US Upgrades Jamaica Travel Advisory to Level 2 Citing Security Improvements

The United States Department of State has upgraded its travel advisory for Jamaica from Level 3 to Level 2, advising Americans to exercise increased caution rather than reconsider travel. Jamaican officials, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, welcomed the upgrade as a recognition of the government's sustained efforts in improving national security and public safety through targeted policies, significant investments, and diplomatic engagement. The revised advisory reflects a decline in violent crime rates and signals to the international community that Jamaica is a safer and more secure destination for tourists and residents alike. Tourism leaders also praised the update, anticipating positive impacts on visitor arrivals and the overall travel experience. The improvement follows collaborative efforts with the U.S., including security programs aimed at combating gang activity, and highlights the importance of ongoing constructive dialogue between the two countries. Despite the upgrade, the advisory notes that crime remains high in some areas and that medical services in Jamaica are less comprehensive compared to the U.S.