Jamaica Travel Alert: Safety Concerns and Essential Tips for Americans Planning Caribbean Vacation in 2025

For travelers considering Jamaica as a destination, it's important to understand the current travel advisories in place. The United States Department of State has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica as of July 25, 2024, urging Americans to "Reconsider Travel" primarily due to high levels of crime and concerns about medical services.

This advisory remains active as of today, May 28, 2025, and highlights that violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a significant problem in Jamaica's large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay.

According to the U.S. State Department, Jamaica has one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere. The advisory notes that even at resort properties, American citizens have been victims of violent crime, and law enforcement response is often delayed or inadequate. Sexual assaults against U.S. citizens at resorts are also regularly reported to the U.S. Embassy.

The Canadian government similarly advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Jamaica due to violent crime. They specifically warn against using public transportation, which is generally considered unsafe due to high crime rates and overcrowding.

Despite these warnings, tourism experts indicate that Jamaica can be a safe destination with proper precautions. As reported by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection in January 2025, Jamaica ranked 39th out of 42 countries in their Safest Places ratings for 2025, down from 15th out of 35 in 2018.

If you're planning to visit Jamaica, safety experts recommend staying within designated tourist areas such as Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Port Antonio, which are more heavily patrolled by local law enforcement. Using reputable tour companies for excursions and private transportation services rather than public transit is also advised.

For transportation, the Canadian government recommends using only taxis ordered from hotels and authorized by the Jamaica Union of Travellers Association, identifiable by red-and-white "PP" license plates and a lime-green JUTA sticker on the window. Knutsford Express is noted as offering safe and reliable bus transportation between major towns.

Travelers should avoid flashy displays of wealth, be cautious of local scams targeting tourists, and keep valuables secured in hotel safes. Negotiating prices upfront for services and souvenirs is also recommended.

It's worth noting that international tourism to the United States has seen a decline in 2025, with a 14% drop in March compared to the previous year, according to the US Travel Association. This trend is attributed to trade tensions, stricter visa policies, and other factors that may be affecting global travel patterns.

For the most up-to-date information before traveling to Jamaica, check with your country's travel advisory service and consider registering with your embassy or consulate while in Jamaica.