The Latest Travel Advisories for Top Caribbean Destinations

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Image: Marigot Bay in Saint Lucia. (Photo Credit: Wildroze/E+)

The peak summer travel period is in full swing and many will take their hard-earned getaway in the sunny Caribbean.

But like any region of the world, visitors should know before they go when it comes to the latest travel advisories from the U.S. State Department.

Aruba – Level 1
Aruba calls itself “one happy island” and that’s reflected in its Level 1 travel advisory from the State Department, which advises Americans to exercise normal precautions in the Dutch Caribbean destination this summer.

The Bahamas – Level 2
Travelers should exercise increased caution in the Bahamas due to crime. Officials offer tips for staying safe, including being “vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence” and never swimming alone, among others.

British Virgin Islands – Level 1
Visitors to the British Virgin Islands and its lovely beaches such as Loblolly Bay can exercise normal precautions this summer, according to the latest Level 1 travel advisory issued by the State Department.

Cayman Islands – Level 1
Another British overseas territory, the Cayman Islands is among the many Caribbean destinations to receive a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department this summer. That means visitors can exercise normal precautions in these western Caribbean islands.

Dominican Republic – Level 2
Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime as of June 6. “The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo,” officials state.

Grenada – Level 1
Summer vacationers can visit Grenada with peace of mind as the State Department continues to advise travelers to exercise normal precautions on the Spice Island.

Jamaica – Level 3
The State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica in May, encouraging Americans to reconsider travel to the island due to crime. Officials list several areas that visitors should avoid but most tourist hotspots such as Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios are left out as these resort areas tend to be much safer and more secure.

Puerto Rico – Low Risk
Puerto Rico doesn’t receive a State Department travel advisory as its a U.S. territory but, according to the Canadian government, the island is a low-risk destination where visitors can take normal security precautions.

Saint Lucia – Level 1
Whether exploring the majestic Pitons or kicking back in Marigot Bay, travelers to Saint Lucia can visit with confidence as the eastern Caribbean island nation receives a Level 1 travel advisory as of October 2022.

Turks and Caicos – Level 2
Travelers are encouraged to exercise increased caution in Turks and Caicos due to crime. “The vast majority of crime occurs in Providenciales,” the State Department points out. “Local medical care and criminal investigative capabilities are limited.”

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