State Department Issues Level 2 Jamaica Advisory: What “Exercise Increased Caution” Means
While I have been on several Caribbean vacation cruises, I have never visited Jamaica. Still, it appears it will be off my list for an indefinite period. The US State Department has issued a travel advisory for Jamaica. The reason is that Jamaica has high crime, a lack of adequate healthcare, and risks from natural disasters.
The advisory began on January 17, and visitors are being told to “exercise increased caution.” Criminal gang activity could also place a traveler in jeopardy.
“US citizens and government employees should not ‘use public buses or drive between cities at night,’ and should avoid travel to high-risk areas. Jamaica is still recovering from damage sustained by Hurricane Melissa late last year, so infrastructure in certain areas of the island has not yet been rebuilt since the hurricane. This means US citizens should be careful heading to areas of the island damaged by Hurricane Melissa,” according to the Department of State, as noted by NJ.com.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
This is considered a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” warning for travelers to Jamaica. There are increased hazards and a lack of amenities because of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. The State Department said that the hurricane damaged infrastructure and services that affect travel.
The state also revealed that there is a high murder rate in Jamaica that could affect travelers who stray outside tourist areas, especially at night. Basic healthcare is also a rarity for people with chronic health issues who need constant care or require emergency room services.
What Are the Other More Serious Travel Warnings?
There are two higher levels of travel advisories to countries besides Level 2. Level 3 signifies that people should “reconsider travel” when there are more serious risks. Level 4 is when travelers should avoid visiting a country altogether. This is the highest risk level and usually denotes a time when there is internal warfare or extreme violence from protests or threats of civil war, revolutions, and the possibility of kidnapping or hostage situations.
Americans in Jamaica are warned not to use public transportation, especially at night, and to avoid taking cabs or driving in dangerous parts of the city.
More Warnings for Jamaica:
-“Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
-Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. This is because penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, can carry severe punishments that include lengthy prison terms.
-Stay aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
-Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.”
Crime Rate Statistics
The homicide rate in Jamaica has actually been improving over the last two years, but the level of murders is still high. The murder rate was 40 per 100,000 for 2024 and early 2025. This is better than the 50 per 100,000 that occurred in 2022.
Eighty percent of homicides are due to gun violence. Criminal gang activity is prevalent. The names of gangs include Shower Posse, Supreme Team, and Rasta City. These groups traffic in illegal narcotics and conduct kidnap for ransom schemes. They are often heavily armed. The groups have connections in the United States, including New York and Miami.
The city of Kingston in Jamaica is especially prone to gang violence, and travelers should be aware when leaving tourist areas in that city.
More Details on Jamaican Gangs
Some “posses” or “massives” (other terms for gangs in Jamaica) even have ties to political parties, so they mostly operate unabated. These are organized crime transnational groups that have a heavy presence in other smaller cities and can fund themselves through narcotics and gun sales.
They are often at war with each other and conduct targeted assassinations. This would be dangerous to tourists who are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Minimize Possessions to Deter Robberies
Practices I use when traveling outside tourist zones in the developing world include wearing shorts or sweatpants with no pockets and a simple T-shirt. I don’t carry a backpack or any bags. I also do not buy anything that would force me to carry a sack. I keep my ID and credit card beneath the inner soles of my shoes and do not get these out unless there is an emergency. This shows potential criminals that they would not get anything of value if they robbed me. I also do not carry a cell phone or opt for a cheap “burner phone” that, if I lost it, would not pose a problem.
It is important not to pick on Jamaica or malign it too much. Many other countries have high crime rates, but the nation has friendly people and beautiful scenery. The State Department wants you to be careful when venturing beyond tourist zones. One cannot be too careful. Know your surroundings, be situationally aware, and keep your head on a swivel. These are best practices when traveling anywhere in the developing world.
About the Author: Brent M. Eastwood
Author of now over 3,000 articles on defense issues, Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
