Canada Issues a Travel Advisory for Jamaica

The Canadian government last week issued a travel warning for citizens visiting Jamaica, due to an increased threat of violent crime. The advisory was posted in response to the Jamaican government declaring a state of emergency in several regions around the country.

An advisory was issued for Clarendon parish and St Catherine parish until Oct. 19, 2019; St James parish (including Montego Bay), Hanover parish, and Westmoreland parish (including Negril) until Oct. 28, 2019; and St Andrew parish (including areas of Kingston) until Jan. 4, 2020.

During these periods, Jamaican security forces have been given increased rights to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest. Curfews may also be imposed without notice, according to the government of Canada.

Those traveling in or around the affected areas are advised to exercise a high degree of caution.