state department travel to jamaica

U.S. urges travelers to reconsider visiting Jamaica amid violence

The state department escalated its warning for jamaica to a level 3 travel advisory.

U.S. officials are asking visitors to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica because of increased crime in the nation.

The State Department escalated its warning for Jamaica to a Level 3 travel advisory last week, which the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica reinforced Thursday. An embassy statement said violent crimes — including armed robberies, sexual assaults and homicides — are common, and it specifically claimed that “sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.”

Officials recently issued a similar warning for the Bahamas because of a spate of murders at the beginning of the year, many of them gang-related, according to officials. The Bahamas warning is a Level 2 advisory, meaning visitors should “exercise increased caution.” A Level 3 advisory, in the State Department’s ranking system , communicates an elevated risk and asks people to reconsider their travel plans altogether.

The U.S. travel advisory for Jamaica was also escalated to Level 3 in May because of crime.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, officials recorded 65 murders in the first month of 2024, down from 81 during that same period in 2023. Instances of sexual assault have also declined. However, rates of shootings, people injured and robberies have increased since this time last year.

Michael Rogers, a senior intelligence director at travel security firm International SOS , said that travelers should take State Department warnings seriously but that violent crime is not primarily impacting travelers. In the Bahamas, officials said, most of the violent crime is gang-related, and none of this year’s killings have targeted tourists.

“Importantly, it is not the kind of issue that we are seeing directly affect travelers,” Rogers said, adding that visitors are more likely to encounter petty crimes, such as theft. “From our perspective, we would more likely encourage our clients to, rather than avoid travel, instead to travel safely, or travel smartly. We’re not necessarily seeing this affect resort properties or anything of that nature.”

Rogers added that violent crime isn’t a new issue in Jamaica, and it can be more prevalent in some areas than others. Officials in Jamaica previously have declared regional states of emergency in response to spikes in violence.

In the advisory, U.S. officials also claimed that local police and emergency services personnel do not “respond effectively” to serious crimes. “When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence,” the statement said. “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 notice further warned visitors that, should an emergency occur, ambulance service and hospital care may not be readily available or provide the level of care needed.

Medical treatment abroad could be expensive, as U.S. health insurance (including Medicaid and Medicare) is not valid overseas. Those who decide to travel are encouraged to obtain traveler’s insurance . They also are advised to avoid walking or driving at night, taking public buses and going to secluded areas. Rogers recommended sticking to well-trafficked tourist areas and being aware of one’s surroundings.

The office of Prime Minister Andrew Holness did not immediately respond to The Washington Post’s request for comment on the U.S. advisory. This week, Holness announced that the Jamaican government is taking “strategic and definitive” measures to grow its tourism sector, which constitutes about 34 percent of the country’s economic output and employs 31 percent of its workforce, according to the Inter-American Development Bank.

In a statement issued by his office Wednesday, the prime minister appealed to prospective tourists. “Come to Jamaica,” he said, “to experience a people who have experienced hardship, who have suffered, but who have conquered. That has a deep history. That has more to offer to humanity than just sun, sea, and sand.” Those things, he said, “must be the essence of our tourism.”

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US issues travel advisory for Jamaica, warns Americans to ‘reconsider' trips amid rise in murders

The warnings about travel to jamaica comes days after the state department issued an advisory for another popular tourist destination in the caribbean, by danielle abreu • published february 1, 2024 • updated on february 1, 2024 at 11:17 am.

The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for Jamaica , urging Americans to reconsider visiting the Caribbean nation due to rising crime and "unreliable medical services."

The Level 3 travel advisory comes after the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica reported that “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common” even at all-inclusive resorts.

According to the State Department, Jamaica's homicide rate is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere, with 65 murders reported there last month alone.

The U.S. Embassy also said local police often do not respond effectively to incidents of serious crimes and even when arrests are made, cases are rarely prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides typically wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities.

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The advisory added that the medical services on the island are not always dependable and some facilities may demand payment in advance before offering care. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do no accept U.S. health insurance, so Americans are urged to obtain traveler's insurance that includes medical evacuation.

The warnings about travel to Jamaica comes days after the State Department issued an advisory for another popular tourist destination in the Caribbean.

On Friday, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas put the island on a Level 2 “Exercise increased caution” warning, urging Americans to stay vigilant, keep a low profile and not to fight back during a robbery attempt. Nassau has been rocked by 18 murders in first four weeks of the year, according to the embassy.

U.S. warns travelers to the Bahamas to be cautious after 18 murders in capital this year

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U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Jamaica — What Travelers Should Know

The advisory is at "Level 3," urging Americans to "reconsider travel."

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The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for travelers to Jamaica.

The advisory, which is a "Level 3," encouraging Americans to "reconsider travel" cites "violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common" as the reason for the alert.

The advisory also mentions all-inclusive resorts.

The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica also posted the same advisory. In addition to the guidance of reconsidering travel, the agency recommends that travelers do not walk or drive at night, and avoid public buses.

The agency also posted specific guidance for each neighborhood in Jamaica, with some having, "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisories.

The agency also recommends travelers take extra precautions for insurance and healthcare planning, prior to visiting the island. “We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica,” the advisory states. “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.”

In a statement to Travel + Leisure, Jamaica's tourism board noted that, "there are very distinctly defined areas within Jamaica that the advisory cites as having high risk for crime, so the majority of the island’s tourism product remains unaffected."

"Visitors can continue to come with confidence to enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer," the tourism board added.

The U.S. State Department also recently published a Level 2 advisory for the Bahamas , encouraging travelers to exercise increased caution due to ongoing crime.

Travelers who are heading to international destinations can view all current travel advisories on the State Department’s website .

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Jamaica and the Bahamas are pushing back against U.S. travel warnings

Vanessa Romo

The U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, saying "Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts." Ramon Espinosa/AP hide caption

Jamaican and Bahamian officials are pushing back on U.S. claims that the island countries are unsafe for tourists because of rampant crime and poor access to medical services.

In renewed travel warnings last month, the U.S. State Department urged would-be sun and sand seekers to beware of two of the most popular Caribbean beach destinations.

"Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts," the agency warned in a Level 3 advisory about Jamaica — just one level below the most severe warning against travel to Americans.

The State Department added: "Violence and shootings occur regularly in many neighborhoods, communities, and parishes in Jamaica."

Officials deem the Bahamas a slightly less perilous destination with a Level 2 advisory , noting that "gang-on-gang violence" is confined to specific cities and neighborhoods, "primarily affecting the local population."

And the U.S. Embassy in Nassau released a security warning notifying would-be travelers that "murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets." The embassy reported 18 murders have occurred since the start of 2024.

Although alarming, the latest notices do not elevate the threat level of either country. The State Department has listed Jamaica as a Level 3 destination since 2022 and the Level 2 advisory for the Bahamas has been in place for years .

