Is JAMAICA Safe? Travel Advisory 2025

Jamaica is currently considered the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourist destination and one of the world’s fastest-recovering nations, as per Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism.

This remarkable expansion demonstrates Jamaica’s tourism industry’s tenacity in the face of international difficulties and confirms the island’s position as a top Caribbean travel destination for vacationers from the UK and the US.

Is Jamaica Safe to Visit?

Jamaica is considered a safe place but visitors should only stay in the tourist areas as there is a lot of gang violence and crime in the cities across the country.

Official Travel Advisories for Cuba (U.S., Canada, UK)

U.S. Travel Advisory – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

On July 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Jamaica.

The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to reconsider visiting due to widespread violent crime and limited medical services.

While tourist areas are generally safer, armed robberies and sexual assaults occur frequently. The U.S. Embassy continues to receive reports of assaults, including incidents at resorts. Law enforcement response is often slow, and prosecutions are rare.

Health care in Jamaica falls below U.S. standards. Emergency services are limited, especially in rural areas, and private hospitals require upfront payment. Travelers should bring needed medications and secure travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage.

CANADA Travel Advisory

​The Government of Canada advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in Jamaica due to elevated levels of violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, particularly in major cities and certain tourist areas such as parts of Kingston and Montego Bay. Despite law enforcement efforts, the widespread availability of firearms contributes to gang-related violence, posing risks even to bystanders. Tourists may also be targets of opportunistic crimes like theft and robbery. Criminal activities are often concentrated in areas identified by local authorities as “high-risk communities,” but can occur anywhere and at any time. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, especially after dark, and follow local authorities’ guidance. In the event of a robbery, it is recommended not to resist, as this could lead to increased violence. ​

U.K. Travel Advisory

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises travelers to exercise caution in Jamaica due to high crime rates, including gang-related violence and shootings, particularly in inner-city areas. While tourist regions are generally less affected, vigilance is recommended, especially in Kingston, Spanish Town, Savanna-la-Mar, and certain neighborhoods in Montego Bay such as Flankers, Barrett Town, Glendevon, Rose Heights, and Mount Salem. The Jamaican government may implement enhanced security measures like States of Emergency (SOEs) or Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) in response to violence, granting law enforcement additional powers such as curfews and searches. Travelers should stay informed about local security conditions and adhere to guidance from local authorities.

Areas to avoid in Jamaica 

According to the Canadian government, the following zones have high rates of violent crime and a significant gang population:

St. Ann’s Parish: Steer Town; Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios

St. Catherine’s Parish: Spanish Town; Central Village; parts of Portmore including Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford

Clarendon Parish: Entire parish (except when passing through via T1 and A2 highways)

St. Elizabeth’s Parish: Vineyard District Community (between Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna)

Hanover Parish: Logwood; Orange Bay

St. James Parish / Montego Bay: Inland side of A1 highway; Queen’s Drive (San San to Harmony Beach Park)

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish: Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August Town, downtown Kingston (bounded by Mountain View Ave., Hagley Park Rd., Half Way Tree, and Old Hope Rd.), including Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens

Manchester Parish: Green Vale, Gray Ground, Red Ground, Vineyard neighborhoods of Mandeville

St. Thomas Parish: Black Lane (Seaforth), Grands Penn, Church Corner (Yallahs), town of Yallahs (except main highway)

Trelawny Parish: Clarks Town

Westmoreland Parish: Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (SE quadrant east of Darling St. and south of A2 Hwy/Barracks Rd.), Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, Whitehall, Bethel Town, Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril

Tips on Keeping Safe While Traveling in Jamaica

• Refrain from bringing firearms or ammunition. The penalties for carrying such items are severe and may lead to lengthy prison sentences.
• Avoid walking or driving during nighttime hours.
• Steer clear of public buses.
• Stay away from secluded places.
• In the event of a robbery attempt, do not physically resist.
• Maintain awareness of your surroundings and adopt a low profile.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate locating you in emergencies.
• Examine the Country Security Report for Jamaica.
• Create a contingency plan for emergencies.