In recent days the U.S. State Department has issued alarming travel warnings for Jamaica and the Bahamas, citing rising crime levels in both countries as reasons for tourists to beware.
On the State Department's 4-level travel advisory scale, Jamaica has been bumped up to level 3, which stands for "Reconsider Travel." According to the advisory, "Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts."
The Bahamas currently stands at level 2, "Exercise Increased Caution," under the system. That hasn't changed since 2022, but the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas did release a new security alert about a January crime wave that has sparked concern.
The alert warns that since the start of the year, 18 murders, most involving gang violence, have occurred in the country's capital city of Nassau.
The embassy notes that killings have taken place in broad daylight and advises visitors to be especially careful in the eastern part of New Providence Island, the isle where Nassau is located.
Government leaders from the Bahamas and tourism officials from Jamaica have argued that the majority of travelers remain safe on those islands, particularly in resort areas (though the Jamaica advisory does mention the incidence of sexual assault at Jamaica's all-inclusive resorts).
It's worth noting that Jamaica and the Bahamas aren't the only tourism heavy hitters in the region that the State Department hasn't given its lowest threat assessment score, level 1, indicating travelers should "Exercise Normal Precautions."
The Dominican Republic and Cuba are both at level 2; Trinidad & Tobago is at level 3.
As for the the destinations at level 1, here are the safest countries in the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic, according to the U.S. State Department:
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Aruba
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Bonaire
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Curaçao
• Dominica
• French West Indies: Guadeloupe, Martinique, French St. Martin, and St. Barthélemy
• Grenada
• Montserrat
• St. Kitts and Nevis (capital city Basseterre is pictured at the top of this post)
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sint Maarten
Obviously, complete safety is never guaranteed when you travel overseas. Or, for that matter, when you stay at home.
If you're a U.S. tourist looking to reduce your chances of running into trouble while in another country there are several steps you can take: Stay informed about the destination you're visiting, read up on the State Department's general safety tips, consider buying travel insurance, and register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get up-to-the-minute safety alerts and help officials find you in the event of an emergency.
FAQs
What are the Safest Caribbean Islands to Travel?
- Grenada.
- Montserrat.
- St. Barts (Saint-Barthélemy)
- The British Virgin Islands.
- Saint Lucia.
- Turks and Caicos.
- Sint Maarten (Saint-Martin)
- Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Safest Caribbean islands for your spring break getaway
- Curacao.
- Dominica.
- Grenada.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Saint Lucia.
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Sint Maarten.
- U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas)
These are all the active Caribbean islands travel warnings right now:
- Anguilla: Level 1. ...
- Antigua and Barbuda: Level 1. ...
- Aruba: Level 1. ...
- The Bahamas: Level 2. ...
- Barbados: Level 1. ...
- The British Virgin Islands: Level 1. ...
- Cayman Islands: Level 1. ...
- Cuba: Level 2.
The most dangerous Caribbean islands
On the basis of crime rates, some of the least safe Caribbean Islands to visit include Puerto Rico, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago. As we noted though, most crime in the Caribbean is an internal problem and is linked to inner-city areas well away from tourist resorts.
Which Caribbean islands have travel warnings? ›
Learn about your destination
| Advisory | Level |
|---|
| Saint Lucia Travel Advisory | Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions |
| Sint Maarten Travel Advisory | Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions |
| Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Travel Advisory | Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions |
| Trinidad and Tobago Travel Advisory | Level 3: Reconsider Travel |
143 more rowsThe Most Dangerous Caribbean Destinations, According To Research
- Haiti. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock. ...
- Trinidad and Tobago. Debralee Wiseberg/Getty Images. ...
- Kingston, Jamaica. Photo Spirit/Shutterstock. ...
- Montego Bay, Jamaica. ...
- Georgetown, Guyana. ...
- Nassau, Bahamas. ...
- Tiger Beach, Bahamas. ...
- Dominican Republic.
The main islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John are attractive places to retire for those seeking mild weather, beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and access to restaurants and nightlife.
What is the most liveable Caribbean island? ›
Cayman Islands
Extremely livable, it has a ton of real estate options, like private islands, and enough variety in terms of lifestyle, culture, and history to suit a wide range of ex-pats. It also is a great place for business owners, giving them the chance to benefit from tax mitigation and permanent residency.
What is the cheapest and safest Caribbean island to live on? ›
These recommendations aim to guide you toward the most cost-effective yet appealing islands for a potential residence or investment venture.
- Dominica. Dominica's affordable lifestyle makes it one of the cheapest islands in the Caribbean, proving extremely suitable for many. ...
- Jamaica. ...
- Antigua and Barbuda. ...
- St. ...
- Grenada.
Vincent & the Grenadines. North of Grenada and to the west of Barbados, this 32-isle archipelago that includes the paradise of Bequia likewise escapes getting struck directly during most hurricane seasons.
Dengue is a major public health concern within the Caribbean, and the past two decades have seen significant increases in morbidity and mortality in the region5,34,43.
Why travel warning for the Bahamas? ›
Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.
Where is the Caribbean to avoid? ›
Caribbean destinations you probably want to avoid
Colombia Level 3 due to crime and terrorism. Honduras: Level 3 due to crime and kidnapping. Jamaica: Level 3 due to crime. Nicaragua: Level 3 due to crime, arbitrary enforcement of laws, risk of wrongful detention, and limited healthcare availability.
What island not to go to? ›
The North Sentinel Island, located in the Bay of Bengal, is home to one of the last uncontacted tribes in the world, the Sentinelese. The tribe is fiercely protective of their way of life and has been known to attack outsiders who have attempted to visit or interact with them.
What is the poorest Caribbean islands? ›
Haiti remains the poorest country in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region and among the poorest countries in the world.
Which island has the lowest crime rate in the Caribbean? ›
The Safest Islands in the Caribbean
- The British Virgin Islands. ...
- Antigua and Barbuda. ...
- St. ...
- Montserrat. ...
- Caiman Islands. ...
- Martinique. ...
- Aruba. ...
- Bonaire. As if being located outside of Hurricane Alley wasn't enough, this Dutch municipality doesn't have much crime at all.
Antigua and Barbuda Real Estate & Accommodation
The property market in Antigua and Barbuda is noticeably more affordable when compared to other countries. Generally considered one of the safest Caribbean countries, Antigua and Barbuda is a wonderful place to relocate as a solo traveler or with a family.
Is Jamaica or the Bahamas safer? ›
The State Department considers the Bahamas a slightly safer destination, with a Level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution), due to crime.
Is the Dominican Republic safer than Mexico? ›
Safety Considerations for Travelers
Mexico has a lower absolute crime rate (54) than the Dominican Republic (61), so on a numbers basis you're safer in Mexico. However, in both cases, if you keep to the resort or stay in the tourist areas, you're unlikely to encounter a problem.
