Whereas the Caribbean stays a primary vacation spot for world vacationers, sure islands within the area pose heightened dangers because of crime and different security issues.
In 2025, 5 islands stand out for his or her potential risks, as indicated by U.S. travel advisories and up to date incidents.
Right here’s a more in-depth have a look at these locations, their particular dangers, and the areas most affected.
5. Cuba
Present U.S. Journey Advisory: Stage 2 – Train Elevated Warning
As of November 22, 2024, the U.S. Division of State has issued a Stage 2 journey advisory for Cuba, advising vacationers to train elevated warning because of crime. Vacationers are inclined to petty crimes corresponding to pickpocketing, purse snatching, and automotive break-ins. Incidents of violent crime, together with armed theft and murder, have additionally been reported.
Whereas the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. personnel was lifted on November 21, 2024, following Hurricane Rafael’s aftermath, journey exterior Havana for U.S. Embassy workers requires particular notification, probably limiting emergency help capabilities for U.S. residents. Vacationers are suggested to stay vigilant, keep away from displaying indicators of wealth.
Moreover, U.S. credit score and debit playing cards don’t operate in Cuba; guests ought to convey adequate money and change it for Cuban Pesos (CUP) at approved establishments.
4. The Bahamas
Present U.S. Journey Advisory: Stage 2 – Train Elevated Warning
The Bahamas is a popular vacation spot, however its crime charges warrant warning. The capital, Nassau, sees probably the most incidents, with violent crimes corresponding to armed theft, sexual assault, and residential invasions incessantly reported.
In line with information from early 2024, the nation recorded a startling 128 murders, many linked to gang violence and drug trafficking. Vacationers are suggested to keep away from “Over-the-Hill” neighborhoods and be vigilant even in tourist-heavy areas like Cable Seashore.
3. Jamaica
Present U.S. Journey Advisory: Stage 2 – Rethink Journey
Jamaica stays a preferred vacation spot regardless of its enduring challenges with crime. Final 12 months, the U.S. authorities issued a number of advisories highlighting dangers, significantly in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Spanish City, the place gang-related violence, shootings, and carjackings are prevalent.
Vacationers staying at resorts are usually safer, however venturing exterior gated communities requires further warning. The nation’s incapability to curb crime successfully in 2024 has continued to gasoline security issues in 2025.
Do Not Journey – Particular Areas of Jamaica (Stage 4 Advisory):
U.S. authorities workers are banned from touring to sure high-risk areas in Jamaica, and vacationers are suggested to not go to those areas beneath any circumstances.
Restricted Areas by Parish:
- St. Ann: Steer City, Buckfield (close to Ocho Rios)
- St. Catherine: Spanish City, Central Village, elements of Portmore (Naggo Head, New Land, Outdated Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, Waterford)
- Clarendon: Total parish (besides driving by way of on T1 and A2 highways)
- St. Elizabeth: Winery District (between Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna)
- Hanover: Logwood, Orange Bay
- St. James (Montego Bay): Inland aspect of A1 freeway, Queen’s Drive (San San to Concord Seashore Park)
- Kingston & St. Andrew: Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August City, downtown Kingston (together with Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham City, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench City, Tivoli Gardens)
- Manchester: Inexperienced Vale, Grey Floor (Mandeville)
- St. Thomas: Black Lane (Seaforth), Grands Penn, Church Nook (close to Yallahs), city of Yallahs (besides freeway transit)
- Trelawny: Clarks City
- Westmoreland: Russia group (Savanna-la-Mar SE quadrant), Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, Whitehall, Bethel City, Crimson Floor (Negril)
These areas are thought of too harmful for journey because of crime and security dangers.
2. Trinidad and Tobago
Present U.S. Journey Advisory: Stage 3 – Train Elevated Warning
Trinidad and Tobago’s crime points are significantly concentrated in Trinidad, with hotspots together with Port of Spain, Laventille, and St. James. Violent crimes corresponding to homicide, theft, and kidnappings are the first issues, with many linked to gang actions and narcotics.
Trinidad and Tobago – Rethink Journey Advisory (Updated April 13, 2025):
Vacationers are urged to rethink journey because of excessive ranges of violent crime, together with dangers of terrorism and kidnapping. Crimes embrace homicide, theft, assault, sexual assault, house invasion, and kidnapping, a lot of it linked to gangs and drug trafficking.
Restricted for U.S. authorities workers:
- Anytime: Laventille, southern Charlotte Avenue, Piccadilly Avenue, Besson Avenue, Beetham, Sea Heaps, Cocorite, and inside Queens’ Park Savannah.
- At night time: Downtown Port of Spain, Fort George overlook, and all seashores.
👉 The nation faces critical security dangers, particularly in and round Port of Spain.
1. Haiti
Present U.S. Journey Advisory: Stage 4 – Do Not Journey
Haiti continues to grapple with extreme political instability, gang violence, and pure disasters. Kidnappings have surged alarmingly, with armed gangs concentrating on each locals and overseas nationals in Port-au-Prince and different city areas. Violent protests, frequent roadblocks, and restricted entry to emergency providers exacerbate the state of affairs. The U.S. authorities strongly advises in opposition to all non-essential journey to Haiti because of these pervasive dangers.
Security Journey Suggestions for 2025
Whereas these islands pose vital dangers, correct precautions can decrease risks. Vacationers ought to:
- Keep knowledgeable by way of up to date U.S. journey advisories.
- Keep away from high-crime areas, particularly after darkish.
- Use respected transportation providers.
- Chorus from displaying valuables or giant quantities of money.
The Caribbean stays a charming vacation spot, however understanding potential dangers and exercising prudence is crucial for protected travels in 2025.
