Let us be your guide! Click here to get an offer for travel insurance. There are measures to take and things to keep in mind to maximize your safety and help your vacation go as smoothly as possible. Dominican Republic World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Sometimes when your digestive system is introduced to a different area of the world you can develop a bug or contract a parasite that causes vomiting and diarrhea. A more dangerous concern than petty theft is armed robbery or muggings. Certain neighborhoods have high concentrations of crime and those are the ones that you should avoid. Of all the things Jamaica is known for the beaches, rainforests, music, and food crime sticks out like a sore thumb. Hostel is just opposite market and bus stand. Montego Bay is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Jamaica. As such, mandatory curfews have been issued for these areas, and tourists have been advised not to leave their resorts. But JA is relatively homophobic. Travel Tips: 21 do's when traveling to Jamaica 1. Is Jamaica SAFE to Visit? (2023 Insider Tips) - The Broke Backpacker Editors note:The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about dangers and warnings in Montego Bay. Violence and shootings occur regularly in the following areas: Areas of Clarendon Parish Level 4: Do Not Travel, Areas of Hanover Parish Level 4: Do Not Travel, Areas of Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Level 4: Do Not Travel, Areas of Montego Bay Level 4: Do Not Travel, Areas of St. Ann Parish Level 4: Do Not Travel, Areas of St. Catherine Parish Level 4: Do Not Travel, Areas of St. James Parish Level 4: Do Not Travel, Areas of Westmoreland Parish Level 4: Do Not Travel. What is the Safest Resort in Jamaica? - My-Island-Jamaica.com Things to Be Aware of When Traveling to Ocho Rios, Jamaica Walking around with valuables and heavily branded clothing. This service is usually in a luxury car or SUV (BMW,Mercedes Benz, etc.) A polite but firm No, thanks, followed by ignoring them and walking away is often sufficient. Cayman Islands They usually head for Montego Bay on the northwestern side or Ocho Rios in the northeast. At the bazaars, they may also try to distract you and empty your pockets at this time. If you read the State Departments advisory, they list parishes that travelers will likely find themselves in at some point during their stay in Jamaica. While Montego Bay is a relatively safe city, reasonable precautions should be observed. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. As long as travelers are savvy, stick to well-known tourist areas, and are aware of their surroundings, they will surely have the trip of a lifetime in beautiful Jamaica. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Sandals Ocho Rios Review: Unveiling the Resort Experience, Virgin Voyages in The Caribbean: Unveiling the Ultimate Cruise Experience, Top Sandals Resorts: The Ultimate Guide to the Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacations, Sandals Resort Deals: How to Save on Your Next Luxury Vacation, Sandals 777 Deals The Weekly Sandals Discount. If you do decide to rent a car, always park it either inside a parking lot with an attendant, inside a residential compound, or somewhere that youll be able to see it from where youll be going. While the governments of the U.S., Canada, and the U.K, have not issued a "do not go" warning, which equates to a level four or five advisory from the U.S., tourists visiting Jamaica should exercise extreme caution, particularly in St. James Parish and St. Catherine Parish. Use only licensed taxi services. The VIP service is just me and my travel partner. Montego Bay is a nice friendly place to stay if your a tourist. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. Is There a lot of Crime in Jamaica? 13 Safety Tips - World Nomads The US has also issued a Level 3 Alert regarding violence in Jamaica since October 2022. 2 Tevvi94 1 yr. ago It's not but I don't think anyone will really trouble you for it, getting it through customs might not work though. The good news is that most of these crimes do not affect tourists, as they occur in out-of-the-way neighborhoods. Stayed for 2 nights and reached Kingston. According to Jamaican police, a five-year-old child was shot to death while his family was attending a funeral service in St. James. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I do not represent World Nomads. Since then the police force and Jamaican military forces have worked hard to remove a lot of the criminal element. You might be wondering why so many people are willing to risk their safety to go to the beach in Montego Bay? According to Holness, the nation is still working to increase public and security force trust. Tavoy Cummings and a 24-year-old man known only as Isis, according to police, was killed in the incident, and the childs father remains in critical condition in hospital. However, this does not mean crime does not happen. Travelers to Jamaica might notice that the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory for the country. The hurricane season in Jamaica normally runs from around June to November. Gang violence and shootings are common, and while these incidents are generally confined to . This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com, Navy Soldiers Sent To Cozumel To Ensure Safety Of Tourists. Montego Bay is a popular tourist destination in Jamaica with beautiful beaches and exquisite hotels. However, there are some important safety concerns to be aware of before you go. Jamaica Transportation | U.S. News Travel The Jamaican Government has ordered military surveillance of the city and advised visitors to only use authorized tourist services. Find out about these things to do in Montego Bay, Jamaica, one of the most popular destinations in the western Caribbean and ideal to visit during a cruise vacation. Avoid wearing smartwatches or flashy jewelry. | Safety Concerns, Is Denmark Safe to Visit in 2023? In general, Montego Bay can be safe if you follow common sense and be careful at night. