Karmactive Staff
The U.S. State Department has downgraded its travel advisory for Jamaica from Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) to Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”). This change, announced on May 29, 2025, marks a significant shift for the popular Caribbean destination that welcomed approximately 4.1 million American tourists in 2023.
The advisory update follows discussions between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who advocated for a revised advisory to reflect Jamaica’s progress in reducing crime.
Despite the improved rating, the State Department still urges caution. “While violent crime in Jamaica has decreased since 2024, it remains statistically high throughout the country,” the advisory states. Jamaica’s homicide rate continues to be “among the highest in the Western Hemisphere,” with armed robberies and sexual assaults still common concerns.
The advisory notes that “tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country,” but cautions that the “U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts.”
Several specific areas remain designated as Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”), where U.S. government employees are prohibited from visiting. These include parts of St. Ann’s Parish, St. Catherine’s Parish, Clarendon Parish, and sections of Kingston and Montego Bay, among others.
Prime Minister Holness welcomed the advisory change, stating that Jamaica is “safer and a more secure destination, not only for visitors but for residents.” He attributed the improvement to “targeted policy implementation, investments in security infrastructure, and sustained diplomatic engagement,” including an “$87 billion investment in national security since 2016.”
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For travelers planning Jamaica trips, the State Department recommends:
- Avoiding walking or driving at night
- Not physically resisting robbery attempts
- Maintaining awareness of surroundings
- Keeping a low profile
- Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance
The advisory also warns about Jamaica’s “limited medical services,” noting that Americans “should not expect the same level of health care” as in the United States. Emergency response times may be slower, and hospitals might require upfront payment before providing treatment.
For cruise passengers visiting popular ports like Falmouth, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay, the advisory update offers reassurance. Major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line, regularly visit these Jamaican ports.
The advisory especially emphasizes Jamaica’s strict firearms laws: “Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, are severe, and can include long prison sentences.”
This revised advisory comes at the start of the summer travel season and is expected to positively impact Jamaica’s vital tourism industry, which had reportedly seen some cancellations and reduced bookings under the previous Level 3 advisory.
