U.S. Lowers Jamaica Travel Advisory as Crime Rates Decline

On Thursday, May 29, the United States updated its travel advisory for Jamaica, downgrading the violence warning level from 3 to 2. This means the advice has shifted from “reconsider travel” to “exercise increased caution.” This change comes in light of a significant decrease in violent crime across Jamaica, though challenges remain.

While violent crime rates in Jamaica have declined in recent years, per reports, the country’s homicide rate is still among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Incidents like armed robberies and sexual assaults remain common in some areas.

However, according to the advisory, tourist areas tend to have lower rates of violent crime compared to other parts of the island. For safety reasons, U.S. embassy staff are barred from using public buses and are advised against driving between cities at night.

The updated advisory coincides with a reported 43% reduction in murders in Jamaica, marking the lowest rate in over 30 years. This positive trend has provided a welcome boost to the country’s vital tourism industry, which saw around 4.75 million visitors in 2024. Those tourists helped generate approximately $4.35 billion in revenue through visits to Jamaica’s iconic beaches, waterfalls, and rum distilleries.

Looking ahead, the Jamaican government aims to attract 5 million tourists this year, with an expected revenue of $5 billion. The update to the travel advisory was anticipated, coming two months after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a review following the significant drop in murders.

Despite these improvements, the travel advisory emphasizes the need for travellers to remain vigilant. Overall, the advisory highlights a cautious optimism for Jamaica’s security landscape, especially as the island continues to prioritize tourism and safety.