The U.S. government has recently raised its travel alert level for Jamaica, citing concerns over crime and unreliable medical services in the Caribbean nation. The State Department has urged Americans to reconsider visiting the island due to these issues. This warning comes just days after a similar advisory was issued for the Bahamas, another popular tourist destination.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica, violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are common occurrences. The embassy also highlighted that sexual assaults frequently happen, even at all-inclusive resorts. Furthermore, Jamaican police are often ineffective in responding to serious criminal incidents. The advisory also cautioned that hospitals and ambulances may not always be reliable, and some private institutions may require upfront payment.
The State Department noted that Jamaica has one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere, as reported by the Jamaican government. While there has been a decrease in homicides compared to the previous year, the number of shootings and people injured in crimes has increased this January. However, there has been a significant drop in the number of recorded rapes compared to the previous year.
In the Bahamas, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau reported 18 murders in the capital city since the beginning of the year. Most of these killings were linked to gang violence. Travelers were advised to exercise extreme caution, particularly in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau), and to be vigilant when walking or driving at night. The embassy emphasized not physically resisting any robbery attempt and suggested reviewing personal security plans.
Tourism plays a crucial role in Jamaica’s economy, and Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett expects the growth pattern seen in 2022 and 2023 to continue. He projected a total of 4,122,100 visitors for January to December 2023, signaling a 23.7% increase compared to the previous year. In 2023, tourism contributed approximately $4.2 billion to Jamaica’s economy.
While Jamaica remains a popular destination for tourists, the recent travel advisory from the U.S. government highlights the need for caution. Travelers should be aware of the potential risks associated with crime and unreliable medical services. It is essential to stay informed, exercise vigilance, and follow personal security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the Caribbean nation.
Tucker Reals, CBS News Foreign Editor, contributed to this report from the CBS News London bureau. He has been with CBS News since 2006 and has previously worked for The Associated Press in Washington D.C. and London.