immunizations for travel to jamaica

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Jamaica

Jamaica is a popular travel destination due to its lush mountains, rain forests, and sandy beaches. The Caribbean island has dozens of tourist spots and luxury resorts. It is the perfect spot for young-adults and families alike.

Jamaica also has a rich history of British colonization and in music- it is the birthplace of reggae. The Bob Marley Museum is located in their capital of Kingston.

Do I Need Vaccines for Jamaica?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Jamaica. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Jamaica: hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , yellow fever , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne & Direct Contact – Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travelers
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
• Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Dengue and Zika are two common mosquito-borne diseases found in Jamaica. Make sure you bring mosquito repellents or netting and avoid being outside at dawn or dusk. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to the region as Zika can cause birth defects.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Do I Need a Visa or Passport to Enter Jamaica?

A passport is required for entry to Jamaica. A visa is only needed for stays over 90 days.

Sources: Embassy of Jamaica and U.S. State Department

Passports must be valid at the time of entry and you must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. Some countries are very strict about passport condition. If your passport has been damaged in any way, consider receiving a new one.

What is the Climate in Jamaica?

Jamaica has a tropical climate which varies in temperature from warm too hot. Central areas with a higher elevation tend to have cooler temperatures. In winter, travelers can expect cooler temperatures in the morning and evening. But, it is still hot.

May through November are wetter months where short showers occur often. June through September is the hurricane. While hurricanes rarely make landfall in Jamaica, it is best to be prepared.

December through April is the best times to visit due to the lack of extreme weather conditions.

Is It Safe to Travel to Jamaica?

Areas such as Kingston and Montego Bay tend to experience high crime rates. Avoid traveling outside of resorts unless it is an official outing or excursion. Exercise caution at all times.

Be careful when traveling at night. Never travel alone and be sure to travel in groups, even during the day.

Before booking, make sure your resort has met the Jamaica Tourist Board’s safety standards.

Petty theft and scams are common, especially in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Visit Beautiful Ocho Rios

Avoid an embarrassing stop, over 70% of travelers will have diarrhea., get protected with passport health’s travelers’ diarrhea kit .

Ocho Rios is a fun place to visit in Jamaica for many reasons.

One is to climb Dunn’s River Falls, which is a big waterfall. You can go swimming at the beaches, like James Bond Beach or Turtle Beach.

You can also go on adventures in the rainforest at Mystic Mountain. They have zip-lining, bobsledding, and chairlift rides. You might like to go to Dolphin Cove, a park where you can swim with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays.

There are also places to go shopping for souvenirs and local things, like the Ocho Rios Craft Park or Island Village. You can also try Jamaican food and drinks at many restaurants and bars.

What Should I Pack for Jamaica?

Jamaica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But, it’s important to make sure you pack some of these items to make sure your trip is a success:

• Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes which could carry disease.
• A beach bag for carrying sunscreen, towels, and other beach essentials.
• Water shoes for any rocky shores and excursions so your feet don’t become cut.
• Waterproof bags to protect electronics while at the beach.
• Light-colored, thin clothing to protect against the sun and help remain cool.
• Warm clothes for cooler temperatures at night.

U.S. Embassy in Jamaica

All Americans visiting Jamaica should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

Once in Jamaica, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:

U.S. Embassy Kingston 142 Old Hope Road Kingston 6 Jamaica, West Indies Telephone: +(876) 702-6000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(876) 702-6000 Fax: +(876) 702-6018

The embassy doesn’t book trips or give tourist information. They also can’t help with visas for non-U.S. citizens. To know more about the embassy’s services, visit their website or call them.

Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!

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Explore The Island Guide

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Entry requirements differ for travellers depending on your country of citizenship and/or residency.

U.S. Citizens traveling to and from Jamaica must present a valid passport when leaving and or re-entering the United States.  Residents must present their Alien Resident Card (Green Card) together with passport of country for which they hold citizenship.

Canadian Citizens: Valid passport or a government-issued identification with photograph, along with an official birth certificate. Canadian residents must present a Canadian Permanent Resident Card and a passport showing country of citizenship.

All visitors are required to travel with a return ticket or onward ticket for entry into Jamaica.

