IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO JAMAICA IN 2024?

Jamaica is in many ways the quintessential Caribbean destination, a cultural touchstone that’s the home of ganja, rasta, Bob Marley, The Harder They Come, and jerk chicken. 

Like many destinations, there is crime in Jamaica, but it can be largely avoided with prudence. There are scams that people can avoid. And there are a fair amount of natural dangers that can be planned around.

If you need a yes-or-no answer on Jamaica’s safety, the answer would have to be yes, it’s a safe destination. And we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to make it so.

THE SAFETY NUMBERS

Before we get to those steps, let’s examine how Jamaica rates by the safety numbers.

GeoSure Global, which tracks the safety of various world cities on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, gives Kingston, the country’s capital, scores ranging from 25 to 67 out of 100.

The rankings from Numbeo, place Jamaica 133rd out of 145 countries.

The Global Peace Index, a multivariate measure, puts Jamaica 77th out of 163 countries, calling out its homicide and violent-crime rates.

In contrast, the Global Finance ratings of safest countries have Jamaica 110th out of 134, just below its Caribbean neighbors Trinidad and Tobago but also behind Russia and Turkey.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has included Jamaica in its Safest Places ratings every year since their inception. The country came in 31st out of 42 countries in 2024 after ranking as high as 15th out of 35 in 2018.

Finally, the U.S. State Department has Jamaica as a level-3 (“Reconsider Travel”) country, mostly because of crime – which we’ll get to shortly.

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WHAT’S UNSAFE ABOUT JAMAICA?

High-crime areas

Let’s start with crime. Jamaica has some of the highest rates of violent crime and homicides in the Western Hemisphere.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that crime is largely contained to specific cities and neighborhoods in Montego Bay and Kingston where tourists rarely visit – and if you don’t go there you don’t become a victim.

While Jamaica’s cities may appeal to adventurers, the truth is few people go to Jamaica to explore its cities. They go for the beaches, the water, the resorts, and the scenery.

For backpackers and others looking to plumb the depths of Jamaica’s cities, paying special attention to safe streets and neighborhoods is a good idea. For the bulk of tourists, however, this information is helpful but not necessarily germane to their Jamaican vacation.

Violent crime

What is germane is that home invasions, armed robberies and sexual assaults can happen even during daylight in tourist areas and at resorts, according to the State Department.

In addition, the police may lack the resources and training to respond effectively and appropriately to victims of violent crime.

Finally, emergency services vary in quality across the country, with response times that are generally slower than U.S. standards.

Sexual-assault victims may not be treated with speed or compassion, and should be aware that:

• Law enforcement may not be quick or diligent about collecting evidence
• Prosecution of rape cases proceeds slowly
• Victims may need to return to Jamaica for the trial

Victims should contact the police and the U.S. Embassy in Kingston as soon as possible.

Alcohol is often a factor in sexual assaults. Even at resorts, tourists need to drink in moderation and watch their drinks at all times.

Jamaica is also not particularly LGBTQ-friendly. Same-sex relations are outlawed, and public displays of affection may result in harassment, assault, blackmail, arbitrary detention, and more.

Same-sex couples can visit Jamaica and have a great time. They just need to be discreet in public.

Photo by S kelly on Unsplash

Scams

While online romance and financial scams can be found in Jamaica, the most popular scam in Jamaica is the lottery scam, which promises victims a lottery prize after they pay “fees.”

The State Department recommends that anyone targeted by one of these scams should just ignore the calls and emails.

People being targeted by other scams should contact the U.S. Embassy and report crimes to the local police.

Drugs

While many travelers associate Jamaica with marijuana culture, tourists can wind up in severe legal trouble if they’re not aware of the country’s drug laws.

Marijuana has been decriminalized in Jamaica, and possession of small amounts may only result in a fine.

However, possession of larger quantities, or attempting to leave the country with marijuana, may result in arrest and prosecution.

Possession of other drugs may also result in arrest and prosecution.

Driving

Driving in Jamaica is best left to the natives and the experts. You can expect that:

• Most streets will lack lane markings
• Heavy rains will make washouts common, especially in the countryside
• Pedestrians and animals will expect to share the road with vehicles
• Emergency services will be slow
• Rental cars may be susceptible to carjackings
• Driving at night will be life-threatening

Also remember: Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road by design.

Other transportation

If you’re looking to travel somewhere by motor vehicle, your best bet is a taxi. Take only licensed taxis, which can be identified by their red license plates.

Buses in Jamaica can be crowded and frequented by pickpockets. The State Department has prohibited its employees from taking Jamaican buses – good advice for any American visitors to the country.

