From rising airfare costs to worldwide tensions, travel for Americans is strained this summer.
On July 22, the US State Department issued a worldwide warning to American travelers, citing heightened tensions in the Middle East amid the Iran War and mentioning the potential for unforeseen escalation in other countries.
If you’re planning a Caribbean vacation, you should know how safe your destination and the region are before you board your flight.
For some countries in the region, the State Department has issued travel advisories advising Americans to exercise caution when visiting.
The US State Department uses four levels of travel guidance to share with travelers what to expect in each country:
- Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
- Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- Level 3: Reconsider travel
- Level 4: Do not travel
As of August 3, 23 countries around the world are designated “do not travel,” mostly because of ongoing armed conflicts.
Across the Caribbean — which we have defined broadly to include every country with a Caribbean coast in South, Central, and North America — levels of safety and resources can vary, and travelers should be aware of the specific conditions in the country or territory they intend to visit.
We reviewed travel advisories and information for every Caribbean country. Here’s everything you need to know about your tropical destination before planning your next getaway.
Rebecca Harrington and Michelle Mark contributed to an earlier version of this story.
Anguilla – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
While the US State Department doesn’t have any alerts for British territory, it advises travelers to exercise caution when driving, as roads can be in poor condition.
Additionally, it notes that medical facilities on the island fall below US standards.
Antigua and Barbuda – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts set for the popular cruise-ship destination, but it advises travelers on the country information page to be “extremely careful when driving, riding in a vehicle, or crossing roads.”
It also notes that medical facilities on the island don’t meet US standards, and divers facing decompression illness need to be evacuated from the island as it does not have a hyperbaric chamber.
The agency also says that mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are prevalent on the islands.
Aruba – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts for the Dutch island, but warns that “access to quality medical care is limited” and that, in cases of decompression sickness, divers need medical evacuation from the island, as it does not have a decompression chamber.
Mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are also prevalent on the island, and the CDC recommends the use of “mosquito repellents and insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.”
While crime isn’t a particular concern there, theft is the main offense committed against tourists. The department suggests securing personal property in public areas, hotel rooms, and cars.
The Bahamas – Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The US State Department advises travelers to the island chain to remain cautious, as violent crimes — like armed robberies and sexual assaults — can “occur anywhere in the Bahamas.”
It also notes that a majority of crime occurs on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama, and warns to stay alert in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have been reported to have murdered residents. The agency notes that most crimes occur in Nassau and Freeport.
The department also warns about unsafe, unregulated tourist watercraft, such as boat tours, and the potential of sexual assault by Jet Ski operators. US government employees are prohibited from using Jet Skis and watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.
Beach-focused warnings focus on snorkeling safety, shark attacks, and potential sexual assault near Nassau beaches.
It also advises travelers to be wary of weather alerts and notes that the island’s hurricane season generally runs from June through November.
Barbados – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department lists Barbados at Level 1 but warns that “crimes of opportunity” and violent crimes occur occasionally, advising travelers to use the same personal security measures as in any major US city.
It also notes that travelers should “exercise extra vigilance at night on party cruises and in the downtown area.”
Mosquito-borne diseases, such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika, are also prevalent.
Belize – Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The US State Department warns of violent crime, including “sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder,” saying that isolated incidents of violent crime can occur even in tourist areas.
The south side of Belize City is under a Level 3 travel advisory, and the agency advises US citizens to avoid traveling there, as it has historically seen much of the country’s violent crime. The area, defined as Haulover Creek Canal and extending south to Fabers Road, “does not overlap with the typical tourism areas,” the agency said.
Much of the crime in the city, and in the country, is gang-related, and local police don’t have resources to look into serious crimes, so most go “unresolved and unprosecuted,” the US State Department wrote.
Diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, leishmaniasis, and NWS (New World Screwworm) are also prevalent in the country, and medical care, while generally available in urban areas, can be hard to access in rural and remote areas.
The agency also warns that many hotels aren’t equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, and that US citizens have died from poisoning from the gas.
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts set for the Dutch islands, which it assesses as low-crime areas with responsible police sources and a high level of social control within their small populations. The most common crimes are usually “non-violent, financially-motivated, and opportunistic in nature,” like pickpocketing and theft of unattended belongings.
US travelers are advised to use caution when driving on the islands, as roads can be “slippery during rainfall,” wild animals often cross roads, and in Saba, roads can be steep and have sharp turns.
There is limited access to quality medical care on the islands, and facilities do not always meet US health and service standards.
