Jamaica Travel Risk

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.

Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a major hurricane in Jamaica in October 2025. All Western parishes suffered significant damage and some communities are still without electricity and piped water. In the worst affected areas, access to healthcare is limited, and there is still debris and standing water that carries health risks, including water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Jamaica

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Jamaica, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Zones of Special Operations

The government can put enhanced security measures in place in response to outbursts of violence and shootings, such as a State of Emergency (SOE) or Zone of Special Operations (ZOSOs). A SOE or ZOSO will have specific boundaries and will temporarily give the police and military additional powers. These can include imposing curfews, cordons, searching of persons, vehicles, and places. Curfews can be imposed with little notice and are usually a short-term measure. Tourists and visitors are not usually affected by SOE or ZOZOs. Check locally whether any security measures or curfews apply and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Crowds and demonstrations

Protests and demonstrations occur across Jamaica and can cause significant disruption to traffic and public transportation. Any event with large crowds has the potential to turn violent, including large celebratory gatherings. They can also be used by criminals as cover for robbery and theft. Stay away from areas where protests, demonstrations or marches are taking place. Monitor local and social media updates.

Risk level

Jamaica - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Jamaica due to the high level of violent crime, particularly outside tourist areas.

Crime

Violent crime

Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, has decreased in recent years but is still an issue in large cities, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay.

Police are present in locations popular with tourists, including resorts. Although violent crime rates are lower in these areas, incidents of assault and robbery occur.

Crime tends to be concentrated within what the police refer to as “traditional hot spots” or “high-risk communities.” Firearms are widely available, and most violent drug- and gang-related crimes, especially murder, involve firearms.

Certain areas of Kingston, Montego Bay, St. Catherine and the town of May Pen have a significant gang population and high incidences of violent crime.

If you decide to travel to higher-risk areas:

• maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times
• avoid visiting or travelling at night
• follow the advice of local authorities
• avoid walking alone, even during the day
• travel in groups
• avoid visiting isolated areas and beaches

If you’re threatened by robbers, do not resist and hand over your cash and valuables. Resistance may result in robbers using violence.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs in major tourist areas and crowded places.

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• protect your cell phone, which is a popular item for theft

牙买加安全风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在牙中国公民密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻牙买加大使馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。