But they come at the start of both of the tourism-dependent countries' season and winter-fatigued Americans are seeking to escape the cold in warm turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Which is why government officials from both nations are working allay travel jitters.

"[T]here are very distinctly defined areas within Jamaica that the advisory cites as having high risk for crime, so the majority of the island's tourism product remains unaffected. Overall, the crime rate against visitors to Jamaica remains extremely low at 0.01%," the Jamaica Tourist Board told NPR in a statement.

The board added: "The island consistently ranks among the top destinations for international travel, welcoming 4.1 million visitors in 2023, with approximately 3 million from the United States. Visitors can continue to come with confidence to enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer."

The Jamaica Constabulary Force reports there were 83 murders between Jan. 1 and Feb. 3 this year. That is a significant drop from 2023 numbers, when there were 109 total murders during the same period.

Still, the American agency said the homicide rate remains "among the highest in the Western Hemisphere."

While Bahamas officials assert the islands are safe, two women allege assault

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis also responded to the advisories about travel to his country, stressing that the government "is alert, attentive and proactive to ensure that The Bahamas remains a safe and welcoming destination."

Davis also noted that many tourism locations share the same Level 2 designation.

"The incidents described in the January 2024 US Embassy crime alert do not reflect general safety in The Bahamas, a count of sixteen tourism destinations, and many more islands," he added in a statement on Jan. 29.

But less than a week later on Feb. 4, two American women said they were drugged and sexually assaulted by two staff members at the Pirates Cove Zipline and Water Park in Freeport.

The women, both mothers who say the trip was their first vacation without their kids, had been on a Carnival Cruise ship. They disembarked on their last day to spend time at the resort, where they had some drinks that they believe were spiked with drugs.

In an interview with Good Morning America , they said they quickly lost consciousness, waking up intermittently, and eventually recalling enough to realize that they had been assaulted by two resort staff members. Both said they had bruises on their legs and tested positive for various drugs.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a statement that they "recognize the seriousness of such matters and handle them with the highest level of professionalism, privacy and sensitivity."

The alleged assailants, men ages 40 and 54, have since been arrested. The RBPF says it is conducting an ongoing investigation with the FBI.

How to stay safe on the islands

State Department officials offer similar advice to those planning to travel to either Jamaica or the Bahamas.

Primarily, tourists should keep a low profile, be aware of their surroundings, avoid secluded places or situations, and avoid walking or driving at night. If confronted by a robbery attempt, do not attempt to physically resist.

Do not bring firearms or ammunition while traveling to Jamaica, including stray rounds, shells or empty casings. The State Department says "the penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences."

Officials also encourage travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and to make it easier for officials to locate you in an emergency. They also recommend following the Department of State on Facebook and X .

Correction Feb. 9, 2024

A previous version of this story incorrectly said there were 109 murders in Jamaica from Jan. 1 to Feb. 3, 2024. The year was 2023.

tourism crime
the bahamas

The U.S. State Department issued a new travel advisory for Jamaica. Are any Caribbean islands safe?

T he U.S. State Department recently issued a travel advisory urging travelers to reconsider plans to go to Jamaica due to surges in crime and lacking medical services.

But travelers booking their spring and summer vacations still have plenty of options if they're considering a trip to the Caribbean islands.

Here's a list of Caribbean islands that fall under the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk.

Get daily updates on the Packers during the season.

What are the Caribbean islands with the least risk for safety and security?

According to the U.S. State Department, these are some Caribbean islands under the government's lowest advisory ranking:

Antigua and Barbuda
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Sint Maarten

Is it safe to travel to the Bahamas?

The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas on Jan. 26 due to crime and water safety.

Most crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assaults happen in tourist and non-tourist areas.

Activities involving watercraft are also not consistently regulated, and watercraft may be poorly maintained, according to the advisory.

Planning on traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips:

The State Department advises citizens to sign up for their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts and to make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for the country you're planning to visit.

The State Department also recommends preparing a contingency plan for any emergency situations. Review their Traveler's Checklist .

You can also visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your destination.

How to learn more about your travel destination:

If your travel destination isn't listed, you can view what the State Department recommends at http://travel.state.gov/advisories .

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The U.S. State Department issued a new travel advisory for Jamaica. Are any Caribbean islands safe?

U.S. warns tourists to ‘reconsider travel’ to this island nation after 65 murders in 1 month

Updated: Feb. 03, 2024, 6:12 a.m. |
Published: Feb. 03, 2024, 6:00 a.m.

The U.S. State Department has issued a security warning, urging people to "reconsider travel" to Jamaica after 65 people were murdered in one month. AP

Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The U.S. State Department has issued a security warning , urging people to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica after 65 people were murdered in one month.

According to the State Department , the most recent “reconsider travel” warning comes due to high crime and lack of medical services.

The crimes have become so prevalent that even people staying at all-inclusive resorts are not safe.

“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the warning from the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica stated.

“Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence,” the embassy’s warning continued.

The amount of murders in Jamaica has caused the island nation to have one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force , at least 65 people were killed from Jan. 1-27, 2024.

Jamaica is not the only island nation U.S. officials have issued warnings to tourists about the lack of safety in the region.

The U.S. State Department issued a warning to tourists traveling to The Bahamas, advising them to “exercise increased caution” due to crime.

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Explore The Island Guide

Subscribe to e-newsletter, book your trip, entry requirements, good to know.

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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Travel and Leisure

April 1, 2024

Jamaica Tourism Industry Increasing Despite U.S. Travel Advisory

In February, the US State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory against Jamaica.

The Paramount Pictures film “Bob Marley: One Love,” starring Kingsley Ben-Adir in the starring role, is projected to help boost tourism in Jamaica in 2024, following its increased tourism numbers in 2023.

As Travel Weekly reports, Donovan White, the Jamaica Tourist Board’s director of Tourism, indicated in February that 2023 tourism numbers were expected to see an 18% increase over 2019 figures. The country is projected to have earned $4.3 billion and had approximately 4.1 million visitors to the island, not including cruise ship passengers, in 2023.

Jamaica is also adding thousands of hotel rooms and service flights from the United States to Jamaica. White told Travel Agent Central, “With a 42 percent repeat visitor rate overall complementing our remarkable visitor arrivals growth, we are confident that 2024 will be yet another record-breaking year. In addition, we continue to add new airlift from key gateways and will have several new hotels opening throughout the year to support our tourism growth trajectory.”

In 2022, Jamaica added 8,000 hotel rooms, pouring in $2 billion and creating jobs for 24,000 hotel workers, including full- and part-time employees. In addition, the expansion of the hotel industry led to the creation of 12,000 jobs for construction workers. White recently indicated that 15,000 hotel rooms are anticipated to open in Jamaica over the next five to seven years. Of that total, in 2024, over 2,000 rooms are expected to be added across four properties.