The CDC also recommends using mosquito repellents and sleeping under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.
British Virgin Islands – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts set for the British territory, but notes that drivers should be attentive on the road as “speeding and reckless driving are fairly common.” Nighttime drag racing and livestock crossing are also common.
While the British Virgin Islands don’t have particularly high crime, crimes of opportunity and violent crimes occur occasionally, and travelers are advised to use the same personal security measures they would in any major US city.
Diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika have also been reported.
Cayman Islands – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts set for the island chain, which is a British territory, and says the islands have “low rates of criminal activity affecting tourists,” although crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatchings still happen occasionally.
Zika, chikungunya, and dengue fever are also prevalent, and the CDC recommends the use of insect repellents.
Colombia – Level 3: Reconsider travel
The US State Department warns of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and natural disasters throughout Colombia and asks visitors to reconsider travel to the country. Terrorists operate in some areas, and violent crime is possible, the agency says.
Parts of the country are under a Level 4 advisory, with the agency recommending that Americans not travel to Arauca, Cauca (except Popayan), Valle del Cauca (except Cali), and Norte de Santander due to crime and terrorism.
The area within six miles of Colombia’s border with Venezuela is also at a Level 4 advisory, and the agency advises avoiding the area altogether to prevent accidental crossings into Venezuela, as the border isn’t clearly marked. The department says that Americans should not travel to this region “for any reason,” since crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict are common in the area.
Even in public and in affluent neighborhoods, well-organized crime can occur, the agency says.
Dating apps and internet romance scams are also common, and the department advises being cautious when meeting strangers.
Travelers are advised against hailing taxis on the street, and US government employees are prohibited from doing so, as US citizens have been killed during robberies on hailed street taxis.
The agency also advises against participating in ayahuasca “spiritual cleansing” practices using psychedelic drugs illegal in the US, because “people claiming to be shamans or spiritual practitioners are neither licensed nor regulated,” and there are risks of robbery, assault, illness, or death while intoxicated.
Adequate healthcare facilities are available throughout the country; the agency warns that healthcare in rural areas may be below US standards, and tap water is not safe to drink in these areas.
Costa Rica – Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The US State Department warns of widespread petty and violent crime, like armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, affecting tourists, and recommends increased caution when traveling to Costa Rica. The agency strongly advises against taking public buses due to the threat of pickpocketing.
It also warns of dangerous rip currents in Costa Rica and notes that most beaches lack lifeguards or “warnings about unsafe conditions.” In July 2025, “The Cosby Show” star Malcolm-Jamal Warner drowned while visiting the country.
The agency also advises against participation in spiritual ceremonies or rituals involving hallucinogens like ayahuasca or kambo, which are “not regulated by the Costa Rican Ministry of Health and are illegal in the US.”
Some travelers have reported tainted alcohol causing serious health issues, the agency added.
Medical care in San José is “usually good.” The department warns that quality services outside the city may be limited. Tap water is often unsafe to drink in the country.
Diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and malaria are prevalent.
Costa Rica is also prone to a variety of natural disasters, including active earthquakes and volcanic zones, with three volcanoes that have become more active in recent years. Tsunamis can also occur after significant earthquakes.
Flash floods and severe landslides are common during the rainy season, from April to October, in the Limon, Puntarenas, and Guanacaste provinces.
Cuba – Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The US State Department advises that travelers maintain an increased level of caution due to crime and an unreliable power grid. Petty crime, including pickpocketing, purse snatching, and car break-ins, is common, and violent crime like armed robbery, murder, and home invasions is also on the rise, the department said.
US law also prohibits tourist travel to Cuba, and travelers must comply with OFAC licensing requirements, which establish different categories for permitted travel, such as educational activities, humanitarian projects, or visiting family.
Travelers should avoid demonstrations, as peaceful assembly and free speech are not protected, and protests can often trigger government responses. The agency also warns that the Cuban government has detained US citizens for activities that are not criminal in the US.
Scams on dating apps and internet romance schemes are common, it added. Internet and phone communication can also be compromised while visiting the island, as “there is no expectation of privacy in Cuba,” per the department, which advises the use of VPNs and avoiding connecting to public WiFi networks.
The agency warns that ambulances “are not present throughout the country and can be unreliable where available.” The agency recommends travelers bring basic over-the-counter medication, as shortages are widespread throughout the island.
Air quality can be poor on the island, and tap water is not safe to drink. The agency recommends opting for bottled water, asking for drinks without ice, washing hands often, and avoiding uncooked or undercooked food.
