One of the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean, Jamaica is beset by crime, much of it violent. Most deadly crime is limited to rival gangs and political groups in Kingston, where some 75% of all major crimes occur, but foreign nationals have been victims, too. That's the main reason for the island's risk rating of 6.

Hurricane Gustav struck a devastating blow in August 2008, leaving massive damage, flooding and numerous deaths in its wake. If you're heading to the island, reconfirm your travel arrangements in advance of departure to make sure needed services are operating normally.

While hundreds of thousands visit the island every year without incident, it is important to use common sense. Remain aware of your surroundings and try to stay in areas with which you or others in your party are familiar.

High-risk Areas

In Kingston, the area west of downtown (Grant's Pen, August Town, Hannah Town, Jones Town, Trench Town, Denham Town and Tivoli Gardens districts), as well as the Mountain View, Waterhouse, Drewsland, Cassava Piece, Rockfort, Harbour View, Windward Road, Spanish Town and Arnett Gardens districts, should be regarded as hazardous. In Montego Bay, avoid Flankers and Mount Salem districts. Poor neighborhoods in or near the major cities are best avoided.

The 1962 constitution provides for a constitutional monarchy with a Westminster-style parliament. Queen Elizabeth II is head of state and is represented by a governor general, an office with mostly ceremonial functions. Executive power is vested in a cabinet, led by the prime minister. The bicameral legislature consists of a House of Representatives elected every five years and a Senate of 21 appointed members--13 nominated on the advice of the prime minister and eight on the advice of the leader of the opposition.

Jamaica has a stable, democratic government. Nevertheless, much of the violence on the island is related to politics. In the build-up to elections in September 2007, several people, including a police officer, were killed and at least five others were injured in three separate incidents. After the polls were postponed for a week to allow cleanup from Hurricane Dean, the Jamaica Labour Party ended the 18-year reign of the People's National Party and halted the short tenure of prime minister Portia Simpson Miller, the first woman to lead Jamaica's government.

Bruce Golding then was sworn in as prime minister. He pledged to tackle crime and corruption, draft a new charter of fundamental rights, and give more independence to Jamaica's central bank. Nevertheless political violence remains a problem--in June 2008, a senior official appointed to clean up corruption in a government-owned utility company was gunned down in a contract killing.

Although the government is using tight monetary and fiscal policies to tackle Jamaica's rampant inflation--17% in 2007--the economic situation remains grim, with a large number of people living below the poverty line. High levels of debt, increased foreign competition and a growing trade deficit as well as increasing food and oil prices present serious challenges. International observers, however, believe that, despite the serious problems the country faces, it has the potential for growth and modernization.

Civil unrest

Political violence rarely is directed at visitors, but travelers should take commonsense precautions, monitor news reports and avoid large demonstrations. Organized and impromptu political demonstrations sometimes occur, with demonstrators constructing roadblocks, particularly along roads leading to the international airport.

Strikes and protests occur occasionally, sometimes sparked by police response to criminal activity. Protests against police killings are common and can become violent.

Avoid large public gatherings and plan routes around any rallies or demonstrations. Government buildings, such as police stations, and businesses with foreign affiliations can provide a focus for anger and should be avoided. Remain alert to your surroundings and maintain a low profile--don't do, say or wear anything that would call undue attention to yourself. If violence breaks out, quickly but calmly move away and seek shelter in a hotel or large public building, such as a museum or library. Traffic and public transport may be disrupted; plan alternate routes you can use if roads are closed or blocked, and allow extra time for any travel in the area. If you encounter a roadblock or barricade erected by either demonstrators or security forces, be patient and avoid provoking a confrontation.

Human-rights abuses

Jamaican police are among the most violent in the world. Human-rights groups such as Amnesty International and Jamaicans for Justice have expressed concern at excessive use of force by the police.

In its 2008 report, AI said that the police were responsible for at least 203 deaths between January and September 2007. Many of these killings were suspected extrajudicial executions. A number of police officers have been charged and tried after unlawful killings, but none has been convicted.

There are continuing reports of brutality and ill treatment, possibly amounting to torture, of individuals in police custody.

Crime is a serious problem. The country has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with nearly 1,600 homicides during 2007 and 833 in the first six months of 2008, in a total population of less than 3 million. Most homicides target the local population, and police believe most are drug-related. However, a British tourist was murdered in March 2008, and a German hotelier was stabbed to death in a tourist district of Kingston in May 2008.

Take greater care at isolated villas and smaller establishments that may have less security. Visitors should not walk outside after dark and should avoid neighborhoods known for high crime rates, as well as public parks. Avoid responding to touts or hagglers, who can become confrontational.

The Jamaican government reportedly has contracted with a British firm to install closed-circuit cameras in high-crime areas.

Petty crime

Crime has been increasing in Montego Bay, and pickpockets and thieves are active at some tourist attractions, such as Dunes River Falls.

Relatives of some visitors have reported being contacted by scammers posing as Jamaican police, medical practitioners or public officials claiming to seek money to help the visitor out of a jam. Alert your family and colleagues not to send money without first trying to contact you to verify such claims.

