US State Department Issues New Travel Advisory For Popular Caribbean Island

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The U.S. State Department raised the risk level for a unique Caribbean island that has been growing in popularity lately. The update specifically adds a “crime” risk indicator and refreshes the advisory summary.

The advisory isn’t a strict “don’t go” warning, but there are a few things the State Department wants travelers to be aware of that we’ll dig into more below.

But first, I’ll add some personal context here, because I’ve got a pretty unique relationship with this particular destination: I’ve lived on the island twice—six months at a time, each time.

We even recently highlighted this island for safety, so the advisory comes as a bit of a surprise.

As a 2-time resident of The Isle of Spice, seeing a security update for Grenada cross my news desk made me think back to when we called the island home.

First, we lived right on Morne Rouge Beach (aka BBC Beach), and later in L’Anse aux Épines, near Spice Affair (the BEST Indian restaurant on planet earth, you can’t change my mind) and the brewery (West Indies Beer Company).

In my experience, Grenada felt quite safe day-to-day, and I never personally ran into anything that made me feel in danger. I would take this new Level 2 designation with a grain of salt.

That said, travel advisories exist for a reason, and it’s smart to take them seriously, without turning them into a horror movie trailer.

What The New Advisory Actually Says

Grenada is now considered a Level 2 destination, and the advisory’s core message is simple: exercise increased caution due to crime.

In the updated summary, the State Department notes that violent crime can occur anywhere in Grenada, and cites incidents affecting American citizens, including armed robbery, assault, burglary, and more.

It also notes that, in some cases, Americans have been killed, and that police response times may be slower than what travelers expect in the U.S.

Those are heavy lines to read—especially about a place many people associate with calm beaches, rainforest hikes, and world-class scuba diving (it’s where we learned to dive and still my favorite place on earth for it!)

But it’s also important to remember: the State Department’s advisories tend to be written for maximum clarity and caution, and they’re not the same thing as a “this is happening to every traveler” statement.

What Level 2 Means For Your Trip

Level 2 doesn’t mean you should cancel. It means you should travel like you have common sense—and not “vacation brain.”

If you’re the type of traveler who already:

• doesn’t flash cash,
• keeps valuables locked up,
• avoids lonely streets late at night,
• and doesn’t get wildly intoxicated in unfamiliar places…

…then you’re already living in “Level 2 mode,” whether you’re in the Caribbean, Europe, or your own hometown.

If you want a quick way to check advisory levels for anywhere you’re considering (or to compare Grenada with nearby islands), you can use our Travel Advisory Checker tool.

Practical Safety Tips (That Don’t Ruin The Vibe)

The State Department’s advice is refreshingly specific, and it aligns with what I’d recommend for Grenada anyway:

• Don’t physically resist in a robbery attempt.
• Use caution at night when walking or driving (remember it’s on the left here!).
• Keep a low profile and stay aware of your surroundings.
• Don’t open your hotel/residence door unless you know who it is.

A few “real life” add-ons from me:

• Stick to well-reviewed transportation. If you’re using taxis, ask your hotel to call one, or use a trusted local contact when possible. Uber doesn’t exist here, but I have heard good things about Haylup (never used it myself as I rented a car when I lived there).
• Be extra aware in busy arrival zones. Cruise passengers in particular can stand out as “fresh off the ship,” which can attract opportunists anywhere in the world. Keep phones and wallets secured, especially in crowded areas. I didn’t spend a ton of time in town (where cruises will drop you), but I can definitely see how a few thousand people pouring in could bring out opportunists.
• Remember that Grenada’s beaches are public. This is one of the things I genuinely love about the island—it feels open and real, not gated-off. But it also means you shouldn’t assume “because I’m at a resort beach, I’m automatically in a bubble.” Be mindful with your belongings if you’re posted up on the sand.

Why Grenada Still Belongs On Your Shortlist

Here’s the part I don’t want to get lost: Grenada is beautiful—and it’s still one of the most underrated Caribbean getaways out there. I absolutely loved my time there and would visit again in a heartbeat.

You’ve got:

• incredible diving (including the famous underwater sculpture park). We always dove with Dive Grenada and had a fantastic experience every time. (Over 50 dives).
• lush interior hikes and waterfalls
• friendly communities
• and beaches that are legitimately postcard-level

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: BBC Beach (Morne Rouge) is my personal favorite. It’s the kind of beach that makes you forget what day it is—in a good way. And if you like to snorkel, enter the beach on the right and swim out the the point, you’ll find coral, sponges, and plenty of marine life (the reel below is from the area).

And just a couple of weeks ago, we even highlighted Grenada as a top pick in our coverage of Caribbean travel—so this advisory update doesn’t erase what makes the island special.

It simply means you should be smart about how you move while you’re there.

Two Smart “Do This Before You Go” Moves

1. Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). It’s free, and it helps the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.
2. Consider travel insurance—especially if your trip includes non-refundable stays, diving excursions, or multi-stop flights. (Even a simple delayed-baggage situation can get expensive fast.)

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.