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Crime in Jamaica Leads US Government to Elevate Travel Warning

March 11, 2019
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2 min read
Jamaican flag and turquoise sea on sunny day
Crime in Jamaica Leads US Government to Elevate Travel Warning
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The US government has issued a new warning for travel to Jamaica, officially making its travel advisory rating a level two "exercise increased caution" out of a potential four levels.

The State Department attributes this rating to the frequent incidents of violent crime throughout the island nation, such as home invasions, armed robberies, homicide and sexual assault, which occurs frequently, even at all-inclusive resorts. The advisory also states that the Jamaican police force doesn't have the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, contributing to a more dangerous situation.

Cities highlighted in the advisory include Kingston, Montego Bay and Spanish Town. For Kingston, US officials strongly suggest avoiding Cassava Piece, Downtown Kingston — specifically between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road as well as south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads —Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, Arnett Gardens, Grants Pen and Standpipe. For Montego Bay, the advisory lists Canterbury, Clavers Street, Flankers, Hart Street, Norwood and Rose Heights.

Aside from avoiding certain areas, the State Department suggests travelers exercise certain cautious behavior as well. When in Jamaica, travelers should avoid walking or driving at night, avoid taking public buses and being in secluded areas (including in resorts).

We also always suggest following the State Department on social media and enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and help share your location in case of an emergency. US citizens should also review the State Department's Traveler’s Checklist prior to their trip.

Featured image by Getty Images/500px

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.