If you’re planning or thinking about a trip to Jamaica in the near future, you might want to think again. According to the recently issued travel advisory, violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies and homicides have become commonplace. Sexual assaults also occur frequently including at all-inclusive resorts.
What’s more the advisory stated that local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and when arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence.
The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. U.S. government personnel have been prohibited from traveling to the areas listed below, from using public buses, and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night, including downtown.
Other areas U.S. government personnel are restricted from traveling to include Montego Bay.
State government officials have made the following recommendations if you do decide to travel to Jamaica:
• Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.
· Avoid walking or driving at night.
· Avoid public buses.
· Avoid secluded places or situations.
· Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
· Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
· Review the Country Security Report for Jamaica.
· Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
· Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.