For more information on the specific documents needed to travel to Jamaica visit the Travel Documents  page on the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency's website  Visitors traveling via airlines can also go to  www.iatatravelcentre.com  to review travel document requirements.

Unconditional Landing: Unconditional Landing is a facility offered to foreign nationals to stay in Jamaica. The Unconditional Landing is a type of extended stay which allows persons who are Jamaican by birth, by descent, or naturalization to work and attend school in Jamaica. This stay is also offered to CARICOM Nationals. Applications can be submitted to the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency with the requisite documentation.

Travel Requiring Visas The Jamaican Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates are happy to assist travelers to Jamaica for business and leisure purposes. You may connect with the nearest office, from the links below, to apply for your travel documents for Jamaica. 

Jamaica Embassies and High Commissions

Consulates and Consulates-General

Online Passenger Declaration (C5) Form

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Update April 12, 2024

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Jamaica Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 23, 2024, jamaica - level 3: reconsider travel.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to crime and health information

Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to  crime and medical services . U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission (COM) security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Country Summary:  Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.

Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. U.S. government personnel under COM security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to the areas listed below, from using public buses, and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night.

Emergency services and hospital care vary throughout the island, and response times and quality of care may vary from U.S. standards. Public hospitals are under-resourced and cannot always provide high level or specialized care. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always readily available, especially in rural areas, and are not always staffed by trained personnel.

We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica. The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. U.S. citizens with medical emergencies can face bills in the tens of thousands of dollars, with air ambulance service to the United States in the range of $30,000-50,000.  Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Jamaica.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

• Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition.  This includes stray rounds, shells or empty casings . The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid public buses.
• Avoid secluded places or situations.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Jamaica.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Violence and shootings occur regularly in many neighborhoods, communities, and parishes in Jamaica. 

U.S. government personnel under COM security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to the following areas of Jamaica due to crime:

St. Ann’s Parish—Do Not Travel - Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios

St. Catherine’s Parish—Do Not Travel

• Spanish Town
• Central Village
• Areas within Portmore, including: Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford

All of Clarendon Parish—Do Not Travel

All of Clarendon Parish, except passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish—Do Not Travel

Vineyard District Community, between the communities of Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna, St. Elizabeth

Hanover Parish—Do Not Travel

Logwood and Orange Bay

St. James Parish/Montego Bay—Do Not Travel

All of Montego Bay on the inland side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish—Do Not Travel

• Cassava Piece
• Downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens.
• Duhaney Park
• Swallowfield
• Elleston Flats
• August Town

Manchester Parish—Do Not Travel

Green Vale, Gray Ground, Red Ground, and Vineyard neighborhoods of Mandeville

St. Thomas Parish—Do Not Travel

• Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth
• Grands Penn
• Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs
• Town of Yallahs, except when driving through on the main highway

Trelawny Parish—Do Not Travel

• Clarks Town

Westmoreland Parish—Do Not Travel

• Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (The Southeastern quadrant of Savannah la Mar east of Darling Street and south of the A2 highway/Barracks Road)
• Kings Valley
• The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril

If you do decide to travel to the above-listed Do Not Travel areas, please visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Jamaica travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 15, 2024 13:01 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, jamaica - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Jamaica due to the high level of violent crime.

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Violent crime

Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, despite the presence of police to counter criminal activity. The availability of firearms is widespread, and most violent drug- and gang-related crimes, especially murder, involve firearms. There is a risk of becoming the victim of crossfire in these areas. Tourists are also at risk of crimes of opportunity, especially theft and robberies.

Crimes tend to be concentrated within what the police refer to as “traditional hot spots” or “high-risk communities”, but can take place anywhere and at any time.

