US warns travelers about high crime at 2 popular cruise destinations, urges ‘extreme caution’

WASHINGTON – A pair of advisories from the U.S. State Department caution travelers to be aware that two tropical locations – stops popular with the cruise lines — also have high crime problems.

In advisories for the Bahamas and Jamaica, the State Department warns travelers that crime rates are high in the two countries. Each of the nations are popular destinations for cruise lines.

The advisory for Jamaica, one issued at a higher warning level, also warns that access to medical care may be spotty.

The more recent advisory, a Level Two warning that urges travelers to exercise extreme caution, is a result of crime issues in both tourist and non-tourist areas in 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,” the advisory states.

Among its warnings for travelers is to not answer the door at their hotel/residence unless you know who it is and to not physically resist any robbery attempts.

The State Department issued the advisory Friday, Jan. 26.

The Level 3 advisory for Jamaica, issued Jan. 23, urges travelers to reconsider their plans and notes that U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk.

“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the advisory states.

“Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents,” according to the advisory. “When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence.”

Travelers are urged to avoid walking or driving at night, avoid public buses, avoid secluded places or situations and keep a low profile. They should not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Medical care can be problematic, the State Department said, because public hospitals are under-resourced and cannot always provide high level or specialized care. Private hospitals often require that payment be made up front.

More information is available through the State Department, which issues travel advisories for each country of the world.