Jamaica Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Jamaica
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated January 17, 2026
Jamaica recorded 49.4 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Jamaica #5 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 14% over the past decade (from 43.2 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Jamaica at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
49.4 /100k
Safety Rank
#191 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 14% over the past decade (from 43.2 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Jamaica Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Jamaica, the homicide rate for men is 11.1× higher than the rate for women — 91.5 vs 8.2 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Jamaica:
The advisory level was decreased to Level 2. There were no changes to the risk indicators. The advisory summary was updated. Exercise Increased Caution due to crime, health, and natural disaster risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory Summary U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to use public buses or drive between cities at night. They are also not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas, as noted below. U.S. citizens in Jamaica should take the same precautions.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Jamaica
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated November 16, 2023).
Crime
Violent crime, including sexual assault, is a serious problem throughout Jamaica, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay. Jamaica’s police force often does not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities. Gated resorts are not immune to violent crime.
Recommendations
Avoid walking or driving at night. Avoid public buses. Avoid secluded places or situations. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter . Review the Crime and Safety Report for Jamaica. U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Jamaica. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Lotteries Romance/Online dating Money transfers The most notorious Jamaican scam is the Lotto Scam, a kind of advance-fee fraud. The victim is led to believe that a Jamaican lottery prize will be released after the payment of “fees.” You did NOT win a lottery. The person on the telephone is lying. Just hang up. Never send money to someone who calls to say you have won the lottery in Jamaica. Do not travel to Jamaica to collect a “prize.” Victims have been killed, kidnapped, extorted, or robbed.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 119 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +1 (876) 702-6000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Sexual Assault
Rape and sexual assault are serious problems throughout Jamaica, including at resorts and hotels. Date rape drugs may be used at private parties and resorts. If you are victim of a sexual assault, contact the police and the U.S. Embassy in Kingston as soon as possible. In a hotel, management should assist you with these communications. Victims of sexual assault in Jamaica should not expect the same assistance routinely offered in the United States. Rape kits are not always available, and victims must often ask for medication to avoid STD transmission and reduce the chances of pregnancy. Counseling is unlikely to be offered. Law enforcement shortcomings exist in collection of evidence. Prosecution of rape cases moves very slowly, and victims may need to return to Jamaica during the legal process.
Recommendations
Avoid secluded places or situations, including at resorts. Try to always be accompanied by someone you know, including when going to the restroom. Security outside of resort areas is unpredictable, especially at night. Do not leave resort property with someone you have just met. Many guests drink heavily in all-inclusive resorts, which can lead to unpredictable behavior and increased vulnerability. Shout for help immediately if you feel threatened or encounter individuals who make you feel uncomfortable. Report any suspicious or inappropriate activity, including inappropriate comments or behavior by hotel employees or other guests, to hotel management, the U.S. Embassy, and local police as appropriate.R esort employees are generally prohibited from engaging in romantic or sexual relations with guests. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Jamaica Population & Demographics
Population of 2,839,175, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jamaica safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Jamaica at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 49.4 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Jamaica?
Jamaica has an intentional homicide rate of 49.4 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #5 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Jamaica?
Jamaica is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Jamaica compare to other countries?
Jamaica's homicide rate of 49.4 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Americas average of 20.8.