While some cities in Jamaica are famous for their laid-back culture, others have worrying rates of violent crime.
However worthy of a destination it is, Jamaica has had a bad reputation concerning violence, and it records at least 49.4 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants as of 2022.
Crimes against tourists are relatively low despite Jamaica’s violent property crimes.
Unsafe cities of Jamaica are usually under military occupation.
This ensures safety for both the locals and tourists.
Safety in Jamaica shouldn’t be a problem if you know the proper cities to visit and stick to the universal safety tips.
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10 Safest Cities in Jamaica
Jamaica, the third-largest island in the Caribbean, features great architecture, cuisines, beaches, and culture.
The country has hospitable locals that make it more of a gem.
However, there are cities you should consider if you want to be safe in Jamaica.
Negril
Located on the Western tip of Jamaica is Negril city.
Negril is one of Jamaica’s safest cities and a top choice to live in.
This city has sandy beaches and beautiful lagoons, which are tourist attractions.
Negril is a safe city.
This city does not have criminals that target visitors.
Hotels in Negril have security systems, and residents are prohibited from wandering without practical reasons.
The beach walks in Negril are safe, and drugs sale is not typical.
Travelers, however, should note that taking precautions is necessary when traveling during the night.
Ocho Rios
Like Negril, crime rates are relatively low in Ocho Rios.
There have been rare cases of people being violently attacked in Ocho Rios.
The primary safety concern in this city is the prohibition of drugs.
You will face a long term in jail if you are caught possessing drugs in Ocho Rios.
In Ocho Rios, fighting among members, murders, and shootings are rare occasions.
Locals have significantly contributed to making this city safe because they understand it is a tourist town.
Most resorts in Ocho Rios provide safe accommodations.
Armed robberies are rare in resorts.
Port Antonio
For most of Port Antonio, peace is prevalent as crimes are not particularly frequent.
This town is safe for anyone living in it.
Be it a resident or a visitor.
Port Antonio should be the perfect destination for people concerned about their safety.
.Minor petty theft crimes may occur occasionally, but physical harm is unheard of in Port Antonio.
Although drugs are prevalent in Port Antonio, non-residents are advised to avoid using illegal drugs.
Avoiding walking at night is another way to stay safe in this city.
Portmore
Portmore is a coastal city that sits in the southern part of Jamaica.
This city is well developed due to its growing population.
Whether you visit Portmore on a tourist basis or are there for business, you are unlikely to encounter violent crimes.
As much as pickpockets are rare, keeping your valuable safely, especially in public, is crucial.
In Portmore, taxis are licensed to ensure one gets to their destination safely.
There has been no recent history of armed robbers attacks in Portmore.
Therefore, violent property crimes are relatively low.
Mandeville
Mandeville is considered a safe city to live in.
Property crimes such as vandalism and theft are moderate.
In recent years, the rates of violent crimes in Mandeville have fallen.
It is very safe to walk around in Mandeville as the danger of being attacked is very low.
Therefore, visitors can always feel safe throughout their stay.
Gender-based attacks in this city are close to zero. Women can travel alone.
Based on the opinions and reports of tourists, Mandeville is a safe city for everyone.
Runway Bay
According to TripAdvisor, Runway Bay is among the safest cities in Jamaica.
This beautiful city is located 16kms west of Ocho Rios and has beaches and hotel resort complexes.
Everyone should feel safe in Runway bay as this city has fewer property crimes.
However, you may come across some unsavory characters whom you should avoid by all means.
Visitors should not get entangled in the local businesses.
Runway Bay gives such a safe, friendly, and gorgeous atmosphere that favors tourism.
Locals in this city have mastered the art of putting safety first; hence the crime rates are minimal.
Treasure Beach
Many people travel to have fun and familiarize themselves with new parts of the world.
On top of all that, safety is the priority when traveling.
Treasure beach is one safe city in Jamaica.
The locals in this city are mostly fishermen and farmers.
This city is very peaceful, and you can enjoy your time without worrying about violent property crimes.
Due to the locals’ occupations, nightclubs are not standard in this city.
You can safely walk around in the evenings.
It is always advisable to keep your valuables safe while you are in crowded areas.
Lucea
Lucea is a breathtaking tourist attraction area.
It is not common for attacks to occur in this city.
As far as no particular violent crimes occur in Lucea, everybody should take the necessary safety precautions while around.
Lately, there have been rare cases of inappropriate behaviors like confrontations and attacks due to skin color.
Locals are still learning about safety standards and respecting valuable traditions; hence it is helping improve the safety of Lucea.
Drug use is highly prohibited in Lucea, and any crimes associated with drug use are highly punishable.
