Travel safety

Is Jamaica safe to visit?

Jamaica travel photo — Jamaica · photo from the Waymark library

Resorts and tourist areasSafeChecked 22 October 2026 · FCDO updated 6 May 2026

There are no FCDO warning zones in Jamaica, and the FCDO says gang violence rarely affects tourist areas. It does name neighbourhoods in Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay where you should take particular care.

Safe
Avoid
Essential only
Never travel

RatingSafe

Official advice updated6 May 2026

Areas covered5 on this page

Jamaica's murder rate is among the highest in the world, which understandably worries people. Almost all of that violence is between gangs in inner-city communities, and the north-coast resorts feel very different. Western parishes are still recovering from Hurricane Melissa, which hit in October 2025.

Jamaica area by area

Negril, Ocho Rios & resort hotelsSafe
No warning. Use licensed taxis and excursion providers.
Montego Bay Hip StripSafe
Fine in the day and busy at night. Use a taxi rather than walking long distances after dark.
Flankers, Barrett Town, Glendevon, Rose Heights & Mount Salem (Montego Bay)Avoid
Named by the FCDO as places to take particular care.
Inner-city Kingston & Spanish TownAvoid
Named by the FCDO. Curfews can be imposed at short notice under states of emergency.
Western parishesSafe
Still rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa. Some communities have patchy power and water.

Staying safe in the resorts

The FCDO reports rapes and sexual assaults in tourist areas, often by someone the victim met socially. Don't share your room number, use licensed taxis and tour operators, and let someone know your plans if you go off alone.

If you are robbed, hand things over. The FCDO warns that resisting can provoke violence.

Before you go

Check whether any state-of-emergency curfews apply where you are staying.
Use JUTA or hotel-arranged taxis.
British High Commission Kingston: +1 876 936 0700.

Official advice: FCDO travel advice for Jamaica

Stay and do

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Questions people ask

Is Montego Bay safe?

The tourist areas and the Hip Strip are generally fine. The FCDO names certain residential neighbourhoods, such as Flankers and Mount Salem, as places to take particular care.

Is it safe to visit Kingston?

Yes, for sights like the Bob Marley Museum and Devon House, ideally with a driver. Avoid inner-city areas, and check for curfews.

Is Negril safe?

Negril, Ocho Rios and the resort hotels are outside the areas the FCDO highlights. Use JUTA or hotel taxis and keep valuables out of sight.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.