In 2022, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said in an official statement : “We are delighted with the developments in the local tourism industry, which will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the economy and directly benefit thousands of Jamaicans. Indeed, tourism is a supply chain industry that spans multiple economic sectors, including construction, agriculture, manufacturing, banking, and transportation.”

The tourism numbers and the numbers from its hospitality industry are encouraging for the island nation, despite the US State Department issuing a Level 3 travel advisory . As NPR reported, a Level 3 advisory is the second-highest alert level. The State Department cautioned , “Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.”

The travel advisory continued, “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 Jamaica Tourist Board responded with a statement to NPR , “[T]here are very distinctly defined areas within Jamaica that the advisory cites as having high risk for crime, so the majority of the island’s tourism product remains unaffected. Overall, the crime rate against visitors to Jamaica remains extremely low at 0.01%.”

The board continued, “The island consistently ranks among the top destinations for international travel, welcoming 4.1 million visitors in 2023, with approximately 3 million from the United States. Visitors can continue to come with confidence to enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer.”

Bartlett told Travel Agent Central that the country was experiencing spectacular growth. “Jamaica continues to break records in terms of tourism arrivals in a spectacular pattern of growth,” Bartlett said. “It is deeply gratifying to remain a top destination of choice among travelers internationally as well as from our primary source market, the U.S., and maintain our position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. Based on arrival figures to date, we fully expect to post an 11th consecutive quarter of significant expansion.”

RELATED CONTENT: U.S. Issues Level 3 Travel Advisory For Jamaica

Jamaica Travel
United States State Department
Tourism industry
hospitality

The U.S. Says to Reconsider Travel to Jamaica. Jamaica Disagrees

J amaican officials are pushing back against the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for the island, which was re-issued in January due to “crime and medical services.” The country remains at Level 3 (which encourages people to “reconsider travel”— just one level away from the most severe warning.)

“In recent years, the Government has more than doubled its investments to strengthen our capacity to tackle crime and health-related challenges across the island for the benefit of our citizens and indeed everyone who wishes to visit Jamaica,” said Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Johnson Smith in a press release . Jamaica is listed as one of the top honeymoon destinations for U.S. residents, according to Tripadvisor .

The State Department claimed that Jamaican local authorities do a poor job of responding to serious crimes, robberies, assaults, and more. “Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the statement says, adding that Jamaica has one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere.

The country’s level 3 designation has been in place since 2022. Jamaican officials have warned that while there are areas in Jamaica that certainly do report a high risk for crime, tourists do not often experience that firsthand. “Overall, the crime rate against visitors to Jamaica remains extremely low at 0.01%," the Jamaican Tourist Board told NPR .

Jamaica travel advisory and response

The advisory mentions that families of U.S. citizens that have been killed on the island have had to wait for a year, if not more, to receive the death certificate of their family member. U.S. government personnel are also personally prohibited from taking public buses and driving out of certain areas of Kingston, the Jamaican capital, during the evenings.

The advisory also says that hospital care is not timely and can be of low quality, when compared to U.S. standards.

Following the State Department’s decision, Smith said that Jamaica was disappointed that the U.S. had not taken into account the country’s progress towards creating a safer community for all. “We are making serious improvements, although we still have much more to do to achieve all that we wish to deliver. It is not insignificant that Jamaica has recorded a more than 20 per cent decline in serious crimes, along with strong improvements in arrests and prosecution,” Smith said in a statement.

Jamaica experienced 83 murders during the first month of 2024, per the Jamaica Constabulary Force . That number is less than the 109 reported in 2023, during the same time period.

The country heavily relies on tourism, which accounted for more than 30% of the country’s economic output prior to the pandemic. “If there was ever an industry that has the potential to transform our nation, our communities and the lives and livelihoods of the Jamaican people for the better, it is tourism,” the Jamaican Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, said in April 2023 when speaking about the return of tourists. Jamaica had a level 4 travel advisory during the pandemic due to high levels of Covid-19.

Jamaica has encouraged travelers to continue to come to the island, which last year hosted 4.1 million people, according to a statement the Jamaica Tourist Board provided NPR. “Visitors can continue to come with confidence to enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer,” they added.

How to stay safe if you are traveling to Jamaica

Those who are still planning to visit the Carribean destination were advised to avoid walking or driving at night, taking public buses, and any secluded areas. They were also told to not resist any robbery attempts.

The State Department said that U.S. government workers were prohibited from traveling to several parishes due to crime, including much of downtown Kingston and St. Andrew Parish, Westmoreland Parish, and more. You can read the extensive list of neighborhoods here.

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How to stay safe during trips to Jamaica and Bahamas after State Department travel advisories

The Caribbean has long been a desirable destination for Americans looking for a change of scenery. But the State Department recently warned U.S. citizens who plan on traveling to Jamaica and the Bahamas to exercise caution because of recent crime surges in those locations.

For those who just can’t shake the travel bug, here’s the latest on what’s happening and how to stay safe.

What's happening in Jamaica?

The State Department on Jan. 23 issued an updated travel advisory for Jamaica, positioning its concern at Level 3, indicating that Americans should “reconsider travel.”

“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the advisory states.

U.S. officials warned that local authorities "do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents" and said cases "are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence."

Jamaica's national police force reported 65 murders in January — down from 81 during the same time last year. Sexual assault has also decreased by 44% over the same period in 2023. But the rates of shootings and people injured have increased since this time in 2023.

Jamaica’s tourism ministry has pushed back at the State Department’s advisory, saying sometimes these alerts can do more harm than good for their country.

“Not withstanding the advisory, Jamaica remains not only a desirable destination but a safe and secure destination for international visitors,” Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told the Miami Herald .

According to the Herald, the Jamaica Tourist Board said the crime rate against tourists is at 0.01%, and that over 40% of its visitors have been there before.

What’s happening in the Bahamas?

Meanwhile, the Bahamas is under a Level 2 advisory , which means travelers should “exercise increased caution,” especially on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. The advisory says gang violence has led to a high homicide rate, which mainly involves locals.

“Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence. “

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau recently issued a security alert citing 18 murders in January alone. The alert points to gang violence as a cause of the murders, which happen during all hours of the day. In a statement to CNN , the State Department said It was “not aware of any U.S. citizens who have been affected.”

But Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis has pushed back against the advisory as well, saying in a statement : “The incidents described in the January 2024 US Embassy crime alert do not reflect general safety in The Bahamas, a country of sixteen (16) tourism destinations, and many more islands.”

Davis’s office also told Yahoo News in an email that he, along with the tourism ministry, collaborates with local law enforcement and international agencies to provide a “safe and inviting destination.”

