Kingston Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Kingston.
Healthcare System
Kingston has both public and private healthcare facilities. Public hospitals provide care but often face resource constraints, while private facilities offer higher-quality services at international standards but at higher costs.
Hospitals
University Hospital of the West Indies is the main teaching hospital. Private facilities include Andrews Memorial Hospital and Medical Associates Hospital, which are preferred by most travelers and expatriates for their higher standards and English-speaking staff.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Kingston, with many located in shopping plazas. Common medications are available, though some may require prescriptions. Major chains include Fontana Pharmacy and Monarch Pharmacy. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications.
Insurance
Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended and essential. Ensure your policy covers Jamaica and includes at least $100,000 in medical coverage and emergency evacuation, as medical costs can be high and serious cases may require air ambulance to the U.S.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete supply of prescription medications in original containers with prescriptions
- Private hospitals often require payment upfront or proof of insurance before treatment
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records with you
- Water is generally safe in hotels but bottled water is recommended elsewhere
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date; Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended
- Medical facilities may have limited hours on weekends and holidays; know your nearest 24-hour facility
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Kingston has elevated rates of violent crime including armed robbery, shootings, and gang-related violence, though tourists are rarely specifically targeted. Most violent crime occurs in certain neighborhoods and between individuals known to each other.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles occur in crowded areas, markets, and tourist sites. Theft from rental cars and hotel rooms also happens.
Carjackings, smash-and-grab thefts at traffic lights, and theft from parked vehicles occur, particularly in isolated areas or at night.
Driving in Kingston is challenging with aggressive driving, poorly maintained roads, inadequate street lighting, pedestrians and animals on roads, and drivers not following traffic rules. Accidents are common.
Tourists may experience persistent vendors, unsolicited guides, begging, or unwanted attention, particularly in tourist areas and markets. While usually not threatening, it can be uncomfortable.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed or informal taxi drivers offer rides at the airport or tourist areas, then charge exorbitant fares or take longer routes to increase the price. Some may become aggressive when payment disputes arise.
Individuals approach tourists offering unofficial tours at attractive prices but may take visitors to unsafe areas, pressure them to buy overpriced goods from specific vendors (earning commission), or abandon them after receiving payment.
Someone offers to sell marijuana or other drugs to tourists, but the transaction is a setup for robbery or the seller works with corrupt officials who then demand bribes. Possession remains illegal despite cultural perceptions.
Individuals approach tourists with elaborate stories about needing money for medical emergencies, family problems, or local charities that don't exist, playing on visitors' sympathy.
Card details are copied using skimming devices at ATMs, gas stations, or restaurants, leading to fraudulent charges later.
Locals befriend tourists, sometimes romantically, then request money for various emergencies or expenses, or lead them to be robbed by accomplices.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation
- Use hotel-arranged transportation or licensed JUTA taxis with red PPV plates
- Avoid public buses and route taxis which can be unsafe and enter dangerous areas
- Don't drive at night; roads are poorly lit and dangerous
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving
- Agree on taxi fares before starting your journey
- Consider hiring a driver for the duration of your stay rather than self-driving
- Be extremely cautious at traffic lights, especially in unfamiliar areas
Accommodation
- Stay in established hotels in uptown Kingston (New Kingston area) rather than downtown
- Choose accommodations with good security including guards, gated access, and safes
- Keep valuables in hotel safes, not in your room
- Don't open your door to unexpected visitors; verify through hotel staff
- Know the location of emergency exits
- Keep your room number private and don't announce it in public areas
Money and Valuables
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, cameras, or electronics
- Carry only the cash you need for the day in a concealed money belt
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than street ATMs
- Keep credit cards in RFID-blocking holders to prevent skimming
- Make copies of important documents and store separately from originals
- Don't carry your passport unless absolutely necessary; keep a copy instead
- Divide money and cards between different secure locations
Personal Safety
- Stay in tourist-friendly areas and avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods
- Return to your accommodation before dark whenever possible
- Travel in groups rather than alone, especially at night
- Trust your instincts; leave situations that feel uncomfortable
- Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like phone use while walking
- If confronted by criminals, don't resist; hand over valuables
- Learn basic directions and landmarks to avoid appearing lost
Communication
- Keep your phone charged and have emergency numbers saved
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Register with your embassy if staying for an extended period
- Learn a few basic local phrases to build rapport
- Have your hotel's address written in English for showing taxi drivers
Cultural Awareness
- Respect local customs and dress modestly outside of beach areas
- Don't photograph people without permission, especially in poor areas
- Avoid political discussions and displays of political affiliation
- Be respectful when visiting cultural or religious sites
- Don't make assumptions about locals or engage in stereotyping
- Be aware that some gestures or terms may have different meanings locally
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers should exercise heightened caution in Kingston. While many women visit safely, harassment, catcalling, and unwanted attention are common. Solo women travelers may face more persistent attention and should take extra precautions, particularly regarding accommodation choices, transportation, and avoiding isolated areas.
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark; use trusted transportation even for short distances
- Dress conservatively outside of resort areas to minimize unwanted attention
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) and mention a husband/partner if feeling uncomfortable
- Book accommodations in secure, well-reviewed hotels in safe neighborhoods like New Kingston
- Don't accept drinks from strangers and watch your drink being prepared
- Be firm and assertive when declining unwanted attention; don't worry about being impolite
- Avoid sharing personal information like hotel name or room number with new acquaintances
- Keep family and friends informed of your whereabouts and check in regularly
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Consider joining group tours rather than exploring independently
- Have hotel staff call taxis rather than hailing them on the street
- Be aware that local standards of interaction may involve more forward behavior than you're comfortable with
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity between men remains illegal in Jamaica under colonial-era laws, though these laws are rarely enforced against tourists. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Exercise discretion about sexual orientation and gender identity, particularly outside of private spaces
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; some hotels are more welcoming than others
- Be aware that local