Diseases like dengue, chikungunya, COVID-19, Oropouche, hepatitis A, and traveler’s diarrhea are prevalent.
Travelers should also be aware that between May and November, the island is vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes.
Curaçao – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts set for the Dutch territory, but notes that nonviolent crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, are common in areas like beaches, hotel lobbies, and cars.
Instances of violent crime, although not common, often take place in more isolated areas of the island, like remote beaches or nature areas, where thefts and assaults have been reported.
Zika, dengue, and chikungunya are prevalent, and the CDC recommends the use of mosquito repellents and insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.
Dominica – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts set for Dominica, but notes that crimes of opportunity, violent, and drug-related crime occur occasionally in the Caribbean island.
The department also advises caution when driving, riding in a vehicle, or crossing roads, as roads in the country tend to be in “average to poor condition.”
Diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika have been reported on the island.
The agency also warns that medical facilities on the island do not meet US standards, and there is “limited ambulance service.”
Dominican Republic – Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The US State Department warns of violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault in the Dominican Republic. The agency also says that while the country has its own tourist police force and resort areas are generally safer, urban areas like Santo Domingo aren’t well policed, and drugs, weapons, and the criminal justice system are concerns throughout the country.
The agency advises against wearing expensive jewelry and warns of dating app or internet romance scams.
While prostitution under certain circumstances is legal in the country, the agency warns US citizens against hiring prostitutes or escort services, as “disagreements over price and claims of mistreatment” can result in police involvement.
Prevalent diseases include dengue, malaria, and tuberculosis, and “public clinics lack basic resources and supplies,” the agency said. It also notes that “many US citizens have suffered serious complications or died during cosmetic or other elective surgeries in the Dominican Republic.”
The country has the highest road-crash-related mortality rate in the world, the agency says, and travelers should drive with extreme caution or consider hiring a professional driver. Shared buses are available, but they do not always meet US safety standards.
Due to security concerns, the agency advises against using unregulated taxis and buses, as well as hailing taxis off the street.
The island is vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes between May and November, and flooding often occurs without warning during heavy rainfall. The country is also prone to earthquakes.
The agency also warns of life-threatening currents and advises against swimming alone.
El Salvador – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
After years of higher-risk warnings, the US State Department now lists El Salvador at Level 1, citing a dramatic decrease in violent crime and gang activity over the past three years.
The US prohibits government employees from traveling between cities or departments at night and from using public buses due to concerns over infrastructure and criminal activity.
Since 2022, El Salvador has been under a “State of Exception” in response to gang violence, allowing local authorities to arrest anyone suspected of being involved in gang activity — including several US and foreign citizens — and suspending “several constitutional rights,” like the right to a fair and speedy trial, the agency notes.
While no alerts are active for the country, the agency suggests exercising caution and warns that common crimes like robbery, car theft, and sexual assault still occur in the country. “Most serious crimes in El Salvador are never solved,” the department says.
The country has a police force dedicated to tourists in 19 popular destinations, but the agency advises against remote hikes or hiring guides.
The agency warns of the risks of surfing in the country’s Pacific Coast, which has made El Salvador a popular surfing destination. The currents “can be dangerous, even for skilled swimmers,” the department said, and the country has limited search-and-rescue capabilities.
El Salvador also has severe penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs, which might include THC and CBD products legally sold in the US.
Natural disasters also occur occasionally in the country, which has several active volcanoes and experiences frequent earthquakes. Flooding and mudslides are common during the rainy season.
LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware that while same-sex sexual relations aren’t restricted in the country, there is “widespread discrimination based on sexual orientation,” the department said, including by public officials and police, who have been involved in violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Quality care is available in San Salvador, but medical care can be limited outside the city, per the agency.
French West Indies – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts set for the French West Indies, which include the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy. The agency notes that petty street crime, like purse snatching, occurs, and advises against leaving valuables unattended in public areas or visible in cars.
Other recommendations include avoiding wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash, and keeping doors and windows locked at night.
Chikungunya and dengue are prevalent.
Grenada – Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The US State Department warns travelers to exercise an increased level of caution when visiting Grenada due to the risk of crime, noting that “violent crime can occur anywhere” on the island and that Americans have been victims of killings, armed robberies, assaults, burglaries, and rape.
Local authorities might not respond as quickly as they do in the US, the agency adds.
LGBTQ+ travelers should also be aware that local law “criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activities between men,” with up to 10 years imprisonment, the agency says. Although prosecutions are rare, Grenadian society is considered to be “generally intolerant of same-sex sexual conduct,” it noted.
