The U.S. Department of State is warning travelers about vacationing in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa unleashed its wrath on the island nation.
- On October 28, the government urged people to reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime, natural disaster, and health risks.
- Videos showed the damage in Montego Bay, including to the airport.
- The Category 5 hurricane landed on the island before weakening and heading toward Cuba.
“Reconsider Travel to Jamaica due to Crime, Health, and Natural Disaster risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory,” the State Department wrote.
The U.S. Government Urged Its Employees to Leave Jamaica
The weather is so severe that government workers are being asked to leave Jamaica.
On October 28, 2025, the Department of State “authorized non-emergency personnel and family members of U.S. government employees to leave Jamaica due to Hurricane Melissa,” the travel advisory says.
Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images
The travel advisory warns travelers to reconsider journeying to Jamaica altogether.
“The U.S. Embassy in Kingston has temporarily reduced staffing and may limit routine services for U.S. citizens,” the warning says. “Consider rescheduling planned travel to Jamaica at this time. If you intend to travel, confirm availability with your transportation provider and at your destination before you depart.”
Violent Crime Remains a Concern in Jamaica
According to the State Department, it’s not only the severe weather that poses a risk to travelers. Crime remains a problem.
“While violent crime in Jamaica has decreased since 2024, it remains statistically high throughout the country. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere,” according to the State Department.
“Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common,” the alert warns. “The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts. U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents.”
Added the government, “When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence.”
In fact, the concern is high enough that U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are advised against using buses or driving between cities at night. Travelers are not encouraged to travel in the highest crime areas.
Medical Care Is Also a Concern for Travelers to Jamaica
Although the travel advisory risk is only a level 3, health care is also a concern.
“Basic and specialized medical care may not be available in many parts of Jamaica. This includes slower emergency service response times and less availability of care for illness or injury,” the government wrote. “Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs and are not always readily available, especially in rural areas.”
According to the State Department, “Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, are severe, and can include long prison sentences.”
