Jamaica Travel Alert 2025: Safety Tips and Precautions for Tourists Visiting Caribbean Hotspots

Jamaica remains a popular Caribbean destination, but as of June 2025, travelers are being advised to exercise increased caution due to the country’s ongoing security challenges. The U.S. State Department recently lowered Jamaica’s travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2, citing a sustained reduction in violent crime, particularly murders, over recent months. This change comes as a relief for the tourism industry, but officials emphasize that violent crime, including armed robbery and sexual assault, still exists at a statistically high level island-wide. The Government of Jamaica continues to report one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere, although tourist zones like Ocho Rios, Negril, and resort areas tend to see lower rates of violent crime compared to other parts of the country, according to reporting from the Jamaica Observer.

Visitors are strongly warned to avoid using public buses and to refrain from driving between cities at night, as U.S. embassy employees are prohibited from doing so. The U.S. embassy frequently receives reports of sexual assaults and crimes affecting tourists, including at resorts. Law enforcement response times are often slow, and successful prosecution of offenders remains rare, according to guidance on the State Department’s travel advisory and recent local news coverage.

Public transportation is considered generally unsafe due to high crime and overcrowding, particularly on local city buses. The Canadian government’s travel advice for Jamaica recommends only using authorized taxis marked with red-and-white PP license plates and a lime-green JUTA sticker, or verified rideshare services. Travelers should always agree on the fare in advance, avoid sharing taxis with strangers, and confirm the driver’s identity when using any rideshare app.

Medical services in Jamaica can be limited compared to what travelers might expect in their home countries. Emergency service response can be slow, and private hospitals require upfront payment before admitting patients, which may present challenges for those needing specialized care. Access to common prescription medications, like insulin, may also be limited, so travelers should bring extra supplies. Ambulance services, especially in rural areas, may not always be staffed with trained EMTs or readily available.

Driving conditions present further hazards. Most streets lack lane markings, and rural roads are prone to washouts during heavy rains. Pedestrians and animals routinely share the road with vehicles. Rental cars can be susceptible to carjackings, and driving at night is described as life-threatening for visitors unfamiliar with local conditions. Most experienced travelers and travel experts, such as those cited by bhtp.com, recommend sticking close to resort areas, drinking in moderation, keeping a low profile, protecting valuables, and purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical protection.

While marijuana possession in small quantities has been decriminalized, possession of larger amounts or attempting to leave the country with marijuana can lead to arrest or prosecution. All other drugs remain illegal.

Travelers are required to present a valid passport and proof of onward travel; a visa is not needed for stays up to 90 days for tourism purposes. The departure tax is usually included in your airfare.

Ultimately, while Jamaica’s most popular resort destinations continue to make efforts to prioritize visitor safety, travel experts and government advisories urge those interested in visiting to remain vigilant, choose accommodations carefully, keep to well-populated areas, and heed official travel advisories. Always monitor news from credible sources and consult with a knowledgeable travel advisor before and during your trip for the latest updates and local guidance.