The U.S. Department of State recently issued updated travel advisories for the Caribbean Islands and Mexico.
Recent updates on Jamaica, Bahamas, and Mexico suggest a spike in crime and safety could thwart vacation plans.
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Here’s what you need to know about the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the four levels of travel advisories are:
Travel Advisory Level 1 – Please take normal precautions
This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risks. Traveling abroad involves a certain degree of risk. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and are subject to change at any time.
Travel Advisory Level 2 – Exercise extra caution
Be aware of increased risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers to these areas in its travel advisories.
Travel Advisory Level 3 – Please Reconsider Travel
Avoid traveling due to significant risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers to these areas in its travel advisories.
Travel advisory level 4 – Do not travel
This is the highest advisory level as there is likely to be an increased risk of life-threatening conditions. In the event of an emergency, the U.S. government’s ability to provide assistance may be very limited. The State Department is advising U.S. citizens not to travel to the country or to leave the country as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers to these areas in its travel advisories.
According to the State Department, the travel advisory for Jamaica has been updated to Level 3 for crime and health services.
According to the State Department, local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, leading to high rates of violent crime. These possibilities include armed robbery, home invasion, murder, and sexual assault. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.
The State Department does not pay for medical care and strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica.
The website states that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas and that U.S. health insurance is not accepted by most doctors and hospitals. If a U.S. citizen experiences a medical emergency, the bill can be in the tens of thousands of dollars, and air ambulance services to the United States can range from $30,000 to $50,000.
According to the Jamaican Police Force, there have been 65 murders in Jamaica since the start of 2024. Murder cases are reportedly down from the 81 reported during the same period in 2023.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness recently questioned the compatibility of recent US travel advisories with Jamaica’s significant progress in reducing crime rates.
Holness said Jamaica’s crime rate is at its lowest level in 22 years.
“While crime rates are decreasing, sadly the perception is not moving in the same positive direction,” Holness said. “Many Jamaicans feel that even though they are not victims of crime, the level of crime remains high.
“Given the recent US travel advisories, it is clear that the recommendations are not in line with the statistics, because based on all the statistics I have provided to you and the direction we are headed, the improvement is clear. ” ”
According to the State Department, please keep the following in mind when traveling to Jamaica:
Do not bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray bullets, artillery shells, or empty cartridges. The penalties for carrying a firearm or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe and can include lengthy prison terms. Avoid walking or driving at night. Avoid using public buses. Avoid secluded places and situations. Do not physically resist robbery attempts. be careful. Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile. Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and easily locate yourself in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Check out Jamaica’s National Security Report. .Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies. Check out our Traveler Checklist. Visit our CDC page for the latest travel health information for your trip.
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The travel advisory for the Bahamas has been updated to Level 2 due to increased vigilance due to crime and water safety concerns, the State Department said.
According to the State Department, most of the crimes occur on New Providence Island (Nassau) and Grand Bahama Island (Freeport). Violent crimes such as armed robbery, robbery, and sexual assault occur in tourist and non-tourist areas.
Travelers should use extreme caution in the “Over the Hill” area south of Shirley Street. Because gang violence has led to high murder rates.
Activities involving the use of recreational watercraft (maturs) are often not consistently regulated. Watercraft operators may not be safety certified, and some watercraft may be poorly maintained.
Because of these safety concerns, U.S. government officials are not allowed to use independently operated jet ski rentals on New Providence Island and Paradise Island.
Two Kentucky women on a Carnival cruise said they were drugged and raped while staying at a resort in the Bahamas, USA Today reporter Natalie Neisa Arnd said.
Preliminary reports said the attack occurred shortly after noon on Sunday as the women were visiting a beach in central Grand Bahama.
Two mothers who identified themselves as Amber Shearer and Donguila Dobson told Chris Cuomo on News Nation that when resort employees allegedly gave them drinks laced with a cocktail of drugs, including benzodiazepines, they told Chris Cuomo: “I was relaxing on the beach.”
On Thursday, USA Today spoke with Nicholas Gerson, a Miami-based attorney representing the Kentucky woman.
“They were given a series of drugs and a coconut and pineapple drink laced with narcotics,” Gerson said. “They were made inebriated, taken away and raped.”
According to the State Department, consider the following when traveling to the Bahamas:
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According to the State Department, violent crime is rampant and common in Mexico. Crimes such as carjacking, murder, kidnapping, and robbery are rampant.
The state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, is under a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to be extra careful due to crime.
According to the State Department, criminal activity and violence can occur at any time in any location, including popular tourist destinations. Maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illegal activity occurs, and promptly leave potentially dangerous situations.
Travel advisory tips for traveling to Mexico
According to the State Department, consider the following when traveling to Mexico:
If you decide to travel to Mexico:
Keep your travel companions and family members back home informed of your travel plans. If you’re going to be away from your travel group, send your GPS location to a friend. If you take a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number or license plate and text it to a friend. Use toll roads whenever possible and avoid driving alone or at night. Many states have very limited police presence and emergency services outside of state capitals and large cities. Please use extra caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. Avoid showing signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Please take extra care. Be careful when visiting banks and ATMs. Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and easily locate yourself in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter. Check out Mexico’s country security report. Sailors planning travel to Mexico should review U.S. maritime advisories and alerts, including instructions for reporting suspicious activity or attacks to Mexican naval authorities. Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies. Check out our Traveler Checklist. Visit our CDC page for the latest travel health information for your trip.
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The Department of State recommends three websites for travel safety tips:
USA Today reporter Natalie Neysa Alund contributed to this report. Chris Sims is a digital producer at Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFims.
