Montego Bay, Jamaica. Image: AFP Relaxnews
The United States Department of State has launched new updates to its travel advisories and alerts, allowing American travelers to look up country-specific information before booking their flight or hotel.
Along with general travel alerts posted on the homepage, U.S. travelers can now look up information about health, security and natural disaster-related risks for the destination that interests them on a single country page.
For example, Jamaica-bound travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution to the island due to crime and are discouraged to travel to areas in Kingston and Montego Bay, two tourism hotspots.
“Violent crime, such as home invasions, armed robberies, and homicide, is common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, even at all-inclusive resorts. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”
Jamaica is listed as Level 2 (there are four levels): “Exercise increased caution.”
Travelers are advised to avoid walking or driving at night, secluded places and public buses.
A search for France also shows that travelers are advised to exercise increased caution due to the ongoing threat of terrorism.
“Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.”
The color-coded travel advisory system also offers information about entry/exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, transportation and other relevant topics. JB
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