The following areas have a significant gang population and high incidences of violent crime:

Greater Kingston

• Arnett Gardens
• August Town
• Cassava Piece
• Delacree Park
• Denham Town
• Felstead Pen
• Grant’s Pen
• Greenwich Town
• Hannah Town
• Harbour View
• Lower Cockburn Gardens
• Mountain View
• Olympic Gardens
• Rennock Lodge
• Riverton City
• Seaview Gardens
• Tavares Gardens
• Tivoli Gardens
• Trench Town
• Waltham Gardens
• West Kingston
• Whitfield Town

St. Catherine

• Central Village
• Ravensworth
• Spanish Town

Montego Bay

• Hart Street
• Mount Salem
• Norwood Gardens
• Rose Heights
• St. Clavers Avenue

South Coast

If you decide to travel to these areas:

• maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times
• avoid visiting or travelling at night
• follow the advice of local authorities
• avoid walking alone, even during the day
• go out in groups with people that you know
• avoid visiting isolated areas and beaches

If you’re threatened by robbers, don’t resist, and hand over your cash and valuables. Resistance may provoke the use of violence.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, are common in major tourist areas and crowded places.

• Ensure that your belongings and travel documents are secure at all times
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash
• Don’t show signs of affluence
• Use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• Protect your cell phone, which is a popular item for theft
• Use the hotel safe to secure your valuables
• Don’t leave valuables in plain view, even while you are in your hotel room
• Enquire with reception upon check-in on security precautions related to theft from hotel rooms 

State of emergency

Local authorities periodically  declare a state of emergency in various parishes  to fight against gang-related crime.

When a state of emergency is in effect, security forces have increased rights to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest.

If you are travelling in an area where a state of emergency is in effect:

• be aware that you may be subject to searches by security forces
• always cooperate with military and police officers
• carry valid ID at all times and be prepared for various checkpoints
• allow extra time to reach your destination
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

2SLGBTQI+ travellers have experienced harassment and verbal or physical abuse.

Avoid public displays of affection.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Women's safety and sexual assault

There have been reports of sexual assaults at tourist resorts carried out by resort staff and, in some cases, by other tourists. Women travelling alone are often harassed.

Be particularly vigilant if you are staying at a smaller or isolated establishment with less security. Compounds that are gated and guarded are considered the safest accommodation option in Jamaica.

• Be wary of strangers who seem friendly
• Refrain from excessive drinking, especially at all-inclusive resorts
• Ensure that your hotel room doors and windows are locked

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Romance scams

Internet romance scams via dating apps, websites or social media have occurred. Criminals especially target apps and websites popular among 2SLGBTQI+ travellers.

Assaults and incidents of robbery have occurred as a result of encounters set up through dating apps.

• Be wary of people who profess friendship or romantic interest over the internet
• Keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam if you are travelling to Jamaica to meet an online contact
• Plan to meet in a known, secure location
• Be wary of inviting new acquaintances into your accommodation

Lottery scams

Tourists have been targets of lottery scams. Scammers convince targets that they have won a prize or lottery, but must pay a fee to claim their winnings.

• Never send money to someone in Jamaica who says you’ve won a lottery or prize
• Never travel to Jamaica to claim a “prize” or money

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Criminals often use these events to pickpocket demonstrators.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common.

Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.

• Exercise caution when swimming
• Don’t swim alone, after hours or outside marked areas
• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas

Water sports

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards.

If you participate in water sports:

• choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance
• ensure that safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets, are available and in good condition
• ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose

If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.

Water safety abroad

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Coastal roads are in fair condition but driving in inland can be dangerous due to:

• narrow, winding roads
• insufficient road maintenance
• poor lighting
• inadequate signage
• poor lane markings
• damage to roads during the hurricane season

Speeding, as well as driving under the influence of marijuana or alcohol, are common.

When driving between Norman Manley International Airport and Kingston, take the South Camp Road – also known as the Hummingbird Route – rather than Mountain View Avenue, where several robbery incidents have been reported.

Roadside assistance is available island-wide.

• Stay on main roads as much as possible
• Drive defensively
• Keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked
• Keep valuables out of sight

Public transportation

Public transportation is generally not safe due to high levels of crime and overcrowding.

Knutsford Express offers safe, reliable and comfortable bus transportation between major towns.

Avoid travelling on local city buses.

Taxis and ridesharing services

Avoid taking unmarked taxis due to the risk of robbery and sexual assault.

Use only taxis ordered from hotels and authorized by the Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA). These are identified by red-and-white “PP” licence plates and a lime-green JUTA sticker on the window.

