Can I still go to Jamaica even while there's a travel advisory? Smart travel tips from experts
After new travel warnings were been issued for popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean, many travelers are asking what the change could mean for their plans.
What do travel warnings mean? And what could happen if I decide to go anyway?
Here's everything we know.
Safest Caribbean islands: Amid Jamaica travel advisory, here are other tropical destinations
What do the travel advisory levels mean?
Travel advisories are issued by the State Department for every country of the world, ranging from levels 1-4 based on the risks associated with traveling to any given country.
A level three advisory was issued for Jamaica by the U.S. Department of State, and a level two advisory was issued for the Bahamas.
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: There is some risks in any international travel, according to the State Department, and conditions may differ from those in the U.S.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution: Travelers in countries with a level two advisory should be aware of heightened risks to safety and security.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: Travelers should avoid traveling to areas in a level three advisory due to serious risks to safety and security.
Level 4 – Do Not Travel: Countries in a level four advisory pose a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. The U.S. government may have limited ability to assist in emergencies, so the State Department advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so.
More: Jamaica under US travel advisory. These are the other countries considered dangerous
Countries with a Level 4 'Reconsider Travel' rating
These are the countries that have the level 4 "Do Not Travel" rating:
Burma (Myanmar)
Iran
Yemen
Afghanistan
Iraq
Russia
South Sudan
Somalia
Mali
Central African Republic
Burkina Faso
Haiti
Belarus
North Korea
Venezuela
Syria
Libya
Ukraine
Sudan
Countries with a Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' rating
These are the countries that have a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" rating:
Lebanon
Saudi Arabia
Jamaica
Papua New Guinea
Nicaragua
Niger
Colombia
Uganda
Guinea
Nigeria
Mauritania
Guinea-Bissau
Ethiopia
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Chad
Burundi
Trinidad and Tobago
Honduras
Guyana
Guatemala
El Salvador
Egypt
Macau
Pakistan
Can I still go to Jamaica and be safe?
While the State Department advises potential travelers to reconsider their vacation to Jamaica, the agency provides a list of tips to be safe in the country:
Don't attempt to bring firearms or ammunition, including stray rounds, shells or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.
Avoid walking or driving at night.
Avoid public buses.
Avoid secluded places or situations.
Don't physically resist any robbery attempt.
Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Review the Country Security Report for Jamaica.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control's page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Can I get my money back?
If you decide to go to Jamaica, the State Department advises people to obtain traveler's insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before going to the country, as many health care providers overseas won’t accept U.S. health insurance, and neither Medicare nor Medicaid benefits apply abroad.
Travel medical insurance can cover the cost of medical care, hospitalization, imaging, lab work and prescription medication if you get sick while traveling.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Should I travel to Jamaica even in a travel advisory? What to consider
