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You may want to reconsider your visit to Jamaica.
It’s a warning from the State Department citing crime and health concerns in the popular Caribbean destination.
In a travel advisory issued last week, the State Department said, “Violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and murders are on the rise. Sexual assaults are common, including at all-inclusive resorts. (and) local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”
The State Department also warned that in the event of an emergency, “skilled or specialized” medical care may not be available throughout the island nation and patients may be required to pay for their care upfront.
Is it safe to travel to Jamaica?
The State Department is simply asking travelers to reconsider visiting Jamaica. The government has not advised Americans to avoid the country, but it has outlined several high-risk areas to which certain U.S. government officials are prohibited from traveling due to the risk of crime.
These areas include, but are not limited to, all of Montego Bay, downtown Kingston, parts of St. Anne’s Parish near Ocho Rios, and certain neighborhoods in Negril.
Which countries require a tourist visa?(Including things that the government wants to avoid)
What should I know before traveling to Jamaica?
In Jamaica, travelers are advised to be aware of their surroundings, maintain a low profile, avoid using public buses, walking or driving at night, secluded situations, and resisting robbery.
Americans are also encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Registration Program and prepare emergency plans for emergencies.
Additionally, the advisory adds in bold: “We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica.” This is because many overseas medical providers do not accept U.S. health insurance, nor do they accept Medicare or Medicaid. Benefits also apply overseas.
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