With its reef-lined beaches, blue-capped mountains, and Jurassic park-like rainforests covering 85% of the island, how can it be such a dangerous place?
Usually when we think about Jamaica, what comes to mind is the laid-back fishing towns, the smell of flame-licked jerk chicken, Rastafarianism, and the Bob Marley way of life which literally runs through the veins of this island paradise.
People visit to escape their everyday lives to Runaway Bay or Negril to sip on finer things, like fresh coconuts. But what about all the violence and bloodshed!?
Table of Contents
Jamaica Travel Safety Guide
While cruising on an open bottom boat, or relaxing in a deep-blue Cenote while hearing the sounds of a hummingbird do not fit with some of the images we see on the news, if you do travel to Jamaica, what is there to be worried about?
This guide will cover travel safety in Jamaica so you can ensure your trip here is safe and you can avoid common pitfalls that happen to some unfortunate visitors.
How safe is Jamaica right now?
Yes, Jamaica is safe to visit right now provided you stick to the designated tourist areas. Negril, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay are 3 of the most popular places to visit in Jamaica for first-time tourists.
Travelers from North American are lucky to be close enough to the island that visits for a week or less and even impromptu trips are highly possible.
Some of the tips listed in this guide are designed for both family travelers and those visiting solo or and a backpacking trip.
Is Jamaica safe for tourists?
We believe so! However, as a tourist, you’ll need to remember that you’ll be a walking magnet attracting all kinds of people.
Not only is Jamaica worth visiting for the sun, sand and sea the 3 main tourists centric resorts (Negril, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay) offer many other activities.
There are travelers to Jamaica who will get a transfer to their resort don’t leave the hotels grounds during theor entire stay, but this is not always due to crime.
Many visitors love the service and find what they are looking for within the confines of a resort. Or, want to stay in a place where they feel most at home. Would you want to leave your room at Half Moon to be anywhere else?
Whether you are traveling to Jamaica as a couple or a family you will not be alone. Even solo travelers in Jamaica can meet like-minded people in the right places. Places such as Mobay Kotch are perfect for this type of experience.
One reason many travelers return to Jamaica year after year is because of how open to sharing their culture the Jamaicans are.
There is always a chance to go a little deeper but much of it comes down to trust. Who you trust in Jamaica will ultimately decide the success of your trip.
Crime rate in Jamaica
- According to Numbeo, Montego Bay has a high crime level of 78.12 on a scale of 100.
- Crime against tourists is relatively low, but it does happen. There have even been reported cases of sexual assault at all-inclusive resorts.
- The US Department of State international travel site considers Jamaica as a Level 3 risk and says to reconsider travel as some areas have an increased risk of violent crimes.
- Crimes such as homicides, home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and credit card scams are not uncommon.
Is Jamaica safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Jamaica is safe for solo travel as long as you have a specific plan and you understand where to go and where to avoid as a tourist.
We are aware that solo travel can boost confidence, but when visiting a foreign place like Jamaica you start to understand that things are not set up for all styles of travel. However, anything is possible here as long as you use common sense.
The only times we recommend not doing any solo travel whatsoever is at night.
Keep your travel movement strictly to the mornings and avoid going long distances during the afternoon so you don’t end up on the road as it’s going dark.
If you are a female we suggest carrying a bag like this one to you carry your day-to-day items. We’ll list more tips to help you with solo travel in Jamaica below.
Is Jamaica safe at night?
Jamaica at night is not the safest place, depending on where you are and who you are with, of course. Walking around in the dark (very common in Jamaica) is not ideal. But, if you decide to step out of your hotel and walk along Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay it is highly unlikely that anything violent will happen.
You may feel slightly intimated but you should be able to walk safely. However, walking around downtown without any sort of direction or plan of where to go and taking the wrong turn could be the wrong move for you as a tourist.
If in downtown Montego Bay, pop-in and see Vanessa at Mobay Kotch (she gives some great advice or where to go if you want to get off-the-beaten-track).
The best thing to do is ask the staff at your hotel about safety in the immediate area, if you’re in Ocho Rios they may tell you not to walk past a certain point on the strip. Or, when visiting places they will call a taxi for you.
In some cases, they may suggest that you don’t leave the confines of the hotel at all, especially at night. We suggest that you have some solo travel experience before visiting Jamaica alone. Also, aim to learn some Patois before you arrive.
If you’re thinking of backpacking Jamaica alone then you’ll want to have at least some backpacking experience beforehand and plan a realistic itinerary.
Where to stay in Jamaica?
See this list of recommended places to stay in Jamaica for couples, families, singles and first-timers that will give you a better idea of where to stay.