During hurricane season, from June 1 to November 30, travelers are advised to monitor local weather and be prepared for potential threats, including earthquakes and tsunamis, since the island is located in a seismic zone.
Visitors should drive slowly and with caution, as the roads are usually narrow and winding and often lack proper signage, according to the agency.
The department also notes that medical care in Grenada is “below US standards” and that dengue is prevalent.
Guatemala – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The US State Department warns of terrorism and widespread crime, including violent crime like armed robbery, murder, and gang activity, particularly in Guatemala City, Escuintla, Chiquimula, Izabal, and Petén. The agency advises reconsidering travel to the country.
Some areas, including the departments of San Marcos and Huehuetenango, and parts of Guatemala City, like Zone 18 and Villa Nueva, have a travel advisory of Level 4: Do Not Travel due to increased crime and threat of terrorism.
“While tourists are not usually targeted, they can still be victims of opportunistic crime,” the agency says, adding that local police — which have a dedicated force to protect tourists in popular destinations — often lack the resources to respond effectively.
Tourists are advised against wearing expensive jewelry or using cellphones in public. Internet romance and dating app scams are common, per the agency, and can often target US citizens.
Road travel after dark is discouraged due to poor lighting and a high accident risk. Public transportation, especially “chicken buses” and unregulated taxis, can be unsafe, the agency said.
Travelers should also avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean because the currents and undertow can be dangerously strong, and lifeguards aren’t always available.
LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware that discrimination and harassment are common throughout the country.
Medical care in Guatemala City is generally adequate, but facilities elsewhere often lack basic supplies.
Diseases like dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and COVID-19 are present, and tap water is unsafe to drink, including ice made from non-potable water.
Haiti – Level 4: Do Not Travel
The US State Department warns of extreme crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, terrorist activity, and a total collapse of public security in the country. The agency emphasizes that it has “extremely limited ability” to provide emergency assistance in Haiti and advises against all travel to the country.
US commercial flights are not currently operating to or from Port-au-Prince due to the substantial threats to travelers.
Since 2024, the country has been in a state of emergency across many districts due to gang violence. Kidnapping is widespread and often violent, with US citizens among the victims, the department said.
Demonstrations and roadblocks are frequent and unpredictable, and clashes between gangs and security forces routinely involve gunfire. The agency notes that stray bullets present a significant threat to visitors, even if they aren’t involved with armed conflict.
Road conditions are dangerous, traffic is chaotic, and public transportation is unsafe, according to the agency.
LGBTQ+ individuals and women may face targeted harassment or violence, and consular support is unavailable.
The State Department warns that medical facilities lack basic supplies, emergency response is nearly nonexistent, and essential resources, including water, fuel, and electricity, are severely limited. Diseases like dengue, chikungunya, malaria, cholera, and Zika are prevalent.
The country is also vulnerable to hurricanes during the season from June 1 to November 30, when roads often become impassable.
Honduras – Level 3: Reconsider travel
The US State Department warns of violent crime, including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and gang activity, throughout Honduras. The easternmost department, Gracias a Dios, is a Level 4: Do Not Travel area due to narcotics trafficking, limited security presence, and poor infrastructure.
Since 2022, the country has been under a state of national emergency in response to the high crime rate.
Tourist areas like the Bay Islands and Copan Ruins “have a higher concentration of law enforcement resources,” the agency said, but drug-related crimes remain a concern in the region.
Road conditions are hazardous, especially at night, with poor lighting, landslides, and frequent accidents. Carjackings occur along major highways, and the agency warns against using public transportation or hailing taxis on the street.
While no laws prohibit same-sex relationships, LGBTQ+ travelers often face discrimination, and crimes committed against LGBTQ+ individuals often go unpunished. The agency advises LGBTQ+ travelers to “exercise caution, especially when expressing affection in public.”
Medical facilities “often do not meet US standards,” the agency said. Dengue is widespread, and diseases like chikungunya, malaria, and Zika are prevalent. Tap water is not safe to drink, and air pollution can reach hazardous levels during the dry season.
The country is also vulnerable to hurricanes, heavy rain, and flooding, especially between June and November.
Jamaica – Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The US State Department warns of the widespread risk of violent crime — including armed robbery, sexual assault, and homicide — throughout Jamaica, including in areas frequented by tourists.
The agency advises American citizens to reconsider traveling to high-crime areas.
It also notes that the country has one of the highest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere. Tourists tend to experience a lower rate of crime than in other parts of the country, the agency said.