Hold bags and purses securely or carry them in an inside pocket, making sure the openings are fastened; keep the openings turned toward you and away from any passers-by. Don't carry a bag with a long strap, as such straps are easier for a thief to grab. Don't wear expensive watches or jewelry, and don't display large amounts of cash; take care with electronic equipment. If you're carrying a cell phone, take care to safeguard it, as mobile phones are highly coveted by thieves in many places. Keep car doors and windows closed and locked.

Violent crime

Robberies of travelers sometimes have become violent when the victim resisted handing over valuables. Note that the risk of robbery along the route to and from the international airport increases after dark. Although areas outside Kingston are less prone to major crime, robberies also have been reported on the northern coast, especially on beaches. In May 2008 Prime Minister Bruce Golding ordered additional police patrols and soldiers to curb violent crime in trouble spots across the island; afterward, authorities said murders declined 33% the following month.

There are reports that the incidence of spiking drinks with date-rape drugs, such as Rohypnol, is increasing. Don't leave drinks unattended.

In cities where armed robbery is a problem, keep valuables in hotel safes when available. Avoid displays of affluence, such as wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothing. Keep cell phones and other electronic devices hidden from view. Carry only the cash or credit cards that will be needed on each outing. Avoid deserted, remote or poorly lit areas. If the worst happens and you are accosted, most authorities advise cooperating with the robbers--resisting can provoke a violent response.

Drug-related crime

Jamaica's airstrips, ports and offshore waters offer many opportunities for drug traffickers. The country is a leading trans-shipment point in the Caribbean for cocaine coming from South America and destined for the U.S. and/or Europe. Jamaica is also the largest Caribbean producer and exporter of marijuana, much of it destined for U.S. markets.

The drug trade has played an increasingly important role in Jamaican society. Operations that are sponsored and sanctioned by corrupt elements of the police and government are carried out by gangs. Gang violence frequently affects Kingston's inner-city areas and sometimes has spilled over into more affluent areas. Some inner-city neighborhoods (Grant's Pen, Tivoli, Nannyville, Craig Town, Mountain View, Red Hills) are occasionally subject to curfews and police searches. Incidents of violence, including reprisal attacks, have been reported in inner-city areas of Montego Bay, as well.

Police effectiveness

To enhance security in the major resort areas, the government has taken a number of steps, including assigning special personnel to oversee security for tourists. Tourist police are well intentioned but suffer from lack of resources and supervision.

Local police assistance is available throughout the island, but police response may not always be quick. Corruption is a considerable problem. Jamaica's police chief has said some officers regularly tip off criminals before raids, supply gunmen with ammunition and recruit drug couriers to smuggle narcotics.

Additional information

Marijuana is not legal, despite its prevalence. Visitors to Jamaica's beaches almost inevitably will be offered drugs. While drug use by tourists seems common, a large number of foreign nationals are in Jamaica's jails for drug-related offenses.

Guided tours of favelas (shanty towns) have long been an option for people visiting Rio de Janeiro. However, in May 2008, tour operators were investigated by police for allegedly introducing tourists to armed drug dealers on the tours.

Vary which restaurants you use. Frequenting the same place too often might make you a target for thieves.

Jamaica lies in hurricane and earthquake zones and can be affected by flooding.

Earthquakes

Jamaica is situated on several fault lines and occasionally is rocked by earthquakes.

Floods kill more people than any other weather phenomenon--and most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Do not drive in an area where flooding is expected unless your journey is absolutely necessary. Water on roadways can be deeper than it looks and could cause your vehicle to stall. Do not attempt to drive through water if you are unsure of its depth, especially if the water is flowing rapidly, such as at a flooded bridge approach--as little as 12 in/30 cm of running water can wash away most vehicles. When proceeding through water, drive slowly and steadily to avoid creating a bow wave, and allow oncoming traffic to pass first. Keep the engine revving to prevent water getting into the exhaust and stalling the engine. Note that the air intake on many modern cars is located low down at the front of the engine bay, and it only takes a small quantity of water sucked into the engine to cause serious damage. Any engine may be affected, but turbo-charged and diesel engines are most vulnerable. If your car stalls, immediately abandon it and climb to higher ground. As you move away, watch your footing. Just 6 in/15 cm of fast-moving floodwater can sweep a person off his or her feet. Test your brakes as soon as you can after driving through water.

Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons

Jamaica is vulnerable to hurricanes during the season, June-November. In the event of a hurricane threatening Jamaica, visitors should listen carefully to information given on the national radio and television stations and follow the advice of hosts or hotel management.

Hurricane Dean delivered a hard blow to the island in August 2007. The Category 5 storm was among the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record and left four people dead in Jamaica. Transportation routes, power and telecommunications systems were affected so if you're planning a trip there make sure needed services are operating normally at your destination.

Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons may begin disrupting transportation, especially air travel, days in advance of landfall. Those planning travel to an area a tropical system is approaching should keep in close contact with their airline to monitor flight status. These storms can destroy everything in their path, and a single storm can kill scores of people. Take frequent note of storm advisories to monitor the approach of the storm so that you have plenty of time to evacuate--note that roads may be blocked by flooding, cutting off your escape, long before the storm itself arrives in your area. Contact local emergency services for the nearest evacuation center. Ensure your car is in good working condition and has a full tank of fuel. If you are evacuating, beware of flooding, downed power lines, and ruptured gas pipes. Drive carefully as roads may be filled with debris. Note that snakes and other wildlife may be present on streets and paths. Don't be lulled by the relative calm if the eye of the storm passes over your area--the storm will resume again as the eye moves on.

Animals

Wildlife authorities warn that crocodiles that normally inhabit wetlands and swamps can be displaced by storms and are liable to wander into areas where they might pose a threat to humans.

Don't swim or wade alone, and check the area carefully before getting in the water. Alligators and crocodiles often float with just the top of their heads showing, often resembling small floating logs. Also look for "slides" along the bank--cleared spots in the vegetation where the animals rest and then slide down into the water. Don't let your limbs dangle from a boat or dock. If you see an alligator or crocodile, leave it alone, even if it's very young--mature animals will respond aggressively to a youngster's distress call. Don't disturb eggs or nests. Never feed alligators or crocodiles, and avoid areas where others may have fed them.

Limited public health care is available in Jamaica, and private treatment can be very expensive.

Medical facilities

Public hospitals are located in each parish, but quality medical services are available only in Kingston. Private medical facilities are of a reasonable standard but can vary from place to place.

Emergency care

Emergency medical and ambulance services are not widely available in outlying parishes. A decompression chamber for diving emergencies is available at the Discovery Bay Marine Lab in St. Ann's Parish.

Diseases

Outbreaks of malaria have been reported in the past year as well as a marked increase in the number of cases of dengue fever another mosquito-borne disease that occurs mainly during the rainy season. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue so routine precautions against the disease are particularly important.

HIV/AIDS is prevalent in Jamaica. Visitors should be alert to the dangers of unprotected sex and take care to avoid exposure.

An increase in cases of leptospirosis has been reported recently because of heavy rains and flooding. Avoid contact with fresh water that may be contaminated with waste from rodents and other animals.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Because of narrow, winding and poorly maintained roads, driving in Jamaica can be hazardous. Care should be taken, particularly at night.

Roads damaged by Hurricane Gustav in August 2008 aren't likely to be repaired befor 2010, the government has reported, because the country has neither the money nor the capacity to undertake such major work. Check locally to make sure the route you're planning to take is still open.

Road conditions

Coastal roads are in fair condition, but others are not. Beware of large potholes and wandering livestock. The "B" highways often are highly congested with buses and large trucks, as well as pedestrians, cyclists and loose animals. Signage often is poorly placed or nonexistent. Driving at night is especially dangerous. It's easy to get lost, and help may not be readily available. Roadside assistance is limited, even in urban areas.

The A1, A2 and A3 highways are the primary links between most key cities and tourist destinations on the island.

Flat Bridge in the Bog Walk Gorge (between Spanish Town and Linstead on the A1 main road from Kingston to Ocho Rios) is subject to periodic closure for maintenance work. You should check that the road is open before travel, or use alternative routes through Barry or Sligoville and allow more time for the journey. The road from Kingston to Buff Bay via Newcastle is currently impassable on the stretch after Newcastle, because of deterioration of the road surface.

Public transportation

Visitors should use only licensed taxicabs authorized by the Jamaican United Travelers' Association. Red-and-white "PP" license plates and a lime-green JUTA sticker on the window identify these vehicles. Taxis are not metered, so agree on the fare in advance.

Because of the high incidence of crime, avoid using public buses, particularly at night.

In areas where crime on buses, subways or trains is a problem, stay alert at all times. Use only well-lighted, busy bus and subway stops. Try to sit near the driver or conductor, or in a car that contains several other passengers. Keep a good grip on your bag or purse. If you're carrying a cellular phone, keep it secure. Watch to see who gets off at the same time you do--if it's someone you feel is suspicious, go at once to the nearest public place and ask for help.

In areas where there's crime related to the use of taxis, never hail a cab or accept a ride in a taxi that is unmarked or seems to be cruising for business. Instead, phone a taxi and book it in advance. Check that the taxi that arrives is the one you booked--make the driver say in what name the reservation was made. Don't get in a cab that already contains other passengers. If the cab doesn't have a meter, agree on a fare before getting in. If it does have a meter, make sure the driver has it turned on. If at any time you begin to feel uncomfortable, ask to be let out in a well-lighted area where there are other people around.

Additional information

The Mountain View and Windward Avenue routes to Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport should be avoided because they pass through high-crime neighborhoods. Disputes frequently flare up between rival gangs on either side of the highway. The Hummingbird route is recommended; but even then, try to arrange to travel to the airport during daylight hours.

Tourism facilities are widely available. Many resorts are designed to be protected enclaves, essentially "walling out" the local population.

Operators of water-sports businesses often are poorly trained and their equipment may not be maintained adequately. Activities such as using a personal watercraft may be hazardous, especially in light of the island's relatively poor medical facilities.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.