Level 2 Travel Advisory Issued for Jamaica

The US State Department issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for the island country of Jamaica on March 8, 2019. 

The ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ Travel Advisory says some areas in Jamaica have an increased risk for violent crime, such as sexual assaults at resorts. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. 

And, certain areas of Kingston, Montego Bay, and Spanish Town are listed as ‘Do Not Travel.’ 

Previously, on February 25, 2019, the UK government reported the Government of Jamaica has put in place a number of Zones of Special Operations in:

• Denham Town in Kingston (due to expire on 18 April 2019)
• Mount Salem in Montego Bay (due to expire 7 May 2019)

This State Department Travel Advisory says if Americans decide to travel to Jamaica:

• Avoid walking, driving at night and public buses.
• Avoid secluded places or situations, including in resorts.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations, such as this Traveler’s Checklist.

Previously, on February 4th, 2019, a Dengue Fever Virus outbreak on the Island of Jamaica had reached 339 suspected and confirmed cases, including 6 deaths.   

The Pan American Health Organization, which is part of the World Health Organization, confirmed that the largest proportion of the 2019 dengue cases have been reported by the Saint Catherine parish in Jamaica. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Americans ensure they are up-to-date on routine vaccines before visiting Jamaica, and other Caribbean Islands.

These vaccines include the MMR vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella vaccine, polio vaccine, and yearly flu shot.

Travel vaccinations and related medications can be found at most pharmacies in the USA.

Travel counseling sessions can be scheduled at Vax-Before-Travel.