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive, 9 hotels where pickleball takes center court. It was not anticipated that all that is required would be accomplished in 14 days, said Jamaicas Prime Minister, the Most Hon. 1. As Montego Bay is the countrys most popular tourist destination, expect to see a lot of shifty characters in the city. Stay aware that walking around (especially alone) after dark is not recommended. Some sources estimate that 71% of homicides on the island are gang-related. While visitors are unlikely to be mistreated by police, the Jamaican Constabulary Force is widely viewed as corrupt and ineffectual. Gloucester Avenue (Hip Strip), in spite of and because of its status as the trendiest tourist area, is the biggest offender. Authorities claim that the majority of the crimes are related to gangs, lottery scamming, the illegal trafficking of weapons, and extortion. According to Numbeo, the city scores a 78 out of 100 on the overall crime index, a high value. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. The famed Jamaican tourist destination Montego Bay is included in the emergency order, which was first issued on January 18. The regulations, which took effect Tuesday, apply to places that include well-known tourist strongholds such as Montego Bay. This is one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere, if not the highest. As long as you stick to resorts and popular tourist destinations and are very careful about researching bad areas, you should have a safe time in Montego Bay. Fortunately, the situations that happen in Jamaica right now, which are now really quite sad, doesnt necessarily impact the visitor, and that is the reputation we have in the visitor market and with(in) the travel and tourism industry Our partners, they consider Jamaica a safe destination.. Plus, most crime in Montego Bay happens in certain neighborhoods. Solo travelers would do well to follow the precautions in the above section as well as a few other tips: This may seem like a no-brainer but, really, talk to people! The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have issued travel warnings and advisories to their citizens about visiting these regions. This allows you to travel with a large group of people and avoid dangerous areas of the city. Local can be very intrusive if they see you as a tourist. Female travelers especially solo ones should exercise more than a reasonable amount of caution anywhere in the world. Most locations close to the resorts are safe. St. Thomas We are thinking of going to the Sunspree Holiday Inn in Montego Bay this New Years holiday. Montego Bay was one of the top destinations for Americans over the summer, and the country of the total awards given at this year's Travel Awards. Is it safe or do I need to change my holiday? Although you are safest in your resort, it is safe to leave your resort area in Montego Bay. Daniel James Do you ever question whether Jamaica is safe to travel to or not? Enjoy the beautiful beaches such as Doctors Cave Beach with its rumored medicinal properties or Dead End Beach. Despite the reputation Jamaica has, the chances of being targeted by violent crime as a tourist are astoundingly low. So, is it actually safe for tourists to head to Jamaica? Montego Bay commonly referred to as MoBay, is the second-largest city in the island nation Jamaica, a member of the British Commonwealth. This is less of a concern in tourist areas and hotels. Even so, take extra care to avoid crime when traveling to Ocho Rios. Though Jamaica is alive with music and culture, it also has a very dangerous side. It should be no surprise then that Jamaica is bracing for the best summer tourist season ever, Minister Bartlett said. Is Montego Bay Safe? What You Need to Know Before Traveling The U.S. issued or updated more than 100 travel advisories for major tourist destinations, including Japan, France and Italy, in October. The suspect has been detained by police. 22 June 2023 Updated: 18 April 2023 Latest update: Updated information on crowds and demonstrations ('Safety and security' page). Yes! Other regions of Jamaica, including Negril, are not affected by the state of emergency and curfews, but tourists to these areas should also be alert. Half Moon's Sugar Mill Restaurant is a great place to enjoy fine dining in Montego Bay. While most of Jamaica's crime occurs in inner city and urban areas, there is no doubt that it is a country where you should keep your guard up, especially when alone. NCB CEO says Jamaican banks are safe despite recent - Jamaica Observer Crime levels are high, particularly in and around certain areas of Kingston and Montego Bay. Everywhere you turn in Montego Bay, you are greeted with a swath of locals selling everything from hair braids and pictures to drugs like marijuana. Keep away from crowds of people if there is any sort of protest. According to the latest statistics, the homicide rate is a whopping 52.9 incidents per 100,000 people. