The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Jamaica last week, maintaining the Level 3 status but softening its language on crime, noting that “tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country.”
In the latest advisory, the previous statement about sexual assaults occurring “frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” has been removed. Now, it states that the U.S. Embassy “routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts.”
The State Department also included new information about medical preparedness.
“U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care available in Jamaica as is available in the United States. This includes generally lower levels of emergency service response times or routine care for illness or injury,” the advisory states.
“Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs or always readily available, especially in rural areas. U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication as common medications such as insulin can be difficult to obtain.”
The update on Jamaica is routine, as the State Department reviews travel advisories at Level 3 and above every six months.
In late January, the U.S. State Department reissued its Level 3 travel warning for Jamaica, advising U.S. citizens to “reconsider travel” due to high crime rates and limited access to quality healthcare.
This reissued advisory faced strong opposition. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Sandals Resorts International chairman Adam Stewart criticized the advisory’s depiction of Jamaica, and Jamaica’s U.S. ambassador, Audrey Marks, urged U.S. officials to withdraw their assessment.
The latest advisory continues to “strongly encourage” American travelers to purchase travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, before visiting Jamaica.
Read: Jamaica’s Ambassador Audrey Marks calls for revision of US travel advisory
