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U.S. citizens looking to travel to other countries might be surprised by how many countries should be avoided, according to the U.S. State Department.

Recent travel advisory updates for Jamaica, the Bahamas and Mexico may hinder vacation plans.

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Here’s what you need to know about U.S. State Department travel advisories:

What are the 4 levels of travel advisory?

Here are the four levels of travel advisory, according to the U.S. State Department:

Travel Advisory Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions

  • This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Travel Advisory Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution

  • Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Departments of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 3 – Reconsider Travel

  • Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 4 – Do Not Travel  

  • This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Jamaica travel advisory 2024

The Jamaica travel advisory was updated Jan. 30 to Level 3 for crime and medical services, according to the State Department.

Is Jamaica safe?

Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and violent crimes are common, according to the State Department. Such possibilities include armed robberies, home invasions, homicides and sexual assaults. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.

The State Department does not pay medical bills and strongly encourages obtaining traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica. 

The website states U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas and U.S. health insurance is not accpeted by most doctors and hospitals. U.S. citizens encountering medical emergencies could potentially see bills in the tens of thousands of dollars, with air ambulance service to the United States in the range of $30,000 to $50,000.  

Travel advisory tips for Jamaica trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to Jamaica:

  • Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.
  • Avoid walking or driving at night.
  • Avoid public buses.
  • Avoid secluded places or situations.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Jamaica.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

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Bahamas travel advisory 2024

The Bahamas travel advisory was updated Jan. 30 to Level 2 to exercise increased caution due to crime and water safety, according to the State Department.

Is Nassau or Freeport safe in the Bahamas?

Most crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands, according to the State Department. Violent crime occurs in tourist and non-tourist areas, including armed robberies, burglaries and sexual assaults.

Travelers should use extreme caution south of Shirley Street in the “Over the Hill” area, as gang violence has resulted in a strong homicide rate.

Acitvities using recreational watercrafts maTour are often not regulated consistently. Watercraft operators may not be safety certified and some watercrafts may be poorly maintained.

Due to such safety concerns, U.S. government personnel are not allowed to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.   

Travel advisory tips for Bahamas trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to the Bahamas:

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Mexico travel advisory 2024

Violent crime is widespread and common in Mexico, according to the State Department. Crimes such as carjacking, homicide, kidnapping and robbery are prevalent.

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The Quintana Roo state − where Cancun is located − is under a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.

According to the State Department, criminal activity and violence may occur at any time in any location, including in popular tourist spots. Maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

Travel advisory tips for Mexico trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to Mexcio:

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

  • Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
  • Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
  • Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Mexico.
  • Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts, which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

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Travel advisory tips for high-risk areas

The State Department recommends three websites for information on travel safety tips:

Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.



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