While the State Department updated its advisory on Jan. 26 for the Bahamas, it was to add water safety information. The advisory level has not changed.

What to know if you’re planning to travel

The State Department has stressed the importance of getting traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before venturing to the islands to protect against high fees. In Jamaica, some private ambulance companies require an upfront payment before transporting a patient to the hospital.

Government officials also encourage U.S. citizens traveling overseas to sign up for STEP , the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This program allows travelers to get important information from local embassies about safety conditions at their desired destinations and set emergency contacts who can be notified if necessary.

Travelers can also view security reports that detail areas of concern, general crime threats and law enforcement concerns for Jamaica and the Bahamas .

What to know when you get to Jamaica

Let’s kick off the safety tips with a major rule: Leave the firearms and ammunition at home. Jamaica has a zero-tolerance policy regarding tourists traveling with guns.

The State Department also cautions travelers that it will not be able to help U.S. citizens in many high-risk areas due to “the ineffectiveness or policies of local authorities, armed conflict, or poor governance.”

For Jamaica, the State Department suggests travelers avoid:

St. Ann Parish

St. Catherine Parish

Clarendon Parish — except if passing through using the T1 and A2 highways

St. Elizabeth Parish

Hanover Parish

St. James Parish

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

Manchester Parish

St. Thomas Parish

Trelawny Parish

Westmoreland Parish

Tips to stay safe

The State Department and World Nomads — a group of global travelers who offer travel insurance and safety advice — have shared suggestions for traveling safely while on the islands, especially when away from a tourist area, such as a resort.

Always have a contingency plan in place for emergencies.

Don’t walk or drive at night.

Don’t ride on public buses.

Don’t travel alone, especially to secluded places.

If you are being robbed, do not physically resist.

Stay vigilant of your surroundings and try to maintain a low profile.

Avoid answering the door of your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.

Don’t carry your passport around.

Don’t keep all your cash together.

Don’t advertise valuables in a crowd.

Avoid free rides.

Avoid buying or using any illegal substances.

Keep an eye on your drink at all times.

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By Tucker Reals

Updated on: February 2, 2024 / 2:32 PM EST / CBS News

The U.S. government has raised its travel alert level for Jamaica amid a spate of murders in the Caribbean nation, urging Americans to reconsider visiting the island "due to crime and [unreliable] medical services."

The State Department announced the change, to its Level 3 travel advisory, for Jamaica just a few days after it issued a warning about the Bahamas, which remained at a Level 2 advisory , urging Americans to "exercise increased caution," despite a series of murders there.

The warnings about travel to the popular tourist destinations come as many Americans are planning and booking their vacations for the year ahead.

The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica warned that "violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts."

People relax and swim at Doctor's Cave beach

It added that Jamaican police "often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents." The advisory said that hospitals and ambulances are not always reliable and some private institutions may require payment up front.

"The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere," the State Department noted.

According to statistics published by the Jamaica Constabulary Force , the nation — which has a population of about 2.8 million — had recorded 65 homicides between Jan. 1 and Jan. 27 of this year. While that represents a significant drop from the same period the previous year, when there were 81 homicides, the number of shootings and people injured in crimes increased this January compared to last. The data show a major drop in the number of recorded rapes in January 2024 compared to the previous year.

The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper, the nation's oldest, reported on Monday that this monthly's murder tally of 65 included 19 murders during the previous week alone.

In the Bahamas, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau said in a message published on Jan. 24 that there had been 18 murders in the capital city since the start of the year, which had "occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets."

It said most of the recent killings were linked to gang violence and urged travelers to "exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau)" in particular, and to be extra careful if walking or driving at night.

"Do not physically resist any robbery attempt," the embassy warned, adding a suggestion for visitors to review their "personal security plans."

Tourism is a huge sector for Jamaica's economy, and Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett told the country's lawmakers in December that he expected a "spectacular growth pattern" seen during 2022 and 2023 to continue.

"The island should record a total of 4,122,100 visitors for the period January to December, 2023," he said, according to a statement on his ministry's website. "This would signal an increase of 23.7% over the total number of visitors recorded in 2022."

According to the ministry, tourism brought roughly $4.2 billion into Jamaica's economy in 2023.

Tucker Reals is cbsnews.com's foreign editor, based in the CBS News London bureau. He has worked for CBS News since 2006, prior to which he worked for The Associated Press in Washington D.C. and London.

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Here are the tourist destinations the U.S. has sent travel warnings about so far this year

Published: Mar. 26, 2024, 5:01 a.m.

This 2012 file photo shows tourists, parasols and sunbeds at the white sandy beach of Fernandez Bay and the turquoise blue water of the Caribbean sea in The Bahamas. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images) Getty Images

Chris Mautner | [email protected]

The recent news that Royal Caribbean is halting trips to its private beach in Labadee, Haiti, is just the latest in a string of recent travel warnings and problems that have plagued island tourist destinations this year.

Royal Caribbean announced on March 14 that its cruise liners wouldn’t be stopping at its private beach as the country struggles with rampant gang violence and political turmoil.

“Due to the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we’re temporarily suspending our visits to Labadee for our entire fleet,” Assistant Vice President Aurora Yera-Rodriguez said in a statement . “We continue to monitor and assess the situation with our Global Security & Intelligence Team.”

The decision comes after the U.S. embassy in Haiti urged U.S. citizens to not travel to Haiti, and for any citizens currently in the country to leave as soon as possible.

Anti-government gangs in Haiti have been battling police and shut down both of the country’s international airports. On March 3, a mass prison break in Port-au-Prince led the government to declare a state of emergency after thousands of inmates escaped.

But Haiti is not the only vacation destination that has been met with travel warnings from the U.S. government (though it is arguably the most dangerous of them all to visit right now).

In late February, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a warning for anyone planning to visit the country during spring break, highlighting a list of potential threats that included violent crime, consuming unregulated drugs or alcohol, and counterfeit medication.

While noting that the “vast majority” of people who travel to Mexico do so safely, the embassy emphasized in its warning that crime, “including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations.”

“U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,” the warning said.

Back in late January , the United States government issued a security warning and travel advisory for the Bahamas, saying that the country is dangerous for tourists due to the high level of crime, especially in the capital city of Nassau.

“Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets,” the U.S. Embassy in Nassau said in a statement , noting that 18 murders have taken place in the capital since the beginning of the year. “Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders.”

Prior to that, the U.S. State Department issued a level 3 “reconsider travel” advisory for Jamaica on Jan. 23 , saying travelers should rethink going to Jamaica due to high crime and a lack of adequate medical services.

The advisory said that “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common” in the country at the moment, and that “sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.”

Leaders in Jamaica and the Bahamas both pushed back against these warnings, saying that their respective countries remain “safe and secure” destinations for tourists.

