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
Barts (Saint-Barthélemy) According to a Jamaican news site, St. Barts has been voted as the safest island in the Caribbean.
Which Caribbean island has the worst crime rate? ›
In the Caribbean, the worst murder rate is found in Jamaica, with 52.9 homicide victims per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. Jamaica's homicide rate is almost five times higher than, for instance, the Dominican Republic's, where 11.9 people were killed per 100,000 population that same year.
Which Caribbean islands are not worth visiting? ›
On the basis of crime rates, some of the least safe Caribbean Islands to visit include Puerto Rico, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago. However, it's important to note that most crime in the Caribbean is an internal problem, primarily linked to inner-city neighbourhoods far from tourist resorts.
What is the least safe country in the Caribbean? ›
The 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.
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 State Department considers the Bahamas a slightly safer destination, with a Level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution), due to crime.
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.
What is the safest and cheapest Caribbean island? ›
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the cheapest Caribbean island to fly to. It's popular for its cheap all-inclusive resorts and adventure activities, which are available at affordable prices. This island boasts several of the Caribbean's best beaches with crystalline waters and pristine coral reefs.
How many murders in the Caribbean? ›
At least 117,492 people were murdered in Latin America and the Caribbean during 2023, putting the median homicide rate around 20 per 100,000 people.
What is the most peaceful island in the Caribbean? ›
Dominica. Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean island home to tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, hot springs, and colorful towns. The island offers a tranquil lifestyle for nature lovers and those seeking peace.
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.
What is the least popular Caribbean country? ›
Montserrat. Despite its French-sounding name, Montserrat is actually part of Britain. The United Nations World Tourism Organization listed Montserrat as one of the least visited countries in the world, making it the least visited island in the Caribbean.
Which Caribbean islands have the worst crime? ›
St.
Kitts and Nevis authorities for naming this Leeward Islands nation "the most violent place on earth." Most criminal activity here is believed to be gang or drug-related. The U.S. Department of State lists the dual-island country as a Level 1, meaning to exercise normal precautions.
What is the most criminal country in the world? ›
- Venezuela. Venezuela has a crime index of 83.76, the highest of any country in the world. ...
- Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea has a crime index of 80.79. ...
- South Africa. South Africa has the third-highest crime rate in the world. ...
- Afghanistan. ...
- Honduras. ...
- Trinidad and Tobago. ...
- Guyana. ...
- El Salvador.
Montserrat, Anguilla, Martinique, and St Barts are some of the safest Caribbean islands to live in, boasting the lowest violent crime rates. To learn more about the best places to retire to, you can check out the following articles: Best Places for Expats to Retire.
What is the safest and least expensive Caribbean island? ›
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 Mexico safer than the Dominican Republic? ›
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.
Is Jamaica or the Dominican Republic safer? ›
In fact, the two countries have extremely similar crime rates.
Is Punta Cana safe right now? ›
Rest easy. A combination of a dedicated tourist police force and other measures taken by the Dominican government have enhanced the safety of popular destinations like Punta Cana.
