With more than 700 unique islands, each possessing distinctive unspoiled beaches, tropical forests, mouth-watering dishes and friendly people, Americans may be overwhelmed trying to figure out which one to head to this spring break.
We’ll help you decide. There’s a key element you should consider before booking your tickets: Safety.
The US State Department has released or updated its travel advisories for multiple Caribbean destinations. While most islands ranked at Level 1, some others ranked at Level 4. But, what does it mean for your safety?
Level 4: Do Not Travel – This means the destination is going through a particularly destabilizing situation that makes it extremely dangerous to visit. Here, the US government has very limited to zero capacity to assist Americans in need.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel – These countries pose a serious threat to travelers’ safety. It can be related to terrorism, crime, natural disasters or similar. It’s recommended to travel with a safety plan ready.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – A great number of countries fall under this category. Don’t hesitate to book your tickets, as this designation means you’ll be safe as long as you observe common-sense precautions.
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions – These countries are extremely safe, but only a few lucky ones make it to this level.
Without further ado, these are the travel advisories you might want to keep in mind before booking your holidays in the Caribbean.
Table of contents
- Haiti : Level 4 – Do Not Travel
- Jamaica : Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
- Trinidad and Tobago : Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
- The Bahamas : Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
- Cuba : Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
- Dominican Republic : Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
- Turks and Caicos : Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
Haiti: Level 4 – Do Not Travel
The US government urges citizens to refrain from all travel to Haiti due to widespread crime, kidnapping, riots and insufficient health care infrastructure.
A few weeks ago, criminal groups managed to release thousands of criminals from Haitian prisons. As of today, the government hasn’t been able to take back control.
Instead of visiting, the US authorities are requesting Americans to depart Haiti as soon as they find any commercial flights available. The international airport is experiencing multiple closures.
Jamaica: Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
US authorities request tourists to “reconsider” traveling to Jamaica due to crime and insufficient medical services. Government workers are not allowed to visit a number of zones in Jamaica. This means authorities have limited capacity to assist you in case of need.
The US is mainly concerned about Jamaica’s homicide rate, violent crimes, sexual assaults, and armed robberies happening across the country and even at all-inclusive hotels.
In case of an emergency, you may not find adequate specialized care at public hospitals.
Trinidad and Tobago: Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
US travelers should “reconsider” traveling to Trinidad and Tobago due to a rise in crime. These islands are facing a spike in murders, robberies, sexual assaults and kidnappings.
US authorities may not be able to help you if you travel to Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. Also, exercise increased caution in Port of Spain due to unexpected shootings.
The Bahamas: Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
When in town, travelers should “exercise increased caution” due to crime mostly related to gang-related violence. Other crimes like armed robberies and sexual assaults can also occur.
Be particularly cautious on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands.
Cuba: Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
Visitors might face petty crime, armed robberies and homicide in Cuba.
But more than that, the island is experiencing a massive medicine, power, food and fuel shortage. In the past it only affected locals but nowadays it’s also impacting tourists.
Dominican Republic: Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
The US government considers that the current accessibility to firearms, drug trafficking and a fragile criminal system are fertile breeding ground for crime.
For these reasons, the country is seeing armed robbery, sexual assault and homicide. Contact local police at 911 if you need any help.
Turks and Caicos: Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
Crime is present in Turks and Caicos but it’s mostly restricted to Providenciales island.
Authorities are also concerned about the country’s limited capacity to investigate crimes and provide people with good medical services.