The US Department of State issues new travel advice for the popular Caribbean island

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The U.S. State Department has raised the risk level for a unique Caribbean island that has been growing in popularity lately. The update specifically adds a ‘crime risk’ indicator and refreshes the advisory summary.

The advice is not a strict ‘don’t go’ warningbut there are a few things the State Department wants travelers to be aware of, which we’ll go into more below.

But first I’ll add some personal context here, because I have a rather unique relationship with this particular destination: I’ve lived on the island twice– six months each time.

In fact, we recently featured this island for its safety, so the advice comes as a bit of a surprise.

As a 2-time resident of The Isle of SpiceI see a security update for Grenada cross my news desk reminded me of the days when we called the island home.

At first we just lived further away Morne Rouge Beach (also known as BBC Beach), onwards L’Anse aux Épinesnear Spice affair (the BEST Indian restaurant on earth, you can’t change your mind) and the brewery (West Indian Beer Company).

In my experience, Grenada felt fairly safe every day, and I personally never encountered anything that made me feel in danger. I would take this new Level 2 designation with a grain of salt.

That said, Travel advisories exist for a reasonand it’s smart to take them seriously, without turning it into a horror movie trailer.

What the new advice actually says

Grenada is now considered a Level 2 destinationand the advisory core message is simple: Be extra careful due to crime.

In the updated summary, the State Department notes that violent crime can occur anywhere in Grenada, and cites incidents involving U.S. citizens, including armed robbery, assault, burglary and more.

It also notes that in some cases Americans have been killed and that police response times may be slower than what travelers in the US expect.

Those are tough lines to read, especially about a place that many people associate with tranquil beaches, rainforest walks and world-class diving (it’s where we learned to dive and it’s still my favorite place on earth!)

But it is also important to remember: the opinions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are usually written for maximum clarity and cautionand they are not the same as saying ‘This happens to every traveler’.

What level 2 means for your trip

Level 2 does not mean you have to cancel. It means you should travel like you have common sense– and not ‘holiday brain’.

If you are the type of traveler who already:

• don’t show cash,
• keeps valuables locked,
• avoids lonely streets late at night,
• and doesn’t get wildly drunk in unknown places…

…then you already live there “Level 2 Mode,” whether you are in the Caribbean, Europe or your own hometown.

If you want to quickly check the advisory levels for the places you’re considering (or compare Grenada with nearby islands), you can use our Travel Advisory Checker tool.

Practical safety tips (that don’t spoil the atmosphere)

The advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is refreshingly specific and in any case corresponds to what I would recommend for Grenada:

• Don’t resist physically during a robbery attempt.
• Be careful at night while walking or driving (remember it’s on the left here!).
• Stay inconspicuous and aware of your surroundings.
• Do not open the door of your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.

A few “real life” add-ons from me:

• Stick to well-rated transportation. If you use taxis, ask your hotel to call one, or use a trusted local contact if possible. Uber doesn’t exist here, but I’ve heard good things about Haylup (never used it myself because I rented a car when I lived there).
• Be extra alert in busy arrival zones. Cruise passengers in particular can stand out as ‘fresh off the ship’, which can attract opportunists around the world. Keep phones and wallets secured, especially in busy areas. I haven’t spent much time in the city (where cruises drop you off), but I can certainly imagine that a few thousand people pouring in could bring out opportunists.
• Remember that Grenada’s beaches are public. This is one of the things I really like about the island: it feels open and real, not closed off. But it also means not assuming, “Just because I’m on a resort beach, I’m automatically in a bubble.” Be careful with your belongings when you are on the sand.

Why Grenada still belongs on your shortlist

This is the part I don’t want to get lost: Grenada is beautiful– and it’s still one of the most underrated Caribbean getaways around. I absolutely loved my time there and would visit again in a heartbeat.

You have:

• incredible diving (including the famous underwater sculpture park). We always participated Dive Grenada and had a fantastic experience every time. (More than 50 dives).
• lush inland walks and waterfalls
• friendly communities
• and beaches that are legitimately postcard level

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: BBC Beach (Morne Rouge) is my personal favorite. It’s the kind of beach that makes you forget what day it is – in a good way. And if you like snorkeling, go onto the beach on the right and swim out of the point. You’ll find coral, sponges and lots of marine life (the reel below is from the area).

And just a few weeks ago we even ranked Grenada as a top destination in our Caribbean travel coverage, so this advisory update doesn’t take away from what makes the island special.

It simply means that you have to be smart about the way you move while you’re there.

Two clever ‘Do this before you go’ moves

1. Register for STAP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). It’s free and it helps the US Embassy contact you in an emergency.
2. Consider travel insurance—especially if your trip includes non-refundable stays, diving excursions or multi-stop flights. (Even a simple delayed baggage situation can quickly become expensive.)

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our editor-in-chief and writer. After years of reading, writing, and obsessing about travel (while traveling as often as possible, of course!), he wants to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.