Listeners considering travel to Jamaica should be aware that as of November 2025, there is an elevated travel advisory in effect. Both the United States Department of State and the Government of Canada have increased their warnings due to a combination of crime, ongoing health concerns, and recent natural disasters. After Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 27, 2025, there has been widespread damage across the island, significant disruptions to transportation, electricity, water, food supply, and telecommunications. For context, Canada's official travel advisory specifically urges listeners to avoid all travel to Jamaica, except for the metropolitan Kingston area and its airport, owing to the extensive damage caused by the hurricane. Only Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios are currently operating. Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay was temporarily closed due to hurricane damage and is only expected to resume operations as of November 1, 2025, so listeners should confirm flight status directly with their airlines.
Apart from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, violent crime remains one of Jamaica’s most persistent risks. According to the U.S. Department of State, Jamaica’s homicide rate is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere, with violent crimes such as robbery, armed assault, and even murder reported throughout the country. While rates of violent crime have reportedly improved modestly since 2024, statistics remain high. The British government notes that gang violence and shootings mostly occur in inner city areas of Kingston, Spanish Town, Savanna-la-Mar, and parts of Montego Bay such as Flankers, Barrett Town, Glendevon, Rose Heights, and Mount Salem. Tourist zones are generally less affected, but listeners are urged to exercise caution, especially in less frequented areas.
For personal safety, listeners should avoid isolated locations, be vigilant at ATMs, travel with others when possible, refrain from walking at night, and stick to reputable tour companies. The UK advises that most attacks on tourists are motivated by robbery, so listeners should not resist if confronted, as violence can escalate quickly and result in injury. Precautions against burglaries are also recommended, even in hotels or resorts—use hotel safes, lock doors and windows, and ensure accommodations are properly secured.
Transport presents additional risks. Road conditions can be hazardous, especially after the hurricane. Many roads are poorly maintained, and rural areas are often narrow, winding, and poorly lit. Speeding and impaired driving are common, and road accidents are frequent. For travellers flying into Kingston, it is safer to use the Humming Bird route via South Camp Road rather than Mountain View Avenue, which has seen robbery incidents in recent years. Only taxis authorized by the Jamaican Tourist Board or those arranged through hotels should be used, as unmarked taxis pose elevated risks.
Health care in Jamaica is limited, especially outside major cities, and response times in emergencies may be slow. The recent hurricane has only exacerbated these limitations, so listeners with specific medical conditions should reconsider travel. Coastal waters present further natural dangers due to common riptides and the lack of lifeguards at many beaches.
In summary, current conditions—driven by the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and persistent high crime rates—require heightened caution for anyone contemplating travel to Jamaica. Those who must travel should monitor local news, follow instructions from local authorities, and consider registering with their embassy or consular service. Aftershocks from the hurricane and criminal activity remain ongoing concerns, and most governments recommend deferring non-essential travel at this time.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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