The short answer: most visits to Jamaica are trouble-free, and violent crime rarely affects tourist areas. Jamaica does have high crime rates, so take the same care you would in any big city: use licensed transport, don’t flash valuables, and avoid walking alone at night.
Getting around safely
- Use taxis approved by the Jamaica Tourist Board. Hotel drivers usually carry photo ID and a blue JTB sticker.
- From Kingston airport, drivers usually take the South Camp Road route into the city. Ask your driver.
- If you don’t know Kingston, don’t drive yourself there.
- Avoid minibuses and buses at night.
Money and valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls, in daylight, and take out only what you need.
- Keep phones and jewellery out of sight on the street.
- If someone tries to rob you, don’t resist. Hand it over.
Areas to take extra care
- Some inner-city neighbourhoods in Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay have gang crime. Visitors rarely have reason to go there.
- Don’t walk on isolated or empty beaches, even in the day.
- Ask your host which areas to avoid locally.
Meeting people
- Most Jamaicans are warm and welcoming. Still, don’t share your room number or plans with people you’ve just met.
- Be careful with dating apps. Meet in busy public places and tell someone where you are.
Good to know
- LGBTQ+ travellers: Jamaican law and attitudes can be hostile. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.
- States of emergency: police can be given extra powers in certain areas, sometimes with curfews. Tourists are rarely affected, but follow local news.
- Ganja: small amounts are decriminalised, but smoking in public is illegal and taking it out of the country is a serious offence.
- Emergencies: dial 119 for police, 110 for fire and ambulance.
Before you go
Read your own government’s current travel advice. For Norwegians, that is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ travel information at regjeringen.no. The UK Foreign Office advice is also detailed and current.
Last checked: 3 November 2026. Source: UK Foreign Office: Jamaica safety and security, updated 6 May 2026.