The U.S. State Department notes that shootings are common in Kingston and Montego Bay and warns embassy employees and private Americans to avoid traveling in high-threat areas, including Tivoli Gardens, Mountain View, Trench Town, Cassava Piece, Norwood, Canterbury and Flankers.
Armed robberies of Americans have turned violent when victims have refused to hand over valuables. Crimes in Jamaica are exacerbated by the fact that police are understaffed and ineffective, according to the State Department. Tourists are advised to keep a watch on surroundings, keep car windows up and doors locked, and avoid walking alone. Women are advised to keep their handbags zipped and close to their body and men to carry wallets in their front pocket and to handle large amounts of cash discreetly. The U.S. Department of State indicates that Americans have reported being robbed in their hotel rooms while sleeping, so the agency cautions about staying at isolated villas or smaller establishments which likely have fewer security measures.
The U.S. Department of State indicated that sexual assaults have been reported against American citizens and at tourist resorts and so advises that Americans travel in groups. Avoid secluded areas and call out for help if you feel threatened or encounter individuals who make you feel uncomfortable, the agency advises.
The U.S. Department of State warns that taxi drivers, street vendors and beggars may aggressively confront or harass tourists to buy their goods or employ their services--if they do not respond to your "No," contact a tourist police officer. In addition, homosexuals in Jamaica have been targeted with harassment, threats and acts of violence, according to Jamaica's tourism website.
Possession or illicit drug use is illegal in Jamaica. The U.S. Department of State advises Americans to avoid buying, selling or using illicit drugs as it has led to arrests and incarcerations in Jamaica. The agency reports that anecdotal evidence of the use of date-rape drugs at nightclubs and private parties became more common in 2009.
The U.S. Department of State has noted that relatives of U.S. citizens visiting Jamaica and U.S. citizens who are prisoners in Jamaica have received phone calls from individuals claiming to be authority officials, Jamaican police officers or medical professionals, claiming that the visitor or prisoner is in trouble and needs financial help. The caller will usually request money be sent by wire transfer to the caller himself or a third party; U.S. citizens who receive these calls should never send money. The State Department reports that the caller may threaten individuals if they do not send the money as requested.
The State. Department also warns about the "damsel in distress" technique where a person met over the Internet pretends to experience a series of troubling situations requiring money with the promise of a reward at a later date, such as meeting in person.
The State Department advises that transactions involving counterfeit and pirated goods could be illegal under local law, in addition to forfeitures and/or fines that may be incurred by bringing these items back to the U.S.
