US Department of State Changes Its Travel Advisory Level for Jamaica

• The U.S. Department of State revised its travel advisory for Jamaica. Previously, the country was under a Level 3^[1] travel advisory due to extensive damage in western parishes from the Category 5 weather system, the second highest warning advisory issued.
• Issued January 17, 2026, the revised advisory follows two months after Hurricane Melissa struck western parishes. Washington previously designated the country Level 3, urging citizens to reconsider travel due to crime, health, and natural disaster risks.
• While a Level 2 advisory still urges vigilance regarding crime, health, and natural disasters, it acknowledges improved safety conditions. Notably, all major airports have resumed commercial flights, though travelers are still encouraged to confirm the availability of local services before departure.
• The updated advisory maintains that although violent crime is a risk throughout the island, tourist-heavy districts typically experience lower incident rates than other areas.
• Of note, Jamaica’s ambitious plan to welcome five million visitors, generate US$5 billion in tourism earnings, and add some 5,000 new hotel rooms in 2025 was thrown off track as a series of disruptive events left the sector short on projected targets, even as its investment momentum remains strong.
• As such, the downgrade to Level 2 will likely support Jamaica's tourism recovery as it signals renewed confidence in Jamaica as a destination and provides much-needed support for an industry that has been working to rebuild after significant disruption.

^[1] A Level 3 travel advisory warns people to reconsider travel "due to serious risks to safety and security.”