Americans looking to travel to the Caribbean are typically interested in the three S’s: sand, sun and safety. But it’s the latter that has people’s attention of late.
One reason for that is the mysterious deaths that have plagued the Dominican Republic of late. While the investigations into those deaths continue, Delta Air Lines is allowing customers to change or cancel their flights there.
Does your favorite vacation spot have a travel advisory?
When it comes to favorite tourist destinations in the Caribbean, Americans have a wide palette. But with the state of the world, it’s always best to cross reference potential vacation spots with safety advice from the U.S. government.
The State Department maintains a list of travel advisories and warnings for countries around the world. There are four levels to be aware of. They are:
- Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
- Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- Level 3: Reconsider travel
- Level 4: Do not travel
Most Caribbean islands only have Level 1 travel advisories at present, but some (including Dominican Republic) are under Level 2 travel advisories. Here’s how they stack up and what, specifically, the government says you should be looking out for if you travel to any of these places.
Caribbean destinations 2019: Level 1 travel advisories
Here are the Level 2 travel advisories and warnings, according to the State Department:
Caribbean destinations 2019: Level 2 travel advisories
Country
Reason For Level 2 Advisory
Date Issued
The Bahamas Travel Advisory
“Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault, occurs even during the day and in tourist areas. Although the family islands are not crime-free, the vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands.”
April 15, 2019
Jamaica Travel Advisory
“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts. Local police lack the resources.”
May 7, 2019
Trinidad and Tobago Travel Advisory
“Exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Do not travel to:
Laventille,Beetham,
Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.” April 9, 2019 Cuba Travel Advisory “Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to attacks targeting U.S. Embassy Havana employees resulting in the drawdown of embassy staff.” April 23, 2019 Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Advisory Especially in Providenciales, “local medical care and criminal investigative capabilities are limited.” February 25, 2019 Dominican Republic Travel Advisory “Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault is a concern throughout” the country.April 15, 2019
A Level 3 travel advisory constitutes a “Reconsider Travel” warning. As for Level 3 travel advisories in the Caribbean, there is only one:
Caribbean destinations 2019: Level 3 travel advisories
Country Reason For Level 3 Advisory Haiti Travel Advisory “Political violence and violent crimes are common in Haiti, including murders, robberies, assaults, vehicle break-ins, and home invasions. Travelers are often targeted, followed, and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport.”Note: As of spring and summer 2019, there are no Level 4 travel advisories in the Caribbean.
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When it comes to travel advisories, conditions can change at any time, so it’s always a good idea to check with the State Department before you travel out of the country.
Here are 3 safety steps when traveling abroad
Here are three safety tips from the State Department:
- Never leave valuables unattended: That goes for any public areas, including the beach, the hotel lobby, hotel rooms, or in rental homes.
- Don’t isolate yourself: Going out on the town? Always stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.
- Always be aware of your surroundings: If you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police to report immediately.
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