US upgrades travel advisory for Jamaica to Level 2
The United States Government on Saturday revised its travel advisory for Jamaica to Level 2, two months after the passage of Hurricane Melissa which resulted in Washington increasing the advisory to Level 3 due to extensive damage in western parishes from the Category 5 weather system.
Noting that the island is still recovering from the October 28, 2025 storm, the US Government said “Some areas in the western part of Jamaica, such as Black River and Montego Bay, are in varying stages of recovery from the hurricane.”
At the same time, it advised its citizens that “All major airports have reopened for commercial flights”.
The US also advised Americans to confirm availability of services and amenities… before travelling to Jamaica.
The advisory also noted that while “violent crime is a risk throughout Jamaica… tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country.”
At the same time, the US State Department reminded citizens that “basic and specialised medical care may not be available in many parts of Jamaica”. As such, it recommended that US visitors have travel insurance and confirm their coverage.
The revised travel advisory is likely to be welcomed by tourism stakeholders.
Last May, when the US lowered Jamaica’s risk to Level 2, citing a decrease in violent crime since 2024, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said it symbolised more than just a change in official guidelines.
“It marks a renewed confidence in Jamaica’s ability to provide a secure and memorable experience for visitors from around the world,” he said at the time.
“As Jamaica embraces this new chapter, the tourism sector remains united in its commitment to safety, excellence, and authentic Caribbean hospitality,” Bartlett added.
Last year Jamaica recorded fewer than 700 murders for the first time in 40 years.
Commenting on the achievement, Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, in his end-of-year review on December 25 said, “This is not a marginal improvement; it is a substantial reduction, and it reflects the cumulative impact of intelligence-led policing, focused operations against gangs, enhanced firearms interdiction, and the commitment of our officers on the ground.”