• Agree on the fare with the driver before departure, since taxis aren’t metered
• Don’t share a taxi with strangers

Ridesharing services are also available and generally safe. If you use a trusted ridesharing app, confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Jamaican authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Jamaica.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required Work visa: not required Business visa: not required  Student visa: not required

Immigration officers will generally grant visitors to Jamaica visitor landed status for 90 days. You must seek an extension if you are planning to stay up to an additional 90 days. You may request an extension at any immigration office. For stays beyond 90 days, you will require a visa.

Overstaying a visa or entry stamp is a criminal offence and can lead to prison time, heavy fines and deportation.

Persons found working illegally may be held in a local prison until arrangements for their return to Canada are made at their own cost.

Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency – Government of Jamaica

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. 

You must provide certain information to immigration officials. You can do this online before arriving in Jamaica, or complete and sign a Jamaican immigration landing card, usually given to travellers upon arrival at the airport or during the flight. If you complete the immigration landing card:

• present it to an immigration official at the airport
• retain the card and present it to immigration officials upon departure from Jamaica

Immigration/Customs C5 card – Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables.

Practice safe food and water precautions . This includes only eating food that is properly cooked and still hot when served.

Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, those over 60 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Most people recover on their own without medical treatment and from proper rehydration (drinking lots of fluids).

• Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Travellers with severe symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Good to excellent medical facilities exist in all tourist areas and in Kingston.

Medical care and hospital facilities in remote areas are limited. Ambulance services are limited in both urban and rural areas.

Medical expenses can be very high. Clinics may require payment upfront or credit card information as a guarantee of payment before providing medical care.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Jamaican law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Other related offences include being in a same-sex marriage and the "promotion of homosexuality." Those convicted can face sentences of up to 10 years in prison, though authorities rarely enforce the law.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

Though violence against 2SLGBTQI+ persons and their allies has declined significantly over the past decade, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers should:

• carefully consider the risks of travelling to Jamaica
• be cautious and avoid public displays of affection with someone of the same sex

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences.

Departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drug possession. Many Canadians are serving prison sentences for drug crimes, in some cases committed unwittingly. When leaving Ocho Rios and Montego Bay by cruise ship, you may be searched for drugs by local authorities. You should have a witness accompany you if you undergo such procedures.

• Pack all luggage yourself
• Don’t carry anything through customs for anyone else

Jamaica decriminalized the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis, which will be punishable by a fine and will not result in a criminal record. Smoking cannabis in public places, however, remains prohibited. Jamaican authorities continue to enforce strict laws against the possession and trafficking of narcotics, in accordance with international agreements to combat drug trafficking.

Don’t attempt to depart Jamaica and cross international borders with any amount of cannabis.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Illegal activities

It’s illegal to:

• wear, buy or sell army or police camouflage clothing
• nudist bathing in non-designated areas 
• use of indecent language

Imports and exports

There are strict import and export regulations on:

• fruits and vegetables
• animals, including pets
• animal products

Entering the country with a firearm or even a single round of ammunition is considered a serious crime.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Jamaica.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Jamaica, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Jamaica.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Jamaica by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Jamaica to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Traffic drives on the left.

You can drive in Jamaica with a valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to six months. After 6 months, you must obtain a Jamaican driver’s licence.

It is mandatory to wear a helmet on mopeds, motor scooters and motorcycles, and to wear a seatbelt in cars and taxis. There are heavy fines for non-compliance.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Investments

If you plan on buying property or making other investments in Jamaica, seek legal advice in Canada and in Jamaica. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar (JMD).

Hotels and businesses catering to tourists accept major credit cards.

There is limited ATM availability outside Kingston and Montego Bay. Make sure you have enough cash to cover your expenses if travelling outside these areas.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings  - United States’ National Hurricane Center

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Jamaica is located in an active seismic zone. It is subject to earthquakes and is at risk of tsunamis.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

In the event of an earthquake:

• monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• Earthquakes – What to Do?
• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey
• Tsunami warning system  - U.S. National Weather Service

Local services

• police: 119
• medical assistance: 911
• firefighters: 911

Tourist information

Jamaica Tourist Board offices are located throughout the island. They have direct radio links with local police and information on safe public beaches.

Jamaica Tourist Board

Consular assistance

Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Jamaica, in Kingston, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 110 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccination recommendations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Jamaica guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Jamaica

The standard of medical facilities – both private and government-operated – varies and may not meet UK standards.