“Sometimes, the unintended consequences of policies is they cause great harm and damage to the stability and safety of other countries,” Edmund Bartlett, tourism minister for the country, told the Miami Herald back in February.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism said that the advisory does not “reflect general safety in the Bahamas, a country of 16 tourism destinations, and many more islands.”

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US warns travelers about high crime at 2 popular cruise destinations, urges ‘extreme caution’

Published: Jan. 30, 2024, 3:55 p.m.

The U.S. State Department warns that travelers should be aware that two popular destinations for cruise ships, the Bahamas and Jamaica, have high crime problems. In the case of Jamaica, access to medical services also is suspect. (Getty Images) Getty Images

Robert Higgs, cleveland.com

WASHINGTON – A pair of advisories from the U.S. State Department caution travelers to be aware that two tropical locations – stops popular with the cruise lines -- also have high crime problems.

In advisories for the Bahamas and Jamaica, the State Department warns travelers that crime rates are high in the two countries. Each of the nations are popular destinations for cruise lines.

The advisory for Jamaica, one issued at a higher warning level, also warns that access to medical care may be spotty.

The more recent advisory, a Level Two warning that urges travelers to exercise extreme caution, is a result of crime issues in both tourist and non-tourist areas in the Bahamas.

“Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence,” the advisory states .

Among its warnings for travelers is to not answer the door at their hotel/residence unless you know who it is and to not physically resist any robbery attempts.

The State Department issued the advisory Friday, Jan. 26.

The Level 3 advisory for Jamaica , issued Jan. 23, urges travelers to reconsider their plans and notes that U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk.

“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the advisory states.

“Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents,” according to the advisory. “When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence.”

Travelers are urged to avoid walking or driving at night, avoid public buses, avoid secluded places or situations and keep a low profile. They should not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Medical care can be problematic, the State Department said, because public hospitals are under-resourced and cannot always provide high level or specialized care. Private hospitals often require that payment be made up front.

More information is available through the State Department, which issues travel advisories for each country of the world.

Situation in Haiti March 29, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

Country specific footnotes.

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

Visa Category Footnotes

The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

G-1 through G-4
NATO 1 through NATO 6

An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty. *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used. **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.

*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder. **Example 2: Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.

Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

Canadian Nationals

Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

Mexican Nationals

Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

T-2 (spouse)
T-3 (child)
T-4 (parent)

The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

General Documents

There is no general document information

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth certificates.

Fees: Fees vary depending on location and processing time. Please see the Registrar General’s Department’s website for further information: https://www.rgd.gov.jm/index.php/products-and-service/prices .

Document Name: officially called a Birth Registration Form

Issuing Authority: A certified, computer generated copy of a birth certificate, officially called a Birth Registration Form, may be obtained from any Local District Registrar, the local branches of the Registrar General's Department (RGD). A child’s birth is registered in the Parish, where he/she was born. The full name of the subject, the exact date of birth, the name of the father (if it appears on the birth certificate) and the full name of the mother should be furnished. Requests may also be made through the RGD's website .

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The current format is computer generated and printed on A4 size security paper. From October 11, 2010 through January 31, 2011, a different type of security paper was used, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. If the document was issued during that time period, it is also valid and acceptable. Older, handwritten documents, which are typically produced on paper measuring 8 x 6.5 inches or 3 x 14 inches, are no longer accepted at Post.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title

Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining May be obtained from any Local District Registrar or the local branches of the Registrar General's Department (RGD)

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: If a child was formally adopted in Jamaica, a birth certificate would no longer be available for that child. He/she would be issued an Adopted Child Register, which is used in lieu of a birth certificate and in cases where a full and formal adoption was completed in Jamaica. See “Adoption Certificates” for more information.

Comments: Please contact the Registrar General’s Department for further information.

Address: Twickenham Park, St. Catherine (Headquarters)
Telephone: 876-749-0550 or 876-619-1260
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.rgd.gov.jm/

Death Certificates

Document Name: Officially called a Death Registration Form

Issuing Authority: Death certificates are obtainable from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in the same manner as birth and marriage certificates. The following information will be required:

Name of deceased
Place, Parish, and District of death
Date of death
Sex of deceased
Date and place of registration
Death entry number or registration number
How the person died

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The current acceptable format is computer generated and printed on A4 size security paper. From October 11, 2010 through January 31, 2011 a different type of security paper was used, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. If the document was issued during that time period, it is also valid and acceptable.

Registration Criteria: All deaths must be registered within 5 days after the person has died. However, you may send the Local District Registrar a written notice that the person has died, along with the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and provide additional information within 14 days after the death. In cases of a sudden or violent death, contact the nearest police station.

Procedure for Obtaining: Obtainable from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in the same manner as birth and marriage certificates.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Address: Twickenham Park, St. Catherine

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage certificates.

Document Name: Officially called a Marriage Register

Issuing Authority: A certified copy of a marriage certificate, officially called a Marriage Register, may be obtained from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in the same manner as described for the birth certificate. The following information will be required;

Place of marriage
Date of marriage
Parties’ names
Marriage Officer’s or Civil Registrar’s name

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Post only accepts computer generated marriage certificates printed on A4 size security paper of the type described for birth and death certificates. From October 11, 2010 through January 31, 2011 a different type of security paper was used, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. If the document was issued during that time period, it is also valid and acceptable. Post no longer accepts the older, handwritten version, which typically appeared on paper measuring 3.5 x 14 inches.

Registration Criteria: Marriages are registered by the Marriage Officer or Civil Registrar, who performed the wedding ceremony. There are 13 Civil Registrars and over 1300 Marriage Officers island wide.

Procedure for Obtaining: May be obtained from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in the same manner as described for the birth certificate.

Comments: While Jamaican law accords some rights to cohabitants, cohabitation does not create a marital relationship that is valid for purposes of immigration.

Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Jamaica . Please contact the Registrar General’s Department for further information.

Telephone: 876-749-0550 or 876-619-1260

Certificate of No-Impediment to Marriage

This document is available and it is required by post for all Jamaica-resident immigrant visa applicants over age 18 in categories requiring them to be unmarried. The certificate may be obtained from the RGD in the same manner as described for a birth, death, or marriage certificate. The document is computer generated and appears on the same A4 security paper. Fees vary depending on location and processing time. Please see the Registrar General’s Department’s website for further information: https://www.rgd.gov.jm/index.php/products-and-service/prices . Post no longer accepts the 8.5 x 11 inch sized certificates or the older, typed version, which appeared on RGD letterhead.

Divorce Certificates

Fees: Fees may vary. Please see the Supreme Court’s website for further information: http://supremecourt.gov.jm/ .

Document Name: Officially called a Divorce Decree.

