In preparation for your next vacation in the West Indies, you wonder if Jamaica is dangerous, which neighborhoods to avoid in Kingston and in other areas of the island.
Indeed, there may be risks in some Caribbean islands but is this the case for Jamaica in 2024?
Here's a guide to Jamaica on the safe side and my tips for avoiding bad places and choosing the best area to stay.
Without wishing to offend Jamaicans, this article does not contain any judgment or discrimination. Indeed, it is a simple summary of information from various and serious sources (government recommendations, statistics, press articles, economic studies).
Is Jamaica dangerous?
Jamaica is a destination that makes tourists dream for its sun, its culture, the kindness of its people and for its heavenly beaches. But Jamaica also has a darker side: its insecurity.
In fact, according to the website Statistics, Jamaica is said to be one of the most violent countries in the Caribbean.
In fact, 2 years ago, the Jamaican government has reinstated a state of emergency due to increased gang-related violence and crime in the following areas:
- Clarendon
- Parts of Kingston
- Parts of St Andrew
- Hanover
- St ann
- St Catherine
- St James
- Westmoreland
In 2024, the French Government warns travelers to Jamaica:
“Crime is high in Jamaica, due in particular to the presence of particularly active gangs in certain urban areas, which are not recommended for travellers. Foreign tourists are not particularly targeted. However, they can be direct or collateral victims of armed attacks (common firearms), including in residential neighborhoods known to be calm. It is advisable to be particularly careful, to limit travel on foot (only during the day) and, in any case, to take adequate protective measures. » France Diplomacy
Is Jamaica dangerous everywhere?
According to the web data of 2024, it is the city of Spanish Town which is the most dangerous area in Jamaica still due to the heavy presence of gangs.
Le Numbeo world ranking, Jamaica has a very high crime index but this figure is attributed only to Kingston its capital.
In fact, many travel agencies and blogs claim that Jamaica is not a dangerous country for tourists. That tourists are not the target of criminals, that they are only confronted with thefts or scams like on all tourist sites in the world.
So, without wanting to encourage or discourage you from going to this splendid country, I will simply indicate below the areas to avoid in Jamaica.
Dangerous Jamaica – Areas to Avoid
About the areas to avoid in jamaica, the British Government states:
“Crime levels are high, especially in and around certain areas of Kingston as well as Montego Bay. Gang violence and shootings are common, and while these incidents are generally confined to downtown neighborhoods, there have been recent incidents outside of these where the risk of becoming a collateral victim exists. Be careful traveling to West Kingston, Grant's Pen, August Town, Harbor View, Spanish Town and parts of Montego Bay including Flankers, Barrett Town, Norwood, Glendevon, Rose Heights and Mount Salem. » Source gov.uk
In 2024, the United States ranked the Jamaica in zone 3 because some areas present an increased risk for tourists (see on Jamaica Travel Advisory):
- Clarendon due to crime
- Hanover due to crime
- Kingston
- St Andrew
- Montego Bay
- St.Ann
- Sainte-catherine
- St. James
- Westmoreland
Dangerous neighborhoods in Kingston Jamaica
In 2024, dangerous neighborhoods known to be home to many gangs and therefore have a high level of violent crime in Kingston would be:
- Arnett Gardens
- August Town
- Cassava Piece
- Central Village in Spanish Town
- Denham Town
- Grant's Pen
- Hannah Town
- Harbor View
- Mountain View
- Olympic Gardens
- payneland
- portmore
- Tivoli Gardens
- Trench Town
- WestKingston
- Whitfield Town
For a more complete list, I recommend that you consult the list on the Canadian government site: Travel advice for Jamaica.
Map of Kingston neighborhoods in Jamaica
To better identify neighborhoods to avoid in Kingston, here is a map that you can enlarge to locate them:
Dangerous areas in Montego Bay
Montego Bay, located on the North coast of Jamaica, is very popular with tourists. Indeed, not only are there magnificent beaches (Doctor's Cave Beach or Walter Fletcher Beach) but also cruise ships stop there. Many seaside resorts, shopping centers, golf courses and amusement parks are the main assets of Montego Bay.
However, be careful to avoid the following areas:
Where to stay in Jamaica?
Among safest areas in jamaica, I recommend it negril beach resort at the western tip of the island.
Negril for the best beaches in Jamaica
This area is very attractive to tourists as it is famous for its white sand beaches, shallow bays and turquoise water.
The most beautiful beach in Jamaica is the Seven Mile Beach where I recommend you choose your hotel. Indeed, it is a heavenly place, lively (shops, bars, restaurants), and it is a good spot for scuba diving or snorkeling.
Which hotel in Negril?
Many hotels offer all-inclusive stays at very attractive prices, but the one I recommend is the TOP: Sandals Negril Beach
See also: most beautiful beaches of Martinique ou Where to go in Guadeloupe ?