Treatment can be expensive with doctors and hospitals expecting immediate cash payment for health services.

FCDO has a list of medical facilities in Jamaica .

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Jamaica .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

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Jamaica opens booster programme to all

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has advised that, with immediate effect, Jamaica will provide booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to all eligible persons within the population. The move will allow all adults 18 years and older to receive a booster dose following full vaccination.

The decision comes as the Ministry prepares for an anticipated fourth wave of COVID-19 infections and the global spread of the highly transmissible OMICRON variant of concern.

According to Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, “The evidence of the OMICRON variant has shown some reduction in efficacy in some vaccines and it is being recommended in some instances that booster shots can improve the efficacy and, therefore, increase the protection from the virus. Additionally, it has been shown that persons who have had infection can be re-infected as natural immunity does not provide enough protection.”

Booster doses will be administered with the following guidelines:

• Persons who have taken AstraZeneca and are 6 months after their second dose can now receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
• Persons who have taken a Pfizer vaccine and are now 6 months after their second dose can now receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
• Persons who have taken the single dose of the Johnson and Johnson and are now 2 months after taking that dose can now get a dose of Johnson & Johnson as their booster, or may wait until 6 months after taking the first dose to receive a booster of the Pfizer vaccine.

Children 12 to 17 years are not required to get a booster at this time.

To receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccines, members of the public should visit any of the Ministry’s access points for vaccination. Persons should take their vaccination card and a government-issued identification or letter from a Justice of the Peace.

Members of the public are being urged to remain vigilant in their practice of the infection prevention control measures that is, washing or sanitizing hands, avoiding crowds, wearing a face mask and keeping a physical distance of six feet apart from others.

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Think Travel Vaccine Guide

As a health care provider, be sure to prepare your globe-trotting patients for travel by providing a quick pretravel risk assessment, consultation, and care. THINK TRAVEL:

• Ask your patients if they plan on any international travel .
• Make sure they are up- to- date on all routine vaccines before their trip.
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow fever
• Japanese encephalitis
• Meningococcal diseases

For destination-specific vaccine recommendations, search CDC’s Destination pages.

Think about...

*Travelers may also need routine (non-travel) vaccines or boosters before travel including influenza; measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); tetanus (Td or Tdap); varicella; pneumococcus; and polio. Check CDC’s Destination Pages for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Jamaica

Jamaica is a popular travel destination due to its lush mountains, rainforests, and sandy seasides. The Caribbean island has dozens of tourist spots and luxury resorts. It is the perfect spot for young-adults and families alike.

Jamaica also has a rich history of British colonization and in music- it is the birthplace of reggae. The Bob Marley Museum is located in their capital of Kingston.

Do I Need Vaccines for Jamaica?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Jamaica. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Jamaica: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , hepatitis B , yellow fever , rabies and tetanus .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
• Tetanus – Wounds or Breaks in Skin – Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.

See the tables below for more information:

Dengue and Zika are two common mosquito-borne diseases found in Jamaica. Ensure you bring mosquito repellents or netting and avoid being outside at dawn or dusk. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to the region as Zika can cause birth defects.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Do I Need a Visa or Passport to Enter Jamaica?

A visa is not needed for stays in Jamaica under 90 days. Passports must be valid for the duration of a traveller’s stay. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.

A Departure tax of USD $35 is required for air passengers only.

Sources: Embassy of Jamaica and GOV.UK

What is the Climate in Jamaica?

Jamaica has a tropical climate which varies in temperature from warm too hot. Central areas with a higher elevation tend to have cooler temperatures. In winter, travellers can expect cooler temperatures in the morning and evening. But, it is still hot.

May through November are wetter months where short showers occur often. June through September is the hurricane. While hurricanes rarely make landfall in Jamaica, it is best to be prepared.

December through April is the best times to visit due to the lack of extreme weather conditions.

How Safe is Jamaica?

Areas such as Kingston and Montego Bay tend to experience high crime rates. Avoid travelling outside of resorts unless it is an official outing or excursion. Exercise caution at all times.

Be careful when travelling at night. Never travel alone and be sure to travel in groups, even during the day.

