U.S. warns against travel to Jamaica over crime

MIAMI – The U.S. State Department warned Americans against travel to Jamaica and the Bahamas after murders in both of the Caribbean nations.

Jamaica is under the Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory and the Bahamas is under the Level 2 “exercise increased caution” advisory.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas reported there were 18 murders — even in broad daylight — just this year, in Nassau. The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica reported that “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common” even at all-inclusive resorts.

On Oct. 19, after the Hamas attack in Israel, the State Department asked Americans to exercise “caution” at tourist attractions around the world and encouraged U.S. citizens to enroll in this program.

The list of countries with a Level 2 advisory also includes Turks and Caicos, Costa Rica, Peru, and Brazil.

The list of Level 3 advisories also includes Nicaragua and Colombia, and the Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories include Haiti, Mexico, and Venezuela.