Jamaica is currently considered the Caribbean’s fastest growing tourism destination and one of the fastest recovering countries in the world, said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism.
With a surprising 69.2% increase in tourist arrivals in 2021, Jamaica saw a notable spike in tourist arrivals from Britain in the second half of 2023. The growth has led to record-breaking revenues that have surpassed $2 billion. This remarkable expansion demonstrates the tenacity of the Jamaican tourism industry in the face of international difficulties and confirms the island’s position as one of the premier Caribbean travel destinations for holidaymakers from Britain and the US.
Is Jamaica safe to visit?
Jamaica is considered a safe place, but visitors are only allowed to stay in the tourist areas because there is a lot of gang violence and crime in cities across the country.
Official travel advisories for Cuba (US, Canada, UK)
US Travel Advisory – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
On January 23, 2024the US Department of State updated her travel advice for Jamaica.
Home invasions, armed robberies, assaults and murders are examples of violent crimes that occur regularly in Jamaica. Sexual violence occurs all the time, even in all-inclusive resorts.
In the event of serious criminal incidents, the local police often do not respond sufficiently. Cases are rarely prosecuted to a final sentence after an arrest. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides often have to wait a year or more for Jamaican authorities to issue official death certificates. The Jamaican government has reported for years that it has one of the highest murder rates in the Western Hemisphere. U.S. government employees under COM security responsibility are prohibited from driving outside designated zones at night in Kingston.
CANADA Travel advice
Despite the presence of police to deter criminal activity, violent crimes, including armed robbery and murder, are a problem in major cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay. Guns are widely available and are used in most violent drug and gang-related crimes, including murder. In these places there is a chance of being caught in the crossfire. Travelers are also vulnerable to crimes of opportunity, especially robberies and thefts.
While crimes can happen anywhere and at any time, they tend to be concentrated in areas that police call “traditional hotspots” or “high-risk communities.”
Britain Travel advice
Although there have been no terrorist attacks in Jamaica recently, they cannot be completely ruled out.
In response to violent outbursts and shooting incidents, the government can take increased security measures. This may include the military assisting or taking their place in law enforcement, as well as sudden curfews. Check locally for curfews or safety measures and follow the advice of authorities.
Areas to avoid in Jamaica
According to the Canadian government, the following zones have high rates of violent crime and significant gang populations:
Greater Kingston
- Arnett Gardens
- August city
- Ball magic
- Cassava piece
- Delacree Park
- Denham town
- Drewsland
- Felstead pen
- Four miles
- Glendale
- Grant’s Pen
- Greenwich town
- Hanna City
- Harbor view
- Hunts Bay
- Jones town
- Lower Cockburn Gardens
- Maverly
- Mountain view
- Nanse Pen
- Olympic Gardens
- Payneland
- Portmore
- Rennock Lodge
- Riverton City
- Salmagic
- Gardens with sea views
- Tavares Gardens
- Tivoli Gardens
- Tower Hill
- Trench city
- Waltham Gardens
- West Kingston
- Whitfield town
St. Catherine
- Central village
- Ellerslie
- Homestead
- Ravensworth
- Spanish city
- Tawes pen
Montego Bay
- Bottom pin
- Canterbury
- Flank
- Hartstraat
- Put Salem away
- Norwood Gardens
- Pink Heights
- St. Claverslaan
South Coast
Tips for staying safe while traveling in Jamaica
- Do not bring firearms or ammunition. The penalties for carrying such items are severe and can lead to long prison sentences.
- Avoid walking or driving during nighttime hours.
- Stay away from public buses.
- Stay away from remote places.
- Do not offer physical resistance in the event of a robbery attempt.
- Maintain awareness of your surroundings and maintain a low profile.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and locate you in an emergency.
- Investigate the Land Security Report for Jamaica.
- Make a contingency plan for emergencies.
