Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Emergency services vary throughout the island, and response times may vary from U.S. standards. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to areas listed below, from using public buses, and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night. 

Do not travel to:

• The below-listed areas of Kingston due to crime.
• The below-listed areas of Montego Bay due to crime.
• Spanish Town due to crime. 

Kingston

Violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Kingston. Do not travel to the following areas:

• Cassava Piece
• Downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, and Arnett Gardens.
• Grants Pen
• Standpipe

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. 

Montego Bay

Violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Montego Bay. Do not travel to the following areas:

• Canterbury
• Clavers Street
• Flankers
• Hart Street
• Norwood
• Rose Heights

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. 

Spanish Town

Do not travel to Spanish Town. Violence and shootings occur regularly in Spanish Town. 

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page. 

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

• 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.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Jamaica.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates to information on crime.