchase travel insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica. The State Department does not pay for medical care.
Are you traveling to Jamaica?
If you decide to travel to Jamaica:
- Do not bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray bullets, artillery shells, or empty cartridges. The penalties for carrying a firearm or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe and can result in lengthy prison terms.
- Avoid walking or driving at night.
- Avoid public buses.
- Avoid secluded places and situations.
- Do not physically resist robbery attempts.
- Please be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
- Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and easily locate yourself in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Check out Jamaica's country security report.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies. Check out our Traveler Checklist.
- Visit our CDC page for the latest travel health information for your trip.
Violence and shootings occur regularly in many regions, communities and parishes in Jamaica.