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Suggested: Check out the current Mexico Travel Advisory. Travelers who decide to visit Jamaica should avoid those areas completely. Dont leave your phone among your things on the beach while you go swimming. Your accommodation will be happy to recommend you a reputable guide. However, you can stay in Montego Bay on a budget, as long as you choose accommodation that is safe yet affordable. These sellers can be very rude when you turn them down. Montego Bay - Prices and Useful Tips for Taxis in Montego Bay is it legal to carry a pepper spray ? On October 5, 2022, the U.S. Department of State reissued the Level 3 advisory. Whilst exploring Jamaica, look out for motorbike riders who can quickly snatch your handbag, phone, or other valuables that are within reach. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Booked a taxi nd reached hostel. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The safest parts of Jamaica for tourists are usually the prominent tourist areas located in parts of Negril, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Montego Bay is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Jamaica. Investigate reliable sources for these risks before you travel here. Here seems to be normal. The level of risk for travelers will increase the further they venture into less tourist-centric areas. Destination Description If you come from a fast paced life style, like me, Im a New York investment banker who is so used to the city lifestyle, Montego Bay would influence you to tone it down a bit. Stay in groups, and stick to tourist areas. Plus, lottery scams are run by local gangs, and you dont want to end up on their radar. 16 IDEAL Things to Do in Montego Bay, Jamaica - Cruise Hive Yes. Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox, Travel Off Path is an Off Path Enterprises production, This post may have affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. Resorts and the areas immediately surrounding them are considered safe, and the risk of a violent crime is very low. When out at clubs and bars (or anywhere, really) do not accept a drink that has already been poured and do not leave your drink unattended for any amount of time. The majority of Jamaicans are friendly and helpful. Stay tuned! You will need to be on high guard when you visit Jamaica or choose to visit a quieter Caribbean island instead. Travel advisories for Jamaica may scare you away from visiting Montego Bay and other towns in the country. Although this is typically recommended for Kingston, it can also apply to other spots in Jamaica. You can become very dehydrated, causing sickness and fatigue. The coast, where you find most of the attractions and the mega-hotels, is safealso, the upscale neighborhoods. Consider Runaway Bay, Ochi, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Montserrat The advisory emphasizes the prevalence of violent crimes, including home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides. The risk of crime at all-inclusive resorts and their surrounding areas is quite low. The airport in Montego Bay is safe for solo travelers and families. In addition to the advice in earlier sections, here are some extra ways to keep yourself safe as a female traveler in Montego Bay. Doctors Cave beach is popular and other community beaches in Montego Bay. 58 Travelers to Jamaica might notice that the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory for the country. Cuba There's a lot of taxis and transportation for cheap If you know where your going and how to count jamaican money. This is especially important as Jamaica has a reputation as a tough destination for crime. The rural areas are especially dangerous. Avoid walking alone at night. Rose Hall, Montego Bay by Gary (CC BY-ND) As one of the main things to do in Montego Bay, this Jamaican Georgian plantation house is now a museum of what used to go on here. Regional states of emergency, which permit authorities to search buildings and detain people without a warrant, were declared by Holness on November 15. Be careful when using your phone. Is It Safe to Go to Montego Bay, Jamaica? | Oyster.com | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, 10 Incredible Places to Go for Your Birthday in 2023, 10 Amazing Yet Cheap Places to Fly to in 2023, The 10 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun, Is Dublin Safe to Visit in 2023? Jamaica travel: CDC, State Department alerts say avoid travel - USA TODAY The St. James Parishs state of emergency will now last until May 2 according to a resolution by the Jamaican House of Representatives. However, they always try to do a service for Western tourists for money. Over the years, The DOS has issued travel advisories for Jamaica for various reasons, with the latest being crime. btw. Is Anguilla Safe to Visit in 2023? Pricing for Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay. Crime. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Interestingly, Canadas travel advisory for Jamaica does not say to reconsider travel but, rather, to exercise a high degree of caution. Personally, I feel safer in Jamaica than in, say, Mexico. If you do get robbed, comply with the robber and focus on getting away. Dont walk home alone but arrange taxis ahead of time through your resort or hotel as unauthorized taxis often rob passengers. If you stay in the city center by the seaside and along the coast, you will find amazing hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants, such as the popular Doctor's cave beach and Margaritaville for example. If you want to check out the famous Jamaican nightlife, go with a large group. You should choose your accommodation carefully, potentially opting for an all-inclusive resort, and research neighborhoods to avoid. Pricing for Round Hill Hotel and Villas. Jamaican officials insist that the country is safe for tourists. Locals are always pushing to sell you something (drugs or jewelry, for example) and there is crime away from the tourist sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Taxi Taking a cab or minibus will be the safest and most hassle-free way to get around Jamaica. Quite frankly, it wouldnt be such a sought-after vacation destination if visitors felt endangered! The reputation (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Current Situation at Sangster International Airport - Montego Bay Forum Jamaica has a very high rate of violent crime, including homicide. In an effort to combat escalating gang-related crime, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in several central and western parishes, as well as areas of the capital Kingston. Go shopping on Gloucester Avenue or Hip Strip, which is packed with souvenir shops, galleries, and clubs. Saint Martin While you should relax during your vacation to Montego Bay, you shouldnt let your guard down. Indeed, travelers should exercise a high degree of caution, but shouldnt travelers do this no matter where their final destination is? airport safety and transfers - Montego Bay Forum - Tripadvisor We are a gay couple, we're not ones for showing affection. Morning went around nearby and left in the afternoon by bus to Ocho Rios. 28 Helpful Travel Tips For Jamaica | Dos & Don'ts | BEACHES Canada and Australia advise their citizens to exercise high caution when visiting Jamaica instead of suggesting that they should reconsider travel. The island has a very high level of crime, including violent crime, which often affects tourists. The State Department on Tuesday raised its travel advisory for Jamaica to level 4, which means do not travel, due to COVID cases and crime in certain areas of Kingston, Montego Bay and Spanish Town. Prostitution is common at night in Montego Bay, in the dead streets, on the Fashion Strip, and in sketchy bars. Tips on Montego Bay Warnings or Dangers - Stay Safe! - SmarterTravel For example, dont let anyone see your hotel key if it has your room number on it. The industry has really returned with a bang, Bartlett said in a phone interview Monday. 8 Appropriate-Dress-10 1 yr. ago Another important area of cooperation is tourism resilience. More concerningly, the United States put St. James Parish, the parish in which Montego Bay is located, under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory. I'd probably avoid the island on general principles if I were in your position. Things may change. We've just booked for October 2019! | Safety Concerns, The 15 Best Hotels in Hawaii in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? Bonaire In addition, the island was recognized for its approach focused on collaboration and partnership. You can contact the emergency services by calling 119 for police, ambulance, and fire. This will be my second visit to MoBay. There are many cruise ships coming into Montego Bay and taking tours all over Jamaica. Jamaica also has a history of seismic activity. 22 Things to do in Montego Bay - What to See and What to Avoid Here are a few general precautions to take: Stick to tourist areas such as Ocean Front, Freeport, and Ironside. Taxis in Montego Bay Taking a taxi in Montego Bay is the most hassle-free and safest way to get around, especially when taking official taxis. According to Edmund Bartlett, the islands tourism minister, Jamaicas tourism industry is expected to generate $4.2 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31 an increase of $500 million over last year. Be sure you will lose. Most violent crimes that affect tourists in Montego Bay are robberies of some sort. Actually, the Canadian government has issued "exercise a high degree of caution" for certain areas of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Historically, Jamaica has had issue with crime -- there were 337 murders in St. James Parish alone in 2017 -- but the uptick in violent crime, particularly in a tourist area, is unusual. Is it a safe place to travel? and its worth the money. You likely wouldnt even end up accidentally visiting inner-city areas but, so youre aware, the places to avoid are: Norwood, Flankers, Glendevon, Mount Salem, Barrett Town, and Rose Heights. As mentioned above, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, when planning any trip to the Caribbean, it's no secret that the reggae land of Jamaica is one of the best islands to visit. Flat-out ignoring them runs a higher risk of upsetting them, causing the situation to become heated and more dangerous. It is best to avoid mass crowds, political, and other rallies. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-95405449', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Jamaica is a great place but know what you are getting into! Keep a close eye on personal belongings when venturing into the city or off-resort property. Being too drunk or high while youre out at night paints you as an easy target for theft. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. I was hoping to try some local restaurants, go Bamboo rafting, scuba diving, and some other cool activities. In Montego Bay, a general rule of thumb is that more dangerous neighborhoods are further north and further away from the beach. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. From a tourism perspective, Africa is the new frontier and Jamaica and, in fact, the wider Caribbean, are particularly interested in tapping into this new market. Petty crime in Jamaica Millions of travelers visit Jamaica each year, staying in resorts, Airbnbs, and villas. Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Paths latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox. Montego Bay is not completely unsafe. Central areas may be less secure than the outskirts. In the event that someone tries to rob you, do not resist. Not only is it illegal, but its dangerous and youre helping an industry wrought with crime that the government is trying to stop. The chances of travelers falling victim to a violent crime in Montego Bay, specifically, are quite low. Phones are popular theft items. We have some really serious criminal threats facing us and we have to use all the powers at our disposal, Holness said. Pros and Cons of Living in Montego Bay - Nomad List Good to know: all-inclusive resorts are by design closed off from the public. Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens. In 2017,Jamaicashomicide rate was 56 per 100,000; in 2018, the homicide rate dropped to 47 per 100,000, but remains three times higher than the average for Latin America and the Caribbean. Any women reading this should make sure to do a little more research. Be very careful when using ATMs as robbers often target people when they leave ATMs as they know they have lots of cash. The crime situation in Montego Bay is getting worse as time passes. Use a taxi to return to the hotel late at night, always get behind the driver and close the windows of the car. All over Jamaica, pickpockets and thieves operate in popular tourist areas. Montego Bay has an average level of travel safety. First off, there are places you should go and places you shouldnt. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-95399762', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Montego bay is going through a state of emergency. If you do want to travel around Montego Bay without going on excursions from yourhotel, hire a driver. From a safety standpoint, my most harrowing experiance on any vacation was in Hawaii. So, is Jamaica safe for you or is something stopping you from visiting? The areas inside the city are especially dangerous, as it is here where poor people live. Rather, the type of crime that is most likely to affect you as a tourist is pickpocketing or robbery. trinida The focus of their efforts is mostly residential areas, not places where tourists would travel. Its also in your best interest to not walk around deserted areas, even in groups and even during the daytime. The four-tier travel advisory system was launched in January 2018 to better help American travelers identify high-risk travel areas and understand the precautions that they should take. However, travelers still flock to Jamaica in droves, leading one to wonder whether the Level 3 advisory issued by the DOS truly captures the whole story. Here are a few additional safety tips for visiting Montego Bay: Here are some common questions you might encounter in Montego Bay: According to the U.S. government advisory, Montego Bay is unsafe to travel to in 2023 due to high levels of crime. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Traveling anywhere requires more situational awareness than everyday life; it just comes with the territory. In 2017 according to the Jamaica Tourist Board, the country received 4.3 million tourists. This is a Level Two travel advisory, a level lower than what the United States issues. Others may offer you to use their cell phone if you look a little lost. Pricing for Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa. Some concern is the growing level of drug-related crimes. Strong earthquakes affected Montego Bay and Kingston in 1958. Tourist women are less likely to be affected but theres no reason to take any chances. The boys mother, who was also in the car, was uninjured. Montego Bay, Jamaica Telephone: +(876) 953-0620 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica: +(876) 702-6000 Fax: +(876) 953-3898 Appointments are made by phone or email Email: MobayACS@state.gov. Never flash your jewelry, valuables, cash or electronics such as cell phones, iPads, iPods or cameras, since thieves are on the lookout for these . Jamaica With that in mind, here are several steps travelers can take to avoid falling victim to a crime during a dream vacation to Jamaica. Located 45-minutes west of Montego Bay, Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa feels a world away from anywhere. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Another issue in Montego Bay is the possibility of ATMs being rigged to compromise your information. Certain neighborhoods are hotspots for robberies (more on those later), but people have been targeted in safe areas such as resorts as well.
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