Issuing Authority: A true copy of a divorce decree may be obtained from the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kingston. The name of the petitioner and the name of the respondent should be furnished, as well as the date of the divorce.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The form of this document may vary in accordance with the type of decree given. To be valid, it must be printed on Supreme Court letterhead and bear the stamps "Supreme Court of Judicature of Jamaica" and "True Copy." Only a “Decree Absolute” demonstrates a full, finalized divorce.

Registration Criteria: A petition for the Dissolution of Marriage may be submitted by a Jamaican national; someone domiciled in Jamaica at the commencement of proceedings; or someone residing in Jamaica and who has for the past 12 months. If there is not challenge to the divorce, a Decree Nisi can be issued. After six weeks, a Decree Absolute can be issued.

Procedure for Obtaining: May be obtained from the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kingston.

Comments: Please contact the Supreme Court for further information.

Address: Public Building East, King Street, Kingston, Jamaica
Telephone: +1 876-922-8300-4 | +1 876-665-2100
Email: [email protected]

Adoption Certificates

Document Name: Officially called an Adopted Children Register

Issuing Authority: A certified copy of an Adopted Children Register, which indicates that the child has been adopted pursuant to an Adoption Order issued by a Jamaican court, may be obtained from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in the same manner as a birth, marriage, or death certificate. An Adoption Order is available from the Family Court or Resident Magistrate's Court, where the adoption took place.

Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining: A certified copy of an Adoption License, issued by a Family Court or Resident Magistrate's Court, is available from the court where the adoption took place or from the Child Development Agency.

Comments: The Adoption License allows adoptive parents to take the prospective adoptive child to a "scheduled country" (the United States is one such scheduled country) for finalization of the adoption. More information is available on the Child Development Agency’s website: http://www.cda.gov.jm/

Please contact the Registrar General’s Department for further information.

Identity Card

Currently, there is not a standardized national identification card. Many Jamaicans are holders of an Elector Registration Identification Card, which is sometimes referred to as a national ID. A Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) is a driver’s license number, which is also used as an ID in all government and the majority of private sectors transactions.

For more information regarding the Elector Registration Identification Card, please contact the Electoral Commission of Jamaica at http://www.eoj.com.jm/ . For more information about registering for a TRN, please contact the Tax Administration of Jamaica at https://www.jamaicatax.gov.jm/web/guest/home .

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police records.

Fees: Fees vary depending on location and processing time. Please see the Ministry of National Security’s website for further information: http://www.mns.gov.jm/content/how-obtain-police-record

Document Name: Officially called a police record

Issuing Authority: Jamaican Constabulary Force (Jamaican Police)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The issued certificate measures 11 x 8.5 inches with a heading of "The Jamaican Constabulary Force." A photograph of the applicant is digitally printed on the left-hand side of the document and a hologram is located on the right-hand side of the document. It is printed on security paper and bears the digital signature of the Assistant Commissioner of Police and/or his/her authorized signing officials.

Procedure for Obtaining: Residents of Jamaica should first pay for a police certificate at any Tax Office in Jamaica. They must present a passport, two passport-sized photographs, Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), and evidence, such as a form letter of instructions to visa applicants, that the Embassy requires them to obtain police certificates for immigration purposes. There are next day, express and regular services available.

After the fee is paid, the applicant should take the receipt and documents to the Technical Services Division of the Criminal Records Office at 34 Duke Street in downtown Kingston, where the applicant is fingerprinted. At the end of the specified return period, applicants should return to 34 Duke Street to collect their police certificate.

Jamaicans living abroad and former residents of Jamaica may also obtain police certificates, but will need someone in Jamaica to act on their behalf. The applicant should furnish the person applying for the record on their behalf with fingerprints (notarized), two passport size photographs, a copy of the biographic page of their passport, and a letter of consent authorizing the application. If the applicant has a TRN number, then the fee can be paid at any Tax Office in Jamaica as described above. If the applicant does not have a TRN number, then the fee should be paid at the Ministry of National Security, 2 Oxford Rd., Kingston 5. After the fee is paid, the documents are to be taken to 34 Duke Street in downtown Kingston for processing.

In the absence of a “clean” police certificate, a Conviction Letter from the Criminal Investigation Branch will outline an applicant’s conviction(s), as long as these convictions are not spent or expunged from his/her criminal records.

Comments: More information can be found on the Ministry of National Security’s website: http://www.mns.gov.jm/content/how-obtain-police-record .

Court/Prison Records

Fees: Fees may vary, depending on the court and the record requested.

Document Name: Court record

Issuing Authority: Persons may obtain copies of the indictment and the disposition from the court before which he or she was charged.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Court records may differ in appearance, depending on the court house from which they come. Only court records printed on a court’s particular letterhead, affixed with the court seal, and signed by the proper court official will be accepted at Post.

Procedure for Obtaining: Persons may obtain copies of the indictment and the disposition from the court before which he or she was charged. A court record may be obtained for convictions, as well as dismissals.

Comments: Legal information and contact details for local court houses can be found on the Ministry of Justice’s website: http://moj.gov.jm/ .

Military Records

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: Military records

Issuing Authority: Jamaica Defense Force

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Procedure for Obtaining: Persons who served in the Jamaica Defense Force may obtain a copy of their Military Service Record from the Records Office, Headquarters, Camp Area, Up Park Camp, Kingston 5.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available

Comments: More information can be found on the below websites:

Jamaica Defence Force: http://www.jdfmil.org/contact/contact_us.php Ministry of National Security: https://www.mns.gov.jm/

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Ordinary, Diplomatic, and Official

Fees: Fees vary depending on document type and processing time. Please see the Passport immigration and Citizenship Agency website for further information: http://www.pica.gov.jm/passport/fees/ .

Document Name: Passport

Issuing Government Authority: Passport immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: All passports are affixed with the Jamaica seal and the Caribbean Community insignia. Ordinary passports are navy blue. Diplomatic passports are dark red. Official passports are dark green.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Information not available

Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining: Please see PICA’s website for detailed instructions on obtaining the travel document you need: http://pica.gov.jm/ .

Alternate Documents: PICA also issues entry and work permits, permanent residency status, and emergency temporary passports. PICA manages the island’s immigration processes and handles citizenship matters, including the renunciation of Jamaican citizenship.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Please contact the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency for further information.

Address: 25 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10 or Overton Plaza, 49 Union Street in Montego Bay
Website: http://pica.gov.jm/

Other Records

Deed poll provides the legal documentary evidence that a person has changed his or her name. The Island Record Office, a division of the Registrar General’s Office (RGD), stores deed polls. Certified copies may be obtained by application to the RGD. Requests may also be made through the RGD's website .

A deed poll is legal once it is stamped at Jamaican Government Stamp Office, as well as stamped and dated by the Registrar General’s Department with its tracking Liber and Folio number. A certified copy of the deed poll includes ribbon and a red seal. The paper is not security paper and is approximately legal size.

