US Lowers Jamaica Travel Advisory to Level 2 as Recovery Continues After Hurricane Melissa
The United States Government has revised its travel advisory for Jamaica, lowering it to Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), two months after Hurricane Melissa prompted a temporary increase to Level 3.
The United States Government has revised its travel advisory for Jamaica, lowering it to Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), two months after Hurricane Melissa prompted a temporary increase to Level 3.
In its updated notice issued on Saturday, US officials acknowledged that Jamaica is still recovering from the Category 5 hurricane that struck on October 28, 2025, particularly affecting western parishes. According to the advisory, some communities in areas such as Black River and parts of Montego Bay remain in varying stages of recovery.
Despite the ongoing restoration efforts, the US confirmed that all major airports across Jamaica have reopened for commercial flights, signalling a return to operational normalcy for international travel. American travellers are advised to confirm the availability of services and amenities in specific destinations before arrival, a standard recommendation following major weather events.
Safety and crime context for visitors
The advisory also addressed security concerns, noting that while violent crime remains a broader national issue, tourist areas generally experience significantly lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. Incidents involving visitors are rare, and crime in Jamaica is overwhelmingly concentrated among local disputes, small gangs, and retaliatory violence that do not target tourists.
Crime against tourists is almost non-existent in Jamaica. Most serious incidents are localized among residents, involving small groups and reprisals, not visitors in resort corridors.
Health and travel preparedness
The US State Department also reminded travellers that access to basic and specialized medical care may not be available in many parts of Jamaica. As a precaution, visitors are encouraged to travel with comprehensive travel insurance and confirm their coverage prior to departure.
Confidence in Jamaica’s tourism sector
The downgrade to Level 2 is being welcomed across Jamaica’s tourism industry. When a similar adjustment was made last year following a decline in violent crime since 2024, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett described the move as a strong vote of confidence.
“It marks a renewed confidence in Jamaica’s ability to provide a secure and memorable experience for visitors from around the world,” Bartlett said at the time, adding that the sector remains committed to safety, excellence, and authentic Caribbean hospitality.
Supporting this outlook, Jamaica recorded fewer than 700 murders in 2025, the lowest figure in four decades. Police Commissioner Kevin Blake attributed the reduction to intelligence-led policing, targeted operations against gangs, enhanced firearms interdiction, and the commitment of officers on the ground.
As Jamaica continues its recovery and strengthens public safety outcomes, travellers are returning with confidence. Visitors seeking reliable, locally operated transportation and on-the-ground guidance often turn to trusted providers such as Best Jamaica Tours, which has long supported safe and seamless travel experiences across the island.