Before booking, ensure your resort has met the Jamaica Tourist Board’s safety standards.

Petty theft and scams are common, especially in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Visit Beautiful Rose Hall

Rose Hall is a beautiful colonial estate. It was restored in the 1960’s and has since been a popular destination for interested tourists.

Take a tour of the estate and its gardens to learn about its rich European history and the legend of the White Witch, Annee Palmer.

Tours usually last around 90 minutes and include a sampling of the houses “Witches Brew.”

What Should I Pack for Jamaica?

Jamaica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But, it’s important to ensure you pack some of these items to ensure your trip is a success:

• Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes which could carry disease.
• A seaside bag for carrying sun cream, towels, and other seaside essentials.
• Water shoes for any rocky shores and excursions so your feet don’t become cut.
• Waterproof bags to protect electronics whilst at the seaside.
• Light-colored, thin clothing to protect against the sun and help remain cool.
• Warm clothes for cooler temperatures at night.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in Jamaica

If you are in Jamaica and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British High Commission Kingston P O Box 575 28 Trafalgar Road Kingston 10 Kingston Jamaica Telephone: +1 (876) 936 0700 Emergency Phone: +1 876 936 0700

Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Ring or book online now and start travelling safely today!

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Jamaica? Do I Need a Visa or Passport to Enter Jamaica? What is the Climate in Jamaica? How Safe is Jamaica? Visit Beautiful Rose Hall What Should I Pack for Jamaica? Embassy of the United Kingdom in Jamaica

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Is Jamaica safe? State Department advisory raises concerns; here’s what to know

• Updated: Apr. 11, 2024, 10:21 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 11, 2024, 7:59 a.m.

Bamboo Avenue, near YS Falls in southern Jamaica. Numerous American travelers to Jamaica say they're reluctant to leave their resorts because of the State Department's updated travel advisory. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

• Susan Glaser, cleveland.com

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Two months before my planned trip to Jamaica, the U.S. State Department advised Americans to “reconsider travel” to the popular Caribbean nation.

I considered their advice and I went anyway.

It did give me pause, however, and prompted me to make a few adjustments to the trip.

First, I bought travel insurance for this trip – which I might have done anyway, but the travel advisory confirmed its necessity. Second, I employed a local guide to show me around, rather than exploring on my own. Again, I might have done this anyway, but the travel advisory made it a priority.

The result: I had a great trip, did everything I wanted (and more) and never felt unsafe (well, except perhaps on some of those narrow, windy inland roads alongside some crazy local drivers).

I met plenty of American travelers, however, who were pretty spooked about the updated advisory. Some said they considered canceling their trips. Others said they didn’t feel comfortable venturing from their resorts.

Business owners on the island told me they were already feeling the effects of the advisory.

“Even people who are coming aren’t leaving the resorts,” said Simon Browne, whose family owns YS Falls, a popular waterfall and swimming area on the south side of Jamaica. “It’s been a quiet March.”

Milton Williams, who cooks jerk chicken and other delights along the highway between Montego Bay and Negril, was also feeling the loss of business.

“Lots of people have canceled their vacations,” he told me, as I feasted on his chicken.

I was glad I wasn’t one of them.

What the State Department said

The State Department uses a four-point scale to assess the safety of travel to every country in the world. Level 1 is the safest (“exercise normal precautions”) and Level 4 is the most dangerous (“do not travel”).

In March 2022, Jamaica was elevated from Level 2 (“exercise increased caution”) to Level 3 (“reconsider travel”).

In January, the State Department updated its advisory with additional details about areas of concern, citing specifically crime and medical services in the country.

A spokeswoman for the State Department called the update “routine” and said there was no specific incident that spurred the advisory. She said the crime information remains substantively unchanged from the previous advisory.

Routine or not, the media reported the update as major news, sparking concern about travel to the country during the busy winter and spring vacation season.

Indeed, the language included in the advisory is enough to give any traveler pause. “Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common,” it reads. “Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.”

It continues, “Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.”

It goes on to list specific geographic areas of concern, and strongly encourages travelers to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica.

In response to the advisory, the Jamaican Tourist Board noted that crime involving visitors “remains extremely low at 0.01%,” adding, “Jamaica has recorded its lowest crime rate in 24 years in 2023 and this downward trajectory has continued in 2024.”

