Caribbean Travel Safety Guide: State Department Advisories

The US State Department has issued travel advisories for Caribbean destinations, warning travelers about crime, unrest, health risks, and natural disasters. As of January 5, Venezuela and Haiti are the only Caribbean nations listed as Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Recent events, including the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, have led to heightened security measures and airspace restrictions causing travel delays. The advisory system categorizes destinations into four levels:

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
• Level 2: Exercise increased caution
• Level 3: Reconsider travel
• Level 4: Do not travel

Travelers are advised to verify the specific conditions of their intended destination, as safety levels and resources vary significantly across the region.

The US State Department uses four levels of travel guidance to share with travelers what to expect in each country. These advisories are designed to help Americans make informed decisions about their safety.

The four levels are defined as follows:

• Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - The risk is low, and travelers should follow standard procedures.
• Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security.
• Level 3: Reconsider Travel - Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security.
• Level 4: Do Not Travel - The highest level of risk; travelers should not go to these destinations.

As of January 5, 22 countries around the world are designated "do not travel," mostly because of ongoing armed conflicts. In the Caribbean, only Haiti and Venezuela currently hold the Level 4 advisory.

Several Caribbean destinations are rated Level 1, indicating low risk. However, travelers should still exercise standard precautions.

Anguilla

The British territory of Anguilla is one of the lesser-known Caribbean islands. While there are no specific alerts, the State Department advises travelers to exercise caution when driving due to poor road conditions. Medical facilities on the island fall below US standards.

Antigua and Barbuda

There are no alerts set for this popular cruise-ship destination. However, travelers are advised to be "extremely careful when driving, riding in a vehicle, or crossing roads." Medical facilities do not meet US standards, and divers facing decompression illness need evacuation as there is no hyperbaric chamber.

LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware that local "indecency statutes" criminalize "consensual same-sex sexual activity between adult men" with a maximum sentence of up to 15 years. Mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are prevalent.

Aruba

This Dutch island has no specific alerts, but access to quality medical care is limited. Divers need medical evacuation for decompression sickness. Mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent, and theft is the main offense committed against tourists.

Other Level 1 Destinations

• Barbados: Warns of "crimes of opportunity" and notes that consensual same-sex relations are criminalized, though rarely enforced.
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba: Low-crime areas, but roads can be slippery and medical care is limited.
• British Virgin Islands: Speeding and reckless driving are common.
• Cayman Islands: Low criminal activity, but Zika and Dengue are prevalent.
• Curaçao: Nonviolent crimes of opportunity are common.
• Dominica: Consensual same-sex conduct is illegal.
• El Salvador: Recently lowered to Level 1, though the crime threat level remains high.
• French West Indies: Petty street crime occurs.
• Grenada: Consensual same-sex activity between men is criminalized.
• Montserrat: Petty and violent crimes occur occasionally.
• Saint Kitts and Nevis: Petty theft and break-ins occur.
• Saint Lucia: Medical facilities do not meet US standards.
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Vulnerable to natural disasters and volcanic eruptions.
• Sint Maarten: Warns against the "jet blast" at Maho Beach.

Destinations at Level 2 and Level 3 require travelers to be more vigilant regarding safety and security risks.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

The Bahamas: Violent crimes like armed robberies and sexual assaults can "occur anywhere in the Bahamas." The majority of crime occurs in New Providence and Grand Bahama. US government employees are prohibited from using Jet Skis rented from independent operators.

Belize: Violent crime is common, even during the day and in tourist areas. Belize City has a Level 3 advisory. The agency discourages driving at night due to poor road conditions.

Cuba: Petty crime is common, and violent crime is on the rise. US law prohibits tourist travel to Cuba unless complying with OFAC licensing requirements. Internet and phone communication have no expectation of privacy.

Dominican Republic: Violent crime includes armed robbery and sexual assault. The country has the highest road-crash-related mortality rate in the world. Tap water is not safe to drink.

Mexico: Terrorist activity and violent crime are concerns. States like Colima, Guerrero, and Tamaulipas are Level 4. Travelers should avoid hailing taxis on the street.

Turks and Caicos Islands: Crime is prevalent, particularly on Providenciales. Medical care for serious injuries often requires air evacuation.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Colombia: Warns of crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. The border with Venezuela is Level 4. Travelers are advised against hailing taxis on the street.

Costa Rica: Widespread petty and violent crime exists. The agency warns of dangerous rip currents and a lack of lifeguards.

Guatemala: Widespread violent crime and gang activity are present. Some areas are Level 4.

Honduras: Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. The easternmost department, Gracias a Dios, is Level 4.

Jamaica: Widespread violent crime occurs, even inside gated resorts. Some neighborhoods are Level 4 due to gang violence. The country has one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere.

Nicaragua: Risk of wrongful detention and civil unrest. The government monitors digital activity.

Trinidad and Tobago: Violent crime, terrorism, and kidnapping are risks. Tourists are vulnerable to pickpocketing and armed assault.

The State Department advises all US citizens to avoid these destinations entirely due to extreme risks.

Venezuela

Conditions in Venezuela have come under renewed scrutiny following the January 3, 2026, US raid that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This operation increased uncertainty and led to airspace restrictions disrupting commercial flights.

The advisory warns of wrongful detention, kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and extremely poor health infrastructure. The US Embassy in Caracas has been suspended since 2019. "Security forces have arbitrarily detained US citizens for up to five years without respect for due process," the State Department stated.

Violent crime is pervasive, and shortages of gasoline, electricity, food, and medicine are widespread. Those who travel despite the advisory are advised to prepare a will and hire professional security.

Haiti

The State Department warns of extreme crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, and a total collapse of public security. US airlines are not operating commercial flights to Haiti. Kidnapping is widespread and often violent. Stray bullets present a significant threat to visitors. Medical facilities lack basic supplies, and emergency response is nearly nonexistent.