- Montego Bay is a great place to base for couples and families as there many options depending on the type of trip you want to have.
- Negril is perfect for singles as there is a more local vibe that you can connect with.
- Ocho Rios is a popular choice place for first-timers and for families as you have everything you need within a small space.
- Runaway Bay which is far from the cruise ship crowds is known for both Cardiff Hall Beach and Fisherman’s Beach is the birthplace of Bob Marley.
You all have many guest houses and private accommodation that can be found on Airbnb. It all depends on the level of comfort you want while on the island.
Places to avoid in Jamaica
As a tourist, there are many places to avoid in Jamaica. We have spoken about popular places to visit such MoBay, Negril and Ocho Rios but what about places such as Kingston, Port Antonio, Saint Ann’s Bay and Runaway Bay?
Should you avoid those places and all the unknown places in between? As first-time visitors to Jamaica, we would say stick to the main tourist areas and look at taking a tours or day trip from there. Things like river rafting and horse riding are some of the most popular things to do.
For example, if you wanted to go to Bob Markey studio in Kingston you can take this tour from Montego Bay and not have to worry about the roads whatsoever.
Or, if you’re arrving here on a cruise ship and find yourself in Ocho Rios, why not check out this special tour that will pick you up at your hotel?
There are many bad parts of Jamaica that you may have read about, such as Tivoli Gardens, Grants Penn and Denham Town in Kingston.
Then there is Mount Salem, Rose Heights and Norwood in Montego Bay which some are to have had a lot of gang violence.
Jamaica travel safety tips
Although Jamaica is touted as the most dangerous islands in the Caribbean it is still a popular tourist destination for thousands of new visitors each year.
- If you do decide to visit Kingston, why not go with this city tour that will give you local access to the city so you can learn all about its heritage.
- When trying street food and other treats Jamaican treats that can be found on the street be aware of what you are eating (especially seafood) and don’t hesitate to ask the locals if you are unsure.
- We suggest you learn some Jamaican Patois to be able to share some local lingo with the locals. This is not to blend or imitate Jamaicans in a Condescending way, but to show respect by speaking the local language.
- If you arrive at Kingston airport you can get a taxi over to New Kingston to get the Knutsford Express which will take you over to Ocho Rios or Montego Bay.
- Will you be visiting between June and November? Remember these months are at the height of hurricane season and you’ll want to take the necessary precautions (depending on which side of the island you’re on).
- See the top-rated hostels in Jamaica for ideas on where to stay on a budget.
- Avoid walking around after dark (especially when alone) in most places. The main tourist strips (ie
- Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay) are usually okay but if you need to walk somewhere to get some food etc, try to stick to main roads and more populated areas.
- Carry a dummy wallet and to keep your money hidden in a concealed part of your body (especially when carrying lots of bills). See this hidden travel pouch. Bras, secret bags, money belts and hidden pockets work too.
- Never accept drugs (usually marijuana). It’s illegal to buy and sell on the street but it could also be dangerous if you get caught in a situation with the police.
No matter what style of travel you do, we suggest taking safety precautions even if you’re staying soley in the resort areas of Montego Bay or Ocho Rios.
Best time to visit Jamaica
The summer season in Jamaica which starts in June through to September is the hottest time to visit (81-83°F) with July and August being two of the most intense (up to 91°F).
There can be rainfall during this time of year which can result in hot and humid days with overcast. The Winter in Jamaica which is from November to February is our favorite time to visit as it is still hot (75-79°F average).
We believe Jamaica is an island worth visiting all year round for the sun so it all depends on your availability but we suggest booking in advance if you want to get the best prices.
Be sure to carry some suncreen with you as the prices in Jamaica are usually much higher than what you can find at home when traveling from the states or most countries in Europe.
Got travel insurance for Jamaica?
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Jamaica travel safety FAQs
Is Jamaica safe?
With this guide, you should now have all the information that you need to be able to feel confident traveling to Jamaica.
As far as statistics go, the island itself doesn’t have the reputation as one of the safest in the Caribbean but in places such Ocho Rios, Negril and Montego Bay there are many safe spaces in which travelers can relax and enjoy.
No matter whether you are traveling alone with family or with a group of close friends if you pay attention to some of our tips as well as follow universal travel precautions you should have a rewarding time on this island.
While you are here, be sure to read our list of safe islands in the Caribbean to get an better idea of what other places you could visit while in this tropical region.
Dear responsible traveler: This post may contain affiliate links, which means, if you click through and make a purchase, book a tour or a hotel, we may earn a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps us to maintain the quality of this site.
