As college students consider their spring break plans, the U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings for both Jamaica and the Bahamas following a rise in crime in both Caribbean tourism hotspots.
A travel advisory updated Friday urges Americans heading to the Bahamas to “exercise increased caution,” especially on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands, where a majority of crime occurs.
“The U.S. Embassy in Nassau advises U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024,” officials said in a Jan. 24 security alert.
“Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets. Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders.”
The Embassy urged Americans to use caution when out at night, to not resist any robbery attempt, and to keep a low profile.
An updated travel advisory for Jamaica released on Jan. 23 warns Americans to “reconsider travel” to the scenic island due to “crime and medical services.”
“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the advisory states.
“Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”
Data from the Jamaica Constabular Force published by The Gleaner shows 33 murders were recorded in the first 13 days of 2024, with the total rising to 65 as of Monday. The tally is a drop compared to the same time last year, according to the newspaper.
Still, the State Department warnings come just as the Caribbean begins its busiest time of the year for tourists.
The high season in the tropical vacation destination typically runs from January to May, aligning with travel plans for thousands of college students across the country, who flock to warmer weather on spring break trips in March and April.
Caribbean destinations tend to be a top pick for traveling students.
And the Bahamas and Jamaica are not the only countries seeing an uptick in violent crime.
Turks and Caicos and Trinidad and Tobago have also reported increases.
Americans traveling to Turks and Caicos should “exercise increased caution,” according to a State Department advisory issued in July.
Another advisory released that same month asks for Americans to also reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime, and the local U.S. Embassy last week warned the public to be vigilant during next month’s Carnival celebrations.
“In Trinidad, there’s a high level of violent crime,” a travel advisory released by the United Kingdom states. “Gang-related attacks and shootings are increasing around the city centre of Port of Spain, including Laventille, Morvant and Barataria.”
On Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Trinidadian Prime Minister Keith Rowley in Washington, where Blinken said the U.S. was partnering with the nation to “to fight violent crime and firearms trafficking.”
“This is a priority for the work that we’re doing, as well as of course seeking and building up prosperity and opportunity in the region as a whole,” Blinken said.