Is Jamaica Safe?
Will I Get Hurt During My Visit?

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By Marsha Smith | Associate Writer

I am pretty sure that this is a question that has been running in your head while considering your vacation to Jamaica.

C'mon, be honest 😊

But it is a very valid question.
After all, safety is still the most fundamental need in life.

It is a fact that Jamaica is perhaps the most beautiful and exotic island in the Caribbean, richly prized with warm people, sunshine, heritage, sumptuous cuisine, sweet reggae music, the best coffee, and the most pristine beaches – everything you need for that get away, to unwind!

However, it is also a fact that we have a high homicide rate per capita.

But hold on… that does not mean that you will be hurt when you get here.

If that was so, we would have been long banned, certainly by the USA, as a destination not to even consider.

And while violence is unwelcome, you’ll be comforted knowing that over 85% of the violence that takes place in island is usually among gangs or gang affiliated members, scammers, or of a domestic nature - and the reports shows that they are confined to the inner city areas - also known as ‘garrisons’.

Garrisons are usually the most deprived areas where, in most cases, there is abject poverty and political victimization. And tourists don't ever go there.

I was speaking to a friend recently and joked that a Jamaican tourist is probably safer than someone in the garrison!

And that is probably true!

By the way, almost every year (before and after Covid) the island continues to celebrate significant visitor milestones, almost every year surpassing the prior. (Read about the history of tourism in Jamaica here)

And bear in mind that a significant number of those visitors are actually repeat guests.

Doesn’t that say something?

You be the judge.

In fact, during my recent stay at a lovely resort in the second city (Montego Bay), I met some wonderful visitors from Canada and the USA.  They all gave glowing remarks about their visits to the island.

They also hasten to mention how the staff at the hotel made them feel welcome, their guide that not only entertained but provided them with a wealth of information, and the locals that they encountered while walking the streets and enjoying the attractions.

One defined our people as friendly and warm as the Caribbean sun🌄!

The truth is, like everywhere in the world, cultures are changing somewhat, and if criminals get a chance to take what you have - without been seen or captured, they will try.

My Safety Suggestions For You

So here are my suggestions to you (in Jamaica or anywhere in the world while on your vacation):

1. Prepare your trip/ vacation properly
2. Don't wander off by yourself, travel with friends.
   Again, this is true regardless of where in the world you are.
3. Always take some local (Jamaican) currency with you if you are going out and about.
   
4. Don’t wear expensive jewelry on trips or excursions.
5. Do not disclose where you are staying to persons you meet on the beaches and at other attractions.
   
   This serves both for your own safety and prevents persistent "sellers" phoning the hotel or coming to the hotel to corner you to go with them or buy their products.
6. Don’t take large sums of cash around. At the least of it, you become uncomfortable and it will show - turning you into an easy target.
7. Do carry smaller bills instead of large bills and finally,
8. Get a competent, trustworthy and knowledgeable tour guide or local friend to take you around.
9. New! We've recently created what I call a Jamaica Travel Information page, which includes major do's and don'ts as well as answers to frequently asked questions, a massive resource for someone like you, be sure to read it here.

And finally, read my extremely popular and helpful question and answer forum to get answers to a whole lot more questions that have already been asked.

For the complete guide to Jamaica, be sure to get my book ‘The Jamaica Insider Guide’.

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)

If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Reviews Of Jamaica From Is Jamaica Safe
Return to My Island Jamaica from Is Jamaica Safe

References & Sources For Is Jamaica Safe?

1. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jamaica/safety-and-security 
   

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