Travelers should avoid secluded areas, including at resorts, remain in groups, and avoid displaying valuables.
Road conditions vary widely throughout the island, and nighttime driving can be hazardous.
Emergency response can be slow, and medical care outside major cities is limited, according to the agency.
LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware that same-sex sexual activity between men is criminalized under Jamaican law, with potential prison sentences of up to 10 years, and LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination or violence in the country.
Diseases like COVID-19, dengue, chikungunya, and HIV are present, and the CDC recommends the use of mosquito repellents and sleeping under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.
Mexico – Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The US State Department warns of terrorism, violent crime, kidnapping, and cartel activity throughout Mexico.
States like Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas are Level 4: Do Not Travel due to extreme violence, roadblocks, and targeted killings. The agency particularly warns against travel to Tamaulipas due to the threat of organized crime activity and kidnapping.
Other states are Level 3: Reconsider Travel, and only the Gulf states of Campeche and Yucatán are Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
Crimes like armed robbery, extortion, and sexual assault occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas, and the agency notes that “emergency services may be limited or unavailable in remote or rural areas.” Travelers should avoid hailing taxis on the street, use only vetted transport, and avoid intercity driving at night due to risks of crime and unreliable road conditions.
Scams, including virtual kidnappings, romance schemes, banking fraud, and timeshare scams, are also common.
The agency also notes that carbon monoxide incidents have resulted in tourist deaths since many hotels and vacation rentals lack detectors.
Mexico is also prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, and hurricanes and tropical storms often take place between May and November.
Medical care is generally good in major cities, but complications are frequent in travelers seeking elective procedures, such as plastic surgery.
Diseases like dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and Zika are present in the country.
Montserrat – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts set for the British territory, but notes that petty crimes and violent crimes still occur occasionally in Montserrat. Travelers are advised to use the level of caution they would in any major US city and stay aware of their surroundings, especially when visiting more isolated areas.
Chikungunya and dengue are present on the island.
Nicaragua – Level 3: Reconsider travel
The US State Department warns of “arbitrary enforcement of laws, risk of wrongful detention, civil unrest, limited healthcare availability,” and crime in Nicaragua. The government, which the agency describes as authoritarian, has detained US citizens, restricted entry or exit without explanation, confiscated property, and monitored digital activity.
Violent crime, including sexual assault and armed robbery, occurs, and roadblocks and paramilitary groups can restrict movement and extort travelers. The Nicaraguan government may also monitor social media accounts for content that is “critical of the government, controversial, or that might involve illegal activity,” the agency said.
Beaches can have dangerous currents and undertows, and hiking around volcanoes is required to be done with a local guide by law. Travelers should maintain emergency supplies, avoid nighttime travel, and use only licensed taxis recommended by trusted sources such as airports and hotels, due to unsafe conditions on public transportation.
Medical care outside Managua is extremely limited, and even the capital’s facilities may lack emergency resources. Ambulance services are unreliable, tap water is not potable, and diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, typhoid fever, pneumonia, leptospirosis, and rabies are present.
The country is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. Travelers should have emergency plans, as remote locations may lack cellphone coverage.
Panama – Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The US State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Panama due to crime and the potential for civil unrest.
Crimes, including theft and residential break-ins, occur, while pickpocketing and purse snatching can happen in tourist areas. Demonstrations over political or economic issues can also disrupt transportation and access to goods and services, and some protests have turned violent.
For those visiting the country, the department suggests avoiding demonstrations and large crowds, staying aware of surroundings, and having a plan in place in case of emergency.
Parts of the country’s Darién and “Mosquito Gulf” are under a Level 4: Do Not Travel travel advisory due to human and drug trafficking.
In those regions, the State Department says that US authorities have “limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens.”
Throughout the country, beaches can have large waves and dangerous currents, conditions can change quickly, and few beaches have lifeguards.
The agency also warns that medical treatment can be difficult to access outside major cities.
Saint Kitts and Nevis – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts set for the islands, but notes that petty theft, break-ins, and incidents of violent and drug-related crime occasionally occur. Travelers should use the personal security measures they would in any major US city.
Diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika have been reported on the islands.
Saint Lucia – Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The US State Department warns of violent crime in Saint Lucia, saying that Americans and other foreigners have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, rape, and even killings.
The department also notes that medical facilities on the island “do not meet US standards,” and that major roads are in “average to poor condition,” so travelers should “be extremely careful when driving.”