It’s worth noting that other countries that issue travel advisories to their citizens have not change their guidance on Jamaica in recent years.

Canada, for example, has a similar four-point system for assessing danger. Jamaica is a level 2 (“exercise a high degree of caution”), which is the same as for the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations.

Both the United States and Canada cite Jamaica’s high crime rate as among the reasons for concern.

Indeed, Jamaica does have one of the highest murder rates in the world. But both locals and security experts point out that violence in Jamaica is almost never targeted at tourists.

“Jamaicans often told me – Jamaica is only dangerous for Jamaicans,” said Paul Doucet, security director at International SOS , a private health and security service firm.

Doucet visited Jamaica in February, shortly after the State Department updated its advisory, to see for himself whether anything had changed in Jamaica to warrant increased concern.

His conclusion: “It’s fine to go to Jamaica with an understanding of the areas to avoid.”

He added, “We haven’t changed our advice. We haven’t seen any reason to change our advice.”

Doucet acknowledged the country’s high crime rate, but said everyone – from the government to gang members – understands it’s not smart to target tourists, who contributed $4.3 billion to the nation’s economy in 2023.

“No one has an interest in seeing tourism decline,” said Doucet.

He also said that the country’s high homicide rate probably isn’t the best statistic for concerned travelers to worry about. Sexual assaults, carjackings and short-term kidnappings (which he noted are not a problem in Jamaica) are typically a bigger concern for tourists on vacation.

“There’s actually been an improvement in crime in Jamaica,” he said, although he noted that the numbers are subject to underreporting.

Lee Weinstock, a Shaker Heights native who runs a tourism business in Montego Bay, said he has been a victim of crime twice in Jamaica in more than 30 years. His apartment was broken into once, as was his car.

He speculates that there might be a political motivation for the State Department advisory – that it’s a way for the U.S. government to register its discontent with increasing Chinese investment in Jamaica, or disapproval of Jamaica’s anti-LGBTQ laws and policies.

The spokeswoman for the State Department denied that there were political reasons for the update. “This analysis is undertaken without regard to bilateral political or economic considerations,” she said.

She provided this explanation about the process: “Travel Advisories are based on a comprehensive and objective review of safety and security conditions, and ongoing developments that could affect the lives and interests of U.S. citizens abroad. We consider many factors to determine the Travel Advisory level for each country, including crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking, health risks, natural disasters/weather, and current events. The information we use to formulate Travel Advisories is collected from a range of sources, such as crime statistics and other publicly-available information, and information gathered from U.S. government sources, including assessments by our embassies and consulates abroad.”

I asked Doucet if the safety I felt in Jamaica was a good gauge of how safe I actually was.

“If you’re traveling around and didn’t go into areas you shouldn’t go, you probably were safe,” he said.

He noted that he spent some time in downtown Montego Bay – not an area where most tourists visit – and didn’t feel particularly safe.

“It was crowded,” he said. “There were a lot people who looked like they didn’t have enough to do.”

Common sense, he said, goes a long way in Jamaica and elsewhere.

“Don’t flash around money,” he said. “Don’t hold three iPhones in your hands.”

Being cautious, however, doesn’t mean being fearful.

Nicole Tutzer from Bainbridge Township traveled to Jamaica last month with her 18-year-old daughter Annika. “They told us – don’t leave the resort by yourself,” said Tutzer, who was staying at the resort next to mine in Montego Bay.

She and her daughter walked across the street to buy water shoes and bug spray and felt perfectly safe.

I, too, left my resort every day – both on foot and with licensed drivers – and also never felt remotely unsafe.

Needless to say, I didn’t visit the areas that were outlined in the State Department advisory, which are well known to locals as areas to avoid.

Honestly, there are plenty of areas in and around Cleveland that I know to avoid, particularly at night and when I’m alone. It seems obvious to use that same commonsense approach when I travel.

Safety in Jamaica

In addition to recommending travel insurance, the State Department offers these suggestions to Americans traveling to Jamaica:

* Avoid walking or driving at night.

* Avoid public buses.

* Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

* Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.

* Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition into the country.

* Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Information: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/jamaica-travel-advisory.html

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