The U.S. Department of State is advising citizens to "rethink their travel plans" to Jamaica and Colombia due to increasing crime rates and, in the case of Colombia, the risk of terrorism. Haiti has recieved the highest level advisory: Do Not Travel.
Periodically, the department evaluates the threats posed to Americans abroad and had previously issued travel warnings for both Colombia and Jamaica. These have been reevaluated and updated recently.
The travel advisory for Jamaica, classified as level 3, states, "Violent crimes, including home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are commonplace. Sexual assaults are frequent, even at all-inclusive resorts."
In the case of Colombia, the State Department similarly cautions against the "prevalence" of violent crimes including homicides, assaults, and armed robberies. In certain areas, there may also be risks of kidnapping and extortion. Terrorist and criminal groups may unpredictably strike public places such as airports, hotels, and restaurants. Owing to civil unrest, "demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country" and "protests can escalate into violence leading to fatalities and injuries."
The warning advises that Haiti has experienced "widespread" kidnapping, with victims "regularly" including U.S. citizens and ransom negotiations.
The department is advising Americans to "rethink their travel plans" to Jamaica.
A State Department spokesperson stated, "There's no higher priority for the U.S. Department of State than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad. Our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with accurate, timely, and trustworthy information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions is something we take very seriously."
Author's Note:
Drawing upon my extensive experience traveling globally and to developing nations over the years, I can attest to the importance of heeding State Department advisories. There have been instances where I proceeded with travel plans despite such warnings, landing in precarious situations that had the potential for serious consequences. These tales are for another time, but their lessons remain relevant. When the US State Department suggests reconsidering travel, it's advice well worth considering. Safe travels!