Photo by Yves Alarie on Unsplash

The tourism industry

The State Department notes that, “The tourism industry is unevenly regulated,” which can mean:

• Hazardous areas – like unsafe beaches – aren't identified
• Unsafe activities (i.e., jumping off of cliffs into shallow water) aren't prohibited by signs
• Staff may not be adequately trained
• Equipment like boats or jet skis may not be regularly inspected
• Appropriate medical treatment is only available near major cities

Resorts have taken many of these issues into their own hands. If you confine your heavy-duty swimming to resort pools and lifeguarded beaches you should be just fine. However, tourists shouldn’t be surprised by inconsistencies during their time in the country.

Diseases and medical care

Dengue, HIV and Zika are still present in Jamaica, but are not considered widespread. The threat of COVID-19 is greatly diminished, though proof of a negative test is still required to enter the country.

While there are pharmacies in Jamaica, they may not be able to fill many prescriptions – and EpiPens are totally unavailable.

People traveling with prescriptions should clear them with the Jamaican government before entering the country, and should always carry prescription meds in their original containers with the prescription attached.

Medical care is generally available in developed areas, though not of the quality Americans may be used to. Private facilities require upfront cash payment, making emergency medical insurance (such as that offered by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection) a must.

Older travelers should remember that Medicare does not cover any medical expenses incurred in Jamaica.

Weather

Jamaica isn’t immune from hurricanes, with the hurricane season generally running from June to November.

However, if you have a summer wedding or are planning a Jamaican honeymoon or family vacation, keep an eye on the weather (NOAA’s Global Tropics Hazards Outlook is recommended) and consider travel insurance to protect your prepaid expenses.

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STAYING SAFE IN JAMAICA

This seems like a lot, but we have to keep emphasizing that most travelers will not notice or be affected by most of these issues.

With that said, keeping your antennae up is always a good idea. In addition, it’s important to:

• Choose your destination carefully
• Stick close to the resort
• Drink in moderation
• Keep a low profile
• Protect your money and valuables
• Be water-smart
• Buy travel insurance with emergency medical protection

Choose your destination carefully

Most American travelers to Jamaica stay at a resort or vacation rental around Ocho Rios or Negril. These are relatively safe destinations with a well-developed infrastructure that caters to tourists.

However, given Jamaica’s issues it’s prudent to work with a travel advisor who knows Jamaica and can recommend the best resort for your vacation style, and/or vacation rentals that meet your requirements.

Speaking with friends who have been to Jamaica and searching reviews and impartial reports online are a good way to supplement an advisor’s recommendations. Trust, but verify.

Stick close to the resort

Many of the issues travelers encounter in Jamaica involve leaving the resort grounds, often at night and under the influence of alcohol.

Specifically, the State Department recommends that you:

• Avoid secluded places or situations, even at resorts
• Always be accompanied by someone you know, even when going to the restroom
• Don't leave food or drink unattended
• Don’t leave the resort with someone you’ve just met
• Shout for help immediately if you feel threatened or uncomfortable

Jamaica’s resorts are generally safe, beautiful places that have everything you need to have a great vacation. If you plan a resort vacation, it makes sense to stay on the resort grounds – especially at night, or when alcohol might be involved.

Drink in moderation

All-inclusive resorts in particular encourage hedonistic behavior. Drinking to excess is not uncommon.

Since many incidents occur when people have been drinking too much, try to drink in moderation. Have a good time, but keep your wits about you.

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Keep a low profile

Flashy jewelry and clothing attracts thieves and pickpockets. Dress simply and keep the flash to a minimum. When approached by scammers or people offering you items for sale, decline firmly but politely and keep moving.

In addition, be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you do find yourself the victim of a robbery, don’t resist. Comply with the thieves and promptly report the incident to local police and the U.S. Embassy.

Be water-smart

Rip currents are common. If you do go into the water at a beach, stick close to shore and swim parallel to the shore.

Protect your money and valuables

Spread around your valuables, credit cards, and money. Use a money belt, pouched socks, or other valuables-concealing clothing to hide money and credit cards.

At the hotel, keep multiple copies of your passport in different locations, and consider using a portable safe to stow valuables in your hotel room.

Get travel insurance with emergency medical protection

The combination of rugged terrain, severe weather, crime, and disease risks means that medical emergencies are a real possibility in Jamaica.

Your standard health plan probably isn’t going to help much if you get sick in Jamaica. To protect yourself properly, choose a travel insurance plan with emergency medical insurance – the more the better.

ExactCare Extra® offers up to $50,000 in emergency medical coverage and LuxuryCare® has up to $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, making either perfect for a trip to Jamaica.

Jamaica is popular with vacationers, honeymooners, and singles for many reasons: It’s a beautiful country with many well developed resort areas that can cater to just about every kind of traveler.

Have a great time on your Jamaican vacation! Just be careful.