Fees vary depending on location and processing time. Please see the Registrar General’s Department’s website for further information: https://www.rgd.gov.jm/index.php/products-and-service/prices . Please contact the Registrar General’s Department for further information.

Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title: U.S. Embassy Kingston

Address: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica

Phone Number: 876-702-6000

Fax Number: 876-702-6348

Website: https://jm.usembassy.gov/

Visa Services: U.S. Embassy Kingston services Jamaican and the Cayman Islands for visa services.

Comments / Additional Information: None

Visa Services

U.S. Embassy Kingston services Jamaican and the Cayman Islands for visa services.

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Is Jamaica Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?

There has been some speculation on the safety level of Jamaica. Travelers are interested in finding out if Jamaica is really safe or not.

Sarah Rand • Apr 1, 2024

Jamaica is a tropical destination in the heart of the Caribbean Sea with pristine beaches, thriving culture and a welcoming community. One of the most appealing features of Jamaica is its year round beach weather. There are also countless thrilling adventures available to tourists. Some of the most popular activities include exploring the Blue Hole, relaxing at the Seven Mile Beach and hiking up to the Dunn’s River Falls and Park. Travelers will also enjoy the trending bamboo raft experience on the Martha Brae River. During the river ride, travelers can relax and view the surrounding wildlife, swim or learn more about local historic sites. The cuisine of Jamaica is also wildly popular. The most popular foods offered around Jamaica are the beef patty, jerk chicken, goat curry, coco bread and ackee and saltfish.

Jamaica has a great tourism appeal . It even has an average of 4.1 million tourists that visit per year. But travelers should be sure to do their own research before visiting any new destination. Check out everything travelers should know about whether or not Jamaica is safe for travel.

Official Travel Advisories

Travel safety is a big component to having comfortable travels, so it should definitely be considered before departing. The safety conditions of destinations vary from place to place, so it is important to know what environment a traveler is entering. There are many travel advisories that travelers can reference. Some of the top options include the U.S. Department of State and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The U.S. Department of State posts regularly updated travel advisories and reports on varying destination’s cultures. According to their website , Jamaica is a level three destination due to crime and medical care. This rating means that travelers should reconsider travel to Jamaica. The CIA, on the other hand, has an informational travel advisory that provides details on local customs, environmental issues and the nations’ criminal concerns.

Health safety is another element which ultimately impacts travelers. To be sure of a potential travel destination, travelers should stay up to date on health information. The leading organizations that report the health status of varying countries include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). The CDC’s traveler health page provides critical health information. Travelers can discover the health status of Jamaica, available medications, common preventable illnesses and ways to stay safe in the unfamiliar environment. WHO’s website provides in-depth statistics on the health of Jamaica’s community. Travelers can find health data and assessments on the country’s online page .

Overall, Jamaica has a good reputation for safety. But according to high-profile travel advisories, Jamaica is not the safest country to visit. The country’s top safety concerns are violent crimes like robbery and sexual assault. While these issues threaten any type of traveler, solo travelers may be particularly susceptible to being targeted. Travelers should use their own discernment to determine if Jamaica is the right travel destination for them. But it is important to note that due to these safety concerns, it is recommended that travelers reconsider travel to Jamaica. For travelers who choose to visit Jamaica, there are ways to have a safe trip.

How to Stay Safe in Jamaica

Travelers should be sure to exercise increased caution if they choose to travel to and through Jamaica. There are some travel safety measures that travelers should implement into their travel plans to minimize the risk of danger. For example, travelers should avoid walking around at night, avoid secluded areas and stay alert of their surroundings. Since robberies are not uncommon, travelers should be sure to secure their personal belongings and valuables. Travelers should not flaunt expensive things. Another precaution would be to store valuables in secure places, like the safe at their accommodation.

Visitors of Jamaica should know that the police and health care of the country may differ from what they are used to. Local police have been reported to not respond effectively to incidents. And the country’s homicide rate, reported by the Government of Jamaica, is among the highest in the western hemisphere (especially over the last several years). While some tourist areas have security patrols, caution is still recommended. Street crime is the primary concern for travelers, so they should try to avoid any suspicious or illegal activity while exploring the country.

Transportation safety is also important for travelers going to Jamaica. Technically, travelers are recommended to avoid public buses. But tourists have boarded public transport in Jamaica seamlessly, so travelers should exercise safety precautions. If travelers choose to commute around Jamaica via bus they should board at main bus terminals and not carry large amounts of cash (smaller bills as well). The public transportation in bigger cities like Kingston is considered safer. So, travelers should keep that in mind.

Where to Stay in Jamaica

In many communities of Jamaica, violence is common. But that does not mean that there are no neighborhoods that are safer for travelers. Travelers should stay in resort areas during their trip to Jamaica. The most popular tourist areas are Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Negril has long stretches of beach and has various resorts, rentals and restaurants close to the water. Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica and is closest to the airport most travelers fly into. This area has great accommodations like beachside resorts but also offers gated communities. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are the best options for beach activities and a lively scene. Ocho Rios is a place locals and tourists enjoy, so visitors can rest assured that they will be welcomed.

Best Time to Visit Jamaica

The weather in Jamaica is quite consistent and dependable. So, travelers do not often have to worry about missing the Caribbean sun. But the best time to visit is between November and December. During this time travelers can expect temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. There are also deals on hotels and flights during this time, so visiting is more affordable . For context, the peak season is between January and March but it is much more expensive to visit.

Is it safe to travel to Haiti right now? What travelers should know

The State Department is urging Americans not to travel to Haiti amid fresh gang violence in the country, which declared a state of emergency last week.

While neither the warnings nor violence are entirely new – Haiti has been a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination in State Department travel advisories since before the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse – a spate of recent high-profile attacks, including an attempt by armed gangs to seize control of the country’s main international airport, has sparked renewed urgency.

“The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the U.S. Embassy in Haiti said in a security alert issued Sunday. “We are aware that there are few or no commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge U.S. citizens to take advantage of them. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens is severely limited.”

The U.S. military stepped in to airlift American personnel “into and out of the Embassy” to augment security, U.S. Southern Command said Sunday in a statement to USA TODAY. The embassy is also coordinating assisted departure flights "through non-commercial means" for U.S. citizens, according to its website .

Helicopter rides from U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic are available, and the country also "indicated they will allow U.S. citizens to enter" through a land border with a valid passport, according to a State Department advisory . The airport in Cap-Haitien has "limited commercial flight activity" as well, the advisory said.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Americans in Haiti can fill out crisis intake forms and enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program program for updates.

Here’s what airlines and cruise lines are doing about trips to Haiti:

Haiti violence: Military airlifts American personnel out of embassy as Haiti spirals into violence

Are there direct flights to Haiti?

