Safety

Crime

There is a serious crime problem throughout Jamaica, especially in Kingston and Montego Bay. The Regional Security Office of the U.S. Embassy restricts travel by U.S. personnel to certain urban areas of Jamaica, which includes but not limited to:

  • Spanish Town
  • Kingston – Downtown Kingston, which includes Mountain View, Tivoli Gardens, Arnett Gardens, Trench Town, Grants Pen, Cassava Piece, and Standpipe.
  • Montego Bay – Canterbury, Norwood, Clavers Street, Flankers, Rose Heights, Hart Street.

Need To Know:

Resorts visitors have been robbed inside their rooms while they sleep even though the resort is gated. However, most gated resorts are normally safe.

  1. Nightclubs and other nightlife establishments are not compliant with the U.S. Fire Safety Regulations.
  2. Watch out for blocked streets, and constructed roadblocks.
  3. The police force is understaffed, but there are tourist police that are on duty in some resort towns and can be identified by their white hats, white shirts, and black trousers.
  4. Keep a look out for date rape drugs at private parties and resorts.
  5. Avoid secluded places or situations while staying in the resort.
  6. Security outside of the resort is unpredictable, especially at night time.
  7. Do exit the resort with someone you do not know.
  8. Shout for help when you feel threatened or uncomfortable.

Financial Scams

It is said the that financial scams originated in Jamaica, which often targets U.S. Citizens. The most famous scam in called the “Lotto Scam” and it is sometimes called the “Advance Fee Fraud”. They will let the victim believe that a Jamaican lottery prize will be released after payment of “fees”. Never send money to anyone who calls to inform you that you have won the lottery while vacationing in Jamaica. Do not travel to Jamaica to collect a prize. This will lead to victims being subjected to extortion, robbery, or kidnapping.

Tips for Victims of Crime

U.S. Citizen victims of a violent crime or sexual assault should first call the police and then the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report these crimes to the local police at 119 (local equivalent of 911 in the U.S.) and contact the U.S. Embassy at (876)702-6000. The Embassy can assist in the following ways:

  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the local police.
  • Contact your friends and/or relatives with your written consent.
  • Assist in finding you appropriate medical care.
  • Provide you a list of local attorneys.
  • Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
  • Help you replace lost or stolen passport.
  • Assist you with an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
  • Explain the local criminal justice process in simpler terms.
  • Provide information on their victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.

For further information: