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Threat assessment · Jamaica
Montego Bay
Our rating, plus the advisories, health notices, emergency numbers and crime data behind it, from official sources checked Oct 20, 2026.
Nepsis threat assessment
Montego Bay
Reviewed Oct 20, 2026. Scored with our published method; never below the State Department level.
Transit and roads and Natural hazards set the level.
Top actions
- Use pre-arranged, reputable transport from MBJ rather than accepting rides at the curb.
- Avoid Flankers, Barrett Town, Glendevon, Rose Heights and Mount Salem, per UK government advice.
- Skip isolated areas and deserted beaches, even in daylight, and check NOAA hurricane updates through November.
Know before you go
In Jamaica, dial 119 for police and 110 for ambulance or fire; hurricane season runs through November.
Official advisories
What governments say right now.
Checked Oct 20, 2026. We link every source so you can read it yourself.
| U.S. State Department | Level 2: Exercise increased caution (updated Jun 22, 2026) Read it → |
|---|---|
| UK Foreign Office (FCDO) | Last updated May 6, 2026. Latest change: New information on incidents of sexual assault in tourist areas and advice on personal safety measures ('Safety and security' page). Read it → |
| CDC health notices | No active CDC travel health notice for this country. CDC travel notices → |
| Emergency numbers | Ambulance: 110 · Fire: 110 · Police: 119 |
| Main airport | MBJ |
Crime and scams
What the UK Foreign Office advises.
Excerpt from UK FCDO travel advice, lightly trimmed for travelers outside the UK. This advice covers all of Jamaica, not only Montego Bay. Full FCDO safety advice →
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Crime and homicide rates are high in Jamaica. Gang violence and shootings mostly occur in inner city areas. Tourist areas are not usually affected by gang-related crime and violence.
Be cautious particularly when travelling in and around
- Kingston
- Spanish Town
- Savanna-la-Mar
- parts of Montego Bay including Flankers, Barrett Town, Glendevon, Rose Heights and Mount Salem
Protecting yourself and your belongings
The motive for most attacks on tourists is robbery. Take extra care in more run-down areas and those less visited by tourists.
Be aware of your surroundings and
- do not walk in isolated areas or deserted beaches, even during the day
- travel with others or go on a tour with a reputable company when possible
- be careful when withdrawing money from ATMs. Do not withdraw a lot of money at one time or use ATMs in badly lit areas. It is generally safer to use ATMs during daylight hours
- avoid using buses at night
- do not display valuables or leave them in your car
- consider removing expensive jewellery
- stay alert and be wary of people who approach you
- avoid walking at night
- be aware that resisting a robbery could lead to a violent response, including the use of weapons, that could result in physical injury
Most hotels and resorts are well guarded, but burglaries can occur. Follow hotel security instructions, use hotel safes for your valuables, including your passport, and lock windows and doors. In residential accommodation ensure that proper locks and window grilles are fitted.
Rape and sexual assault
Although incidents are infrequent, simple habits such as increased awareness and extra precaution can greatly reduce risk:
avoid isolated areas, particularly at night
use reputable, licenced providers for services and excursions, including taxis. Carry out your own research and consult resort staff/your tour operator.
do not disclose personal information, accommodat
What this page is
Built on official data.
Our rating above is built on the official government and police data on this page, checked Oct 20, 2026. It does not replace your government's advisory. Planning a trip here? A Nepsis kit turns it into an arrival plan you can carry. See the kits.