Three U.S. airlines typically operate direct flights to Haiti: American, JetBlue and Spirit. However, all three have temporarily suspended service and issued travel waivers for the Caribbean destination.

◾ American Airlines customers with flights scheduled to, through, or from Port-au-Prince (PAP) through April 1 may modify flights without paying change fees. Changes must be made by April 1 with the same origin and destination cities as the original booking.

◾ JetBlue Airways is waiving change and cancellation fees for travelers with flights scheduled to and from Port-au-Prince through April 15. Changes can be made through April 30.

◾ Spirit Airlines is waiving change fees and fare differences on travel to, from, or through Cap Haitien (CAP) and Port-au-Prince through April 15. Travelers should rebook by April 30. After that, the airline said change fees would still be waived, but fare differences may apply.

Is Royal Caribbean still going to Haiti?

Royal Caribbean and its sister line Celebrity Cruises normally sail to Labadee, Haiti , a private destination roughly six hours away from Port-au-Prince by car. However Royal Caribbean is skipping several previously scheduled stops, in coming days.

The following sailings will not go to Labadee.

Adventure of the Seas: 3/15 sailing
Mariner of the Seas: 3/16 sailing
Explorer of the Seas: 3/17 sailing
Oasis of the Seas: 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7 and 4/14 sailings
Symphony of the Seas: 3/17, 3/23, 3/31, 4/6, 4/14, 4/20 and 4/28 sailings
Grandeur of the Seas: 3/18 sailing
Independence of the Seas: 4/4, 4/8, 4/18 and 4/22 sailings

"The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY. "Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we are temporarily making adjustments to sailings visiting Labadee. We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly."

As recently as March 11, the cruise line had not canceled any sailings to Labadee, but was keeping a close on the situation while noting that it had private security in the area, which was closed to the public.

It doesn’t look like any Celebrity cruises are scheduled there until fall.

Contributing: Nathan Diller, USA TODAY

Eve Chen is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Atlanta. You can reach her at [email protected].

COMMENTS

Jamaica Travel Advisory
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 ...
Messages to US Citizens in Jamaica %
[email protected]. State Department - Consular Affairs. +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444. Jamaica Country Information. Cayman Island Country Information. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
U.S. raises Jamaica travel advisory to Level 3 over increased crime
The State Department escalated its warning for Jamaica to a Level 3 travel advisory last week, which the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica reinforced Thursday. An embassy statement said violent crimes ...
Is it safe to travel to Jamaica? Americans warned to reconsider trips
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for Jamaica, urging Americans to reconsider visiting the Caribbean nation due to rising crime and "unreliable medical services." The Level 3 ...
U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Jamaica
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for travelers to Jamaica. The advisory, which is a "Level 3," encouraging Americans to "reconsider travel" cites "violent crimes, such as ...
Travel Advisories
Jamaica Travel Advisory: Level 3: Reconsider Travel: January 23, 2024: Jordan Travel Advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: July 13, 2023: ... You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.
Jamaica travel: CDC, State Department alerts say avoid travel
The State Department on Tuesday raised its travel advisory for Jamaica to level 4, which means do not travel, due to COVID cases and crime in certain areas of Kingston, Montego Bay and Spanish Town.
Security Alert
George Town, KY1-1010. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. +345-945-8173. [email protected]. State Department - Consular Affairs. +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444. Jamaica Country Information. Cayman Island Country Information. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Jamaica and the Bahamas are pushing back against U.S. travel warnings
The U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, saying "Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common.
State Department: 'Reconsider travel' to Jamaica, Colombia
0:00. 0:56. The State Department is urging Americans to "reconsider travel" to Jamaica and Colombia due to crime and, in Colombia's case, terrorism. The department regularly assesses risks ...
The U.S. State Department issued a new travel advisory for Jamaica. Are
The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas on Jan. 26 due to crime and water safety. Most crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport ...
U.S. warns tourists to 'reconsider travel' to this island nation after
The U.S. State Department has issued a security warning, urging people to "reconsider travel" to Jamaica after 65 people were murdered in one month.
Entry Requirements
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.
U.S. government advises citizens to reconsider travel to Jamaica
Photo Credit: Romaine W/Shutterstock. The State Department is advising Americans to reconsider travel to Jamaica, saying that violent crimes on the island are common and that sexual assaults occur ...
Jamaica Tourism Industry Increasing Despite U.S. Travel Advisory
In February, the US State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory against Jamaica. The Paramount Pictures film "Bob Marley: One Love," starring Kingsley Ben-Adir in the starring role, is ...
Jamaica
US State Dept Travel Advisory. The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services. ... 702-6000; US Embassy in Kingston, 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica, WI; [email protected]; https://jm.usembassy.gov/ LGBTQIA+ Travelers. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender ...
US issues travel advisory for Jamaica
— The U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, urging Americans to exercise "increased caution" due to an increase in violent crimes. "It's an advisory, not a warning. Now, the advice that's been given by the State Department is the same advice I give people to go to Cincinnati or Cleveland or Wyoming, you ...
U.S. Says Travel to Jamaica Isn't Safe. Jamaica Disagrees
February 9, 2024 2:10 PM EST. J amaican officials are pushing back against the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory for the island, which was re-issued in January due to "crime and ...
How to stay safe during trips to Jamaica and Bahamas after State
The Caribbean has long been a desirable destination for Americans looking for a change of scenery. But the State Department recently warned U.S. citizens who plan on traveling to Jamaica and the Bahamas to exercise caution because of recent crime surges in those locations.. For those who just can't shake the travel bug, here's the latest on what's happening and how to stay safe.
U.S. travel advisory for Jamaica warns Americans to reconsider visits
The State Department announced the change, to its Level 3 travel advisory, for Jamaica just a few days after it issued a warning about the Bahamas, which remained at a Level 2 advisory, urging ...
Here are the tourist destinations the U.S. has sent travel warnings
Prior to that, the U.S. State Department issued a level 3 "reconsider travel" advisory for Jamaica on Jan. 23, saying travelers should rethink going to Jamaica due to high crime and a lack of ...
US warns travelers about high crime at 2 popular cruise destinations
Travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department warn that the Bahamas and Jamaica both are nations with high levels of crime and that travelers need to exercise extreme caution. The advisory ...
Jamaica
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee). Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time ...
Is Jamaica Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
The U.S. Department of State posts regularly updated travel advisories and reports on varying destination's cultures. According to their website, Jamaica is a level three destination due to crime and medical care. This rating means that travelers should reconsider travel to Jamaica. The CIA, on the other hand, ...
Haiti travel: What airlines, Royal Caribbean are doing amid violence
USA TODAY. 0:00. 0:49. The State Department is urging Americans not to travel to Haiti amid fresh gang violence in the country, which declared a state of emergency last week. While neither the ...

U.S. urges travelers to reconsider visiting Jamaica amid violence

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