Overview

• US State Department has issued travel advisories for the Bahamas and Jamaica due to a significant increase in violent crime, including murders.
• In the Bahamas, 18 murders have occurred since the start of 2024, primarily due to retaliatory gang violence.
• Jamaica has reported 65 murders in January 2024 alone, prompting the State Department to upgrade the travel advisory to Level 3, advising Americans to reconsider travel.
• Violent crimes such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are common in both countries, occurring in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
• Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution, be vigilant, and avoid certain areas known for high crime rates.