Is It Safe To Travel To Jamaica in 2026

The last time you heard something about Jamaica in a travel context, it probably had to do with the 2025 hurricane that devastated much of the island – and you may legitimately be wondering whether it’s safe to travel to Jamaica. 

It’s a complex question, exacerbated by crime and other issues.

For most travelers heading to Jamaica in the spring of 2026 or later, the answer on Jamaica’s safety would have to be yes, it’s a safe destination. And we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to make it so.

Jamaica Travel Safety: What You Need To Know 

Here are the most important things to know about Jamaica’s travel safety: 

• Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage on Jamaica’s south coast, but recovery is moving quickly. 
• Areas with high crime rates – including violent crime – exist but can be easily avoided.  
• Jamaica’s marijuana laws are not as permissive as many people think. Fines and imprisonment can result from possession of marijuana or similar drugs. 
• Avoid driving in Jamaica or taking mass transit. 
• Choose your destination and resort carefully. Read impartial reviews and closely examine maps. 
• At resorts, stick close to the resort and keep a low profile. Don’t venture out alone at night. 
• Use a money belt, infinity scarf or hidden pouch to keep money and valuables. 

Hurricane Melissa Update 

Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage on Jamaica’s south coast – not the center of the country’s tourism industry, but an area with many resorts. The Black River and Montego Bay areas are still considered to be in recovery. 

Some airports have reopened (most notably Norman Manley International), but other airports remain closed. You should contact airlines before flying to Jamaica, and give yourself plenty of time to reach the airport when leaving Jamaica. 

Tourist areas and resorts are aggressively undertaking recovery efforts – and in some cases, using the hurricane to update facilities. 

According to Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, many resorts should be open by January 2026.  

Philip Rose, deputy director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, adds, “Many attractions are there waiting to welcome visitors right now.” 

Jamaica Travel Safety By The Numbers

Let’s examine how Jamaica rates by the safety numbers.

• GeoSure Global, which tracks the safety of various world cities on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, gives Kingston, the country’s capital, scores ranging from 25 (theft) to 69 (health and safety) out of 100. 
• The rankings from Numbeo, place Jamaica 140th out of 148 countries.
• The Global Peace Index, a multivariate measure, puts Jamaica 93rd out of 163 countries, calling out its homicide and violent-crime rates.
• Similarly, the Global Finance ratings of safest countries have Jamaica 110th out of 134, just below its Caribbean neighbors Trinidad and Tobago but also behind Russia and Turkey.
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has included Jamaica in its Safest Places ratings every year since their inception. The country came in 37th out of 42 countries in 2025 after ranking as high as 15th out of 35 in 2018.
• Finally, the U.S. State Department has Jamaica as a level-3 (“Reconsider Travel”) country, mostly because of crime – which we’ll get to shortly.

Photo by Patrick Superior on Unsplash

Jamaica Travel Safety: Areas For Concern

High-crime areas

Let’s start with crime. Jamaica has some of the highest rates of violent crime and homicides in the Western Hemisphere.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that crime is largely contained to specific cities and neighborhoods in Montego Bay and Kingston where tourists rarely visit – and if you don’t go there you don’t become a victim.

While Jamaica’s cities may appeal to adventurers, the truth is few people go to Jamaica to explore its cities. They go for the beaches, the water, the resorts, and the scenery.

For backpackers and others looking to plumb the depths of Jamaica’s cities, paying special attention to safe streets and neighborhoods is a good idea. For the bulk of tourists, however, this information is helpful but not necessarily germane to their Jamaican vacation.

Violent crime

What is germane is that home invasions, armed robberies and sexual assaults can happen even during daylight in tourist areas and at resorts, according to the State Department.

In addition, the police may lack the resources and training to respond effectively and appropriately to victims of violent crime.

Finally, emergency services vary in quality across the country, with response times that are generally slower than U.S. standards.

Sexual-assault victims may not be treated with speed or compassion, and should be aware that:

• Law enforcement may not be quick or diligent about collecting evidence
• Prosecution of rape cases proceeds slowly
• Victims may need to return to Jamaica for the trial

Victims should contact the police and the U.S. Embassy in Kingston as soon as possible.

Alcohol is often a factor in sexual assaults. Even at resorts, tourists need to drink in moderation and watch their drinks at all times.

Jamaica is also not particularly LGBTQ+-friendly. Same-sex relations are outlawed, and public displays of affection may result in harassment, assault, blackmail, arbitrary detention, and more.

Same-sex couples can visit Jamaica and have a great time. They just need to be discreet in public.

Photo by S kelly on Unsplash

Scams

While online romance and financial scams can be found in Jamaica, the most popular scam in Jamaica is the lottery scam, which promises victims a lottery prize after they pay “fees.”

The State Department recommends that anyone targeted by one of these scams should just ignore the calls and emails.

People being targeted by other scams should contact the U.S. Embassy and report crimes to the local police.

Drugs

While many travelers associate Jamaica with marijuana culture, tourists can wind up in severe legal trouble if they’re not aware of the country’s drug laws.

Marijuana has been decriminalized in Jamaica, and possession of small amounts may only result in a fine.

However, possession of larger quantities, or attempting to leave the country with marijuana, may result in arrest and prosecution.

Possession of other drugs may also result in arrest and prosecution.

The tourism industry

The State Department notes that, “The tourism industry is unevenly regulated,” which can mean:

• Hazardous areas – like unsafe beaches – aren’t identified
• Unsafe activities (i.e., jumping off of cliffs into shallow water) aren’t prohibited by signs
• Staff may not be adequately trained
• Equipment like boats or jet skis may not be regularly inspected
• Appropriate medical treatment is only available near major cities

Resorts have taken many of these issues into their own hands. If you confine your heavy-duty swimming to resort pools and lifeguarded beaches, you should be just fine. However, tourists shouldn’t be surprised by inconsistencies during their time in the country.

Driving

Driving in Jamaica is best left to the natives and the experts. You can expect that:

• Most streets will lack lane markings
• Heavy rains will make washouts common, especially in the countryside
• Pedestrians and animals will expect to share the road with vehicles
• Emergency services will be slow
• Rental cars may be susceptible to carjackings
• Driving at night will be life-threatening

Also remember: Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road by design.