It is good to keep safe while walking around this city.
Falmouth
Falmouth is a small city that has vibrancy and life.
This small city is exciting, and it has a good history.
Locals in this area are hospitable and will always be more than willing to share the area’s history.
Regarding safety, travelers rated this city as safe or unsafe based on their experiences.
Many people earn a living by selling their crafts in the streets, which makes this city moderately safe.
Feeling unsafe in Falmouth may be a subjective thing.
Once you take all the necessary precautions, Falmouth is safe.
Trelawny
While property crimes remain a significant issue across Jamaica, Trelawny city has managed to maintain order within its boundaries.
The government in Trewlany has stepped in to enhance the safety of this city by assigning special police to patrol and punish lawbreakers.
Trelawny is yet to become a primary tourist attraction site.
This city has a vibrant nightlife.
It is up to you to take precautions while in more populated areas.
5 Safety Tips for Travelling to Jamaica
Recent years have increased the number of crimes and robberies in Jamaica.
Alternatively, the rate of crimes in Jamaica can be manageable if travelers consider the following safety tips.
Avoid Solo Travels
Some cities in Jamaica are not safe due to crimes like sexual harassment and sexual advances toward women.
Women can therefore vouch for their safety by:
- Avoiding walking at night all alone
- Dressing modestly while out
- Drinking alcohol in moderation and avoiding drinks from strangers
- Politely ignoring men who catcall them.
Keep Your Valuables Safe
Whenever you bring your valuable items in public, keep them out of public view.
Someone might notice you and plan for a burglary later on.
Expensive jewelry might make someone mark you as ‘rich.’
Keep your valuable items like irreplaceable family objects, essential cards, and money locked up in your hotel room’s safe.
Do Not Entertain Strangers
If you want to be safe at all times, keep away from strangers.
You should politely decline strangers’ offers like trips.
Always get a competent guide from your hotel’s referrals.
Accepting submissions from strangers might lead you to take them where you live, and they might rob you.
Drink Responsibly
Once you go out to new areas, do not get too drunk or too high.
Uncontrolled drinking leads to some irresponsible behaviors that you can always avoid.
Drink responsibly if you are out with people who are well known to you or if you are within your hotel premises.
When carrying out some important transactions, always deal with authorized agents.
Some of these transactions may include exchanging money.
Also, use licensed taxis only.
Jamaica Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Jamaica Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the most unsafe cities in Jamaica?
The unsafe Jamaican cities that you may want to avoid are:
- Kingston
- Montego Bay
- Spanish Town
The above cities are known for violent crimes, theft, sexual assault, gun crime, and gang wars.
How unsafe is Jamaica?
Jamaica is one of the most violent islands in the Caribbean.
The homicide rate in Jamaica from 2014 to 2021 stands at 49.9 homicides per 1,00,000 inhabitants.
This has been the highest recorded homicide rate in the Caribbean within that time frame.
Should people avoid visiting Jamaica due to the alarming crime rates?
No.
It is not all areas of Jamaica that have shared property attacks.
As long as you visit the safe zones and follow all the necessary safety precautions, it would be best if you worried less about crimes.
I’m born in Britain, with a Jamaican parent who looked after me all their life. Greatly, they intro’d me to Jamaica as a child and it’s been the best thing they did for me and the best thing to date that I recall with great love. I visit every so often finances permitting.
Yes, this report is true …. in part… Montego Bay is a safe city within the built-up areas. Mandeville being nicknamed Little England due to mostly Brits in the city so I feel at home there. But you CAN travel around the island as long as you don’t draw attention to yourself in a flash car or clothes or items. Same as in every city I’ve visited in the UK. Jamaica gets a really bad and wrong rap. I feel safer in Jamaica than I do in UK.
You wouldn’t be wrong there, the stabbings are beyond a joke now, in many cities in the uk. M
We are thinking of visiting Jamaica in December 23 . Thanks for the tips
White people are safer than black people in Jamaica, that’s a fact. It’s relatively safe to travel around Jamaica but you might get ripped off buying things on the Rd.
I would recommend that there is safety in numbers and try not to venture into lonely areas other than that enjoy.
This doesn’t even make any sense. Most Jamaicans are not harmed on a daily basis. Blacks make up the majority of the population. Tourists in Jamaica are least likely to be harmed regardless of race. Those who are victims of violent crime are often involved in situations that make them victims of crime (this could also happen if tourists get “mix-up.”
I am thinking of going to my Fathers birthplace in Westmorland Highpoint. A town called Blackness where my father lived. Is it safe I am mixed race Italian- Jamaican. Thank you for some advice.