Jamaica Travel Advisory Lowered: What Tourists Need to Know About Safety in 2025

As of late June 2025, the U.S. State Department has revised its travel advisory for Jamaica, lowering it to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This change, made on May 29, 2025, reflects improvements in the country’s safety landscape compared to previous years. Now, travelers are encouraged to exercise increased caution rather than reconsider travel, which was the previous advisory level. The decision to lower the advisory comes in light of Jamaica’s significant progress in reducing violent crime, with police data indicating a 44.2 percent decrease in murders and a 32.5 percent decline in shootings from January to mid-June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness attributes these improvements to deliberate, data-driven policies aimed at crime reduction and enhancing public safety, and he notes that Jamaica remains vibrant and welcoming for visitors.

Despite these security gains, the State Department and other government agencies continue to advise caution. Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, persists at higher-than-average rates when compared globally, with the greatest threats found in certain areas of Kingston, Montego Bay, and other urban centers. However, the advisory notes that tourist areas generally experience lower rates of violent crime, and law enforcement presence is higher in destinations such as Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Port Antonio.

Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and take several precautions while visiting Jamaica. It is recommended to stay within known tourist hotspots, avoid walking or driving at night, and refrain from traveling into unfamiliar or less-patrolled neighborhoods, particularly those in inner Kingston or Montego Bay. When it comes to transportation, the Canadian government and other advisory sources warn against using public buses due to high crime and overcrowding. Instead, visitors should rely on reputable private transportation, such as licensed taxis from hotels or companies affiliated with the Jamaica Union of Travellers Association, or use established rideshare apps after confirming driver details. Flashy displays of wealth—such as wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large sums of cash—can attract unwanted attention and should be avoided. Secure valuables in a hotel safe and carry copies, rather than originals, of crucial documents like your passport.

Travelers should be mindful of scams targeting tourists and book all excursions and tours through reputable companies. Medical facilities vary in quality, and timely emergency response is often limited by resources, so obtaining travel and medical evacuation insurance in advance is strongly encouraged. Road safety is another concern; Jamaican roads may be poorly maintained, and local driving habits can be hazardous, with traffic-related injuries posing a significant risk to foreign visitors.

In summary, while Jamaica is currently considered safe for travel with increased caution, travelers are strongly advised to stay in well-patrolled tourist areas, remain aware of their surroundings, use reliable transportation, and take common-sense measures to safeguard themselves and their belongings. These steps, combined with ongoing improvements in Jamaica’s national security, provide a more secure environment for tourists, but prudence and situational awareness remain essential for a trouble-free visit.