Security
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.
Crime
Violent crime (armed robbery, murder) and petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) occur, particularly in Kingston, Spanish Town and in Montego Bay. Although the presence of security and anti-crime troops has intensified in major urban areas, drug- and gang-related violence, including shootings, continues to be a significant problem and can result in death, injury and destruction of property. There is a constant risk of becoming the victim of crossfire. Police may impose curfews with short notice in areas where gang activity is a concern. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.
Some areas in Kingston, mainly inner-city and poor neighbourhoods, have high incidences of crime and should be avoided, such as: Whitfield Town, Payne Land, West Kingston, Grant's Pen, August Town, Denham Town, Hannah Town, Arnett Gardens, Tivoli Gardens and Olympic Gardens, Harbour View, Central Village, Spanish Town, Mountain View, Trench Town, Cassava Piece, Canterbury, Norwood, and Rose Heights. You should also avoid some parts of Montego Bay, namely St. Clavers Avenue and Hart Street, Flankers and Mount Salem (except for the resort areas).
Do not walk alone. Exercise particular caution after dark, and avoid visiting beaches or using buses at night. If you are a victim of crime, do not resist, as this may provoke the use of violence.
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Although most hotels and resorts are well guarded, always ensure that your hotel room doors and windows are secure. There have been a number of incidents recently in large resorts involving theft from hotel room safes by hotel staff. Travellers should enquire with reception upon check-in on security precautions related to theft from hotel rooms. Vigilance is recommended when staying in smaller or isolated establishments with less security. Compounds that are gated and guarded are considered the safest accommodations in the Kingston area.
Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money, and be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing money from automated banking machines (ABMs). Remain vigilant at supermarkets and retail outlets, as credit card and ABM fraud is increasing in Jamaica.
Road travel
Traffic drives on the left. Coastal roads are in fair condition, but driving in the interior is dangerous due to narrow, winding and poorly maintained roads, which are also poorly lit at night. Weather conditions can damage or render some roads temporarily impassable. Stay on main roads as much as possible.
Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are common. Motorists should keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked. Roadside assistance is available island wide.
When driving between Norman Manley International Airport and Kingston, take the South Camp Road (also known as the Humming Bird Route) rather than Mountain View Avenue, which can close on short notice.
Public transportation
Public transportation is not safe due to high levels of crime and overcrowding.
Knutsford Express offers reliable and comfortable bus transportation between major towns.
Use only taxis ordered from hotels and authorized by the Jamaican Union of Travellers Association (JUTA). These are identified by red-and-white “PP” licence plates and a lime green JUTA sticker on the window. Since taxis are not metered, agree on the fare in advance.
See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.
Emergency services
Dial 119 to reach the police emergency centre and 110 to reach the fire department and ambulance services.
Police officers regularly patrol tourist areas and can offer assistance. Security personnel and front-desk hotel staff can also offer assistance in most emergencies.
Visitor information booths and Jamaica Tourist Board offices are located throughout the island. They offer various services to visitors, including direct radio links with local police and information on safe public beaches. These offices are located at:
- Montego Bay: Cornwall Beach, Gloucester Avenue: tel. 876-952-4425, -4426, -4427, or -4428
- Sangster International Airport: tel. 876-952-2462
- Ocho Rios: TPD co. office: tel. 876-974-7705/2582
- Kingston: Head Office, ICWI Building, 2 St. Lucia Avenue: tel. 876-929-9200
- Airport Authority, Norman Manley Airport, Kingston (flight information only): tel. (876) 924-8452 or 8456