LGBTQ+ travelers should also be aware that local law criminalizes “consensual same-sex sexual activity” with penalties of up to 10 years in prison, and there is no legislation protecting people from “discrimination based on sexual orientation,” per the agency.
Chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are present in the island.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts set for the island chain, but notes that it can be vulnerable to natural disasters.
Located on the north of Saint Vincent, La Soufriere is an active volcano that the agency says “poses a constant threat.” In mid-April 2021, it erupted nearly every day, forcing nearby communities to evacuate.
Earthquakes, which are also often associated with volcanic activity, can occur “at any time,” the agency said. The islands can be impacted by hurricanes and storms between May and November.
The department also notes that medical facilities fall below US standards, and that since there isn’t a hyperbaric chamber on the islands, divers suffering decompression illness require evacuation.
LGBTQ+ travelers should also be aware that local law criminalizes “consensual same-sex sexual activity” with sentences of up to 10 years in prison, and there is no legislation protecting people from “discrimination based on sexual orientation,” the agency said.
Diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are present.
Sint Maarten – Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The US State Department doesn’t have any alerts set for the Netherlands territory. Sint Maarten shares an island with Saint Martin, which is part of the French West Indies.
The agency warns travelers against attempting to experience the “jet blast of approaching and departing aircraft” at the island’s Maho Beach, adjacent to the Princess Juliana International Airport. The blast “can result in serious injury or death,” per the department.
Crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing or petty theft, can also happen, and the department advises against leaving belongings unattended.
The State Department also warns that “access to quality medical care is limited” on the island, and facilities may not always meet US standards.
Diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are prevalent.
Trinidad and Tobago – Level 3: Reconsider travel
The US State Department warns of violent crime, terrorism, and poor health conditions in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in parts of Port of Spain. Violent crimes, including murder, assault, robbery, sexual assault, and home invasion, are common, and gang activity is widespread; a significant portion of violent crime is gang-related.
On March 2, the government declared a nationwide state of emergency after a spike in violent activity. Police and defense forces have expanded powers, and procedural rights like bail are suspended for suspected crimes, with restrictions changing with little notice.
There is also a risk of terrorist violence targeting tourist locations, hotels, restaurants, parks, and airports, among others, the agency said.
The agency notes that criminals have used dating apps and social media to lure victims to assaults or robberies, and tourists have been targeted at beaches, waterfalls, and rental homes, especially in Tobago. The agency notes that tourists are particularly vulnerable to pickpocketing and armed assault, which often increases before and during holiday periods.
LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware that “consensual same-sex sexual activity” remains criminalized with a penalty of two to five years in prison, although the law is not being enforced. Targeted violence against LGBTQ+ individuals is also common.
Medical facilities often lack basic resources, ambulance services are limited, and diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever, and COVID-19 are present on the island. The CDC recommends the use of mosquito repellents and insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.
Turks and Caicos Islands – Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The US State Department warns of crime throughout British territory, particularly on Providenciales, where it says police resources may be limited.
Crimes of opportunity, including theft, burglary, and car break-ins, and occasional violent incidents occur. The agency advises US citizens to exercise the level of caution they would in any major US city.
Visitors should avoid walking alone at night, secure valuables, and use only clearly marked taxis.
The islands are also vulnerable to hurricanes from June through November.
Medical care can handle non-life-threatening issues, but serious injuries often require air evacuation.
Venezuela – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The US State Department advises Americans to reconsider travel to Venezuela due to ongoing safety risks of crime, kidnapping, natural disaster, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure that is “recovering from a state of severe crisis.”
After the June 24 double earthquakes in the country, the State Department added a natural disaster warning, telling Americans to be aware of potential aftershocks and the extensive disruptions to transportation, infrastructure, and emergency services in the region.
Violent crime, including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, remains a serious risk in the country, the US State Department said, and criminal groups operate in some parts of the country, especially in border areas.
Several states within the country are at a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, including Amazonas, Apure, Guarico, Tachira, Aragua outside Maracay, rural areas of Bolivar, and the region within 20 miles of Venezuela’s border with Colombia.
The agency also advises against using public transport. Traffic jams in Caracas are often exploited by armed motorcycle gangs to rob drivers.
Tap water is often unsafe to drink, even in major cities, and shortages of running water are frequent. Diseases like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, malaria, Chagas disease, measles, travelers’ diarrhea, and other infectious illnesses are prevalent.
Those who choose to travel to Venezuela are advised to consider hiring professional security during their stay and develop communication plans with family in case of kidnapping, the State Department said.
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