Jamaica Travel Advisory — Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution in Jamaica due to crime and health risks.

Exercise increased caution

in Jamaica due to crime and health risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to use public buses or drive between cities at night due to road conditions and safety risks. They are also not allowed to travel to areas with increased safety risks without prior authorization.

U.S. citizens in Jamaica should take the same precautions.

Crime

Violent crime is a risk throughout Jamaica. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country.
Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common.
The U.S. embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts.
U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents.
When arrests are made, cases are often not prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence.

Health

Basic and specialized medical care may not be available in many parts of Jamaica. This includes slower emergency service response times and less availability of care for illness or injury. Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients. They may not be able to provide specialized care.
Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs. They are not always readily available, especially in rural areas.
U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication. Common medications, such as insulin, can be difficult to obtain. Be sure to bring enough of your medications (including prescription and over-the-counter) to last the full duration of your trip.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not apply abroad.
Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Air ambulance service to the United States costs approximately 30,000 USD as a minimum price.
We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance and confirm your coverage. Travel insurance should include medical insurance, evacuation assistance, and other trip coverage.
If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims.
The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

Reconsider travel to:

St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town due to risk of crime.
St. Catherine’s Parish - Central Village, Waterford, March Pen, and Grange Lane due to risk of crime.
Clarendon Parish - York Town and Western Park due to risk of crime.
St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Crawford District and New Town due to risk of crime.
Hanover Parish - The Green Island Area due to risk of crime.
St. James Parish - Salt Spring, Flankers, Rose Heights, the Hart Street area, Norwood, and Mount Salem due to risk of crime.
Kingston and St. Andrew Parish - August Town, Brooke Valley, Mountain View, Nannyville Gardens, Swallowfield area, New Haven, the Sherlock Crescent area, Denham Town, Parade Gardens, and Greenwich Town due to risk of crime.
Manchester Parish - Old England, New Hall, and Grey Ground due to risk of crime.
St. Thomas Parish - The Seaforth area (Blacksmith Lane and Navarre Lane) due to risk of crime.
Westmoreland Parish - Grange Hill and Savanna-la-Mar due to risk of crime.

This is a summary of public U.S. government information, refreshed daily. Conditions can change rapidly — always confirm the current advisory at travel.state.gov and review your destination's U.S. Embassy guidance before traveling. 50PlusHub is not affiliated with the U.S. government.