International

16 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

The advisory level was decreased to Level 2. There were no changes to the risk indicators. The advisory summary was updated.

Exercise Increased Caution due to crime, health, and natural disaster risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Advisory Summary

U.S. government employee travel restrictions
U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to use public buses or drive between cities at night. They are also not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas, as noted below.

U.S. citizens in Jamaica should take the same precautions.

Natural disaster

Jamaica continues to recover from Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall there on October 28, 2025. The hurricane caused widespread damage to the western part of the island. Some areas are still experiencing post-storm impacts on infrastructure and services. 

• All major airports have reopened for commercial flights.
• Some areas in the western part of Jamaica, such as Black River and Montego Bay, are in varying stages of recovery from the hurricane. Exercise increased caution if traveling to affected areas at this time.
• Confirm availability of services and amenities at your destination before you travel to Jamaica.

Crime

• Violent crime is a risk throughout Jamaica. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
• Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country.
• Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common.
• The U.S. embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts.
• U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents.
• When arrests are made, cases are often not prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence.

Health
Basic and specialized medical care may not be available in many parts of Jamaica. This includes slower emergency service response times and less availability of care for illness or injury.

• Health care facilities in western Jamaica were badly damaged by Hurricane Melissa.
• Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients. They may not be able to provide specialized care.
• Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs. They are not always readily available, especially in rural areas.
• U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication. Common medications, such as insulin, can be difficult to obtain.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not apply abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Air ambulance service to the United States costs $30,000 on the low end.
• We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance and confirm your coverage. Travel insurance should include medical insurance, evacuation assistance, and other trip coverage.

The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

Level 4 - Do Not Travel

High crime areas

Do Not Travel to high crime areas due to risk of crime.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to the following high-risk areas. U.S. citizens in Jamaica are advised to take the same precautions.

Do not travel to these areas for any reason:

• St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios.
• St. Catherine’s Parish - Spanish Town, Central Village, areas within Portmore, including: Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford.
• Clarendon Parish - All of Clarendon Parish, except passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways.
• St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Vineyard District Community, between the communities of Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna, St. Elizabeth.
• Hanover Parish - Logwood and Orange Bay.
• St. James Parish/Montego Bay - Inland side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park.
• Kingston and St. Andrew Parish - Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August Town, and downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens.
• Manchester Parish - Green Vale and Gray Ground neighborhoods of Mandeville.
• St. Thomas Parish - Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth, Grands Penn, Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs, Town of Yallahs, except when driving through on the main highway.
• Trelawny Parish - Clarks Town.
• Westmoreland Parish - Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (The Southeastern quadrant of Savannah la Mar east of Darling Street and south of the A2 highway/Barracks Road), Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, are severe, and can include long prison sentences.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid public buses.
• Avoid remote places.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
• Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Jamaica.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Jamaica.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

15 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

There was no change to the advisory level. The “Other” risk indicator was removed, and the “Unrest” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise increased caution in The Gambia due to crime, unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure. 

Advisory summary

Crime
Petty street crime and home burglaries happen often in The Gambia. This is most common in the Banjul area and tourist spots.

Do not display cash and valuable personal property. Avoid walking alone, including on beaches, in tourist areas, and after dark.

Unrest
A separatist rebel group operates in the Casamance region of southern Senegal. There has been sporadic fighting along The Gambia’s southern border in the recent past. Stay on main roads and do not travel at night if travelling near or across the southern border.

Health
The Gambia’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe.

If you decide to travel to The Gambia:

• Review our information on Crime Abroad and Victims of Crime.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
• Be sure to bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip.
• Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to The Gambia. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for The Gambia.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for The Gambia.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for The Gambia.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

11 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

There was no change to the advisory level. The “health” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise increase caution in Comoros due to crime, unrest and health.

Advisory summary
There is no full-time official U.S. presence in Comoros. Consular services for U.S. citizens in Comoros are provided by the U.S. embassy in Madagascar.

Crime
Petty crime is common in Comoros. Stay aware of your surroundings. Comoros has also had reports of piracy. Small crafts on the open seas are vulnerable to attack.

Unrest - Demonstrations
Protests occur spontaneously in Comoros and can happen due to political factors. Most protests occur in Moroni, and some have turned violent. Protesters have also engaged in the destruction of property.

Health
Healthcare, including ambulance services, is limited in Moroni. It is very limited in rural areas. Medical care in rural areas often requires transportation to Moroni. Medical evacuation from Comoros is often needed for significant injuries and illnesses.

Review the Health section of our Travel Guidance or more information.

If you decide to travel to Comoros:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Keep a low profile.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
• Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
• Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Purchase medical evacuation insurance. If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance.  Be sure to follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims.
• Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Read the Health section of our Travel Guidance for more information.
• You should carry prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Be sure to bring enough of your prescriptions (as well as over-the-counter medications) to last the duration of your trip.
• Review the Country Security Report for Comoros.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Comoros.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.