US issues travel advisory for Jamaica, but it's not the only one. Here's a list

Marley Malenfant , Austin American-Statesman

Wanna getaway? You might want to reconsider that ticket to Jamaica before you plan your spring break or summer vacation.

A travel advisory was issued on Jan. 23 by the U.S. Department of State with a level three advisory to reconsider traveling to the island. A level three advisory asks residents to reconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security. Level four is the highest advisory level due to a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.

A note in the warning highlights violent crimes such as:

  • Home invasions

  • Armed robberies

  • Sexual assaults (which are most common at all-inclusive resorts)

  • Homicides

“Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents,” said in a statement from the Department of State. “When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities.”

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

  • Guinea

  • Trinidad & Tobago

  • Macau

  • Chad

  • Nicaragua

  • Columbia

  • Egypt

  • El Salvador

  • South Sudan

  • Guatemala

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

  • Belarus

  • Burma

  • Afghanistan

  • Haiti

  • Iran

  • Russia

  • Somalia

  • Central African Republic

  • Yemen

  • Ukraine

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies.

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

  • Don't travel alone.

  • Be aware of your surroundings.

  • Keep a low profile.

  • Try not to be flashy.

  • Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

Do the homework before your trip

Review entry/exit requirements, visas, local laws, customs, medical care, road safety, etc. Write down contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to carry with you in case of emergency while traveling.

Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel, and check exchange rates.

Have a crisis plan in place. It’s recommended by the Department of State to make an evacuation plan that does not rely on the U.S. government. Consider buying emergency evacuation insurance. If a crisis occurs while you are abroad, check in with loved ones and update your social media status so family and friends know of your whereabouts.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Jamaica travel advisory 2024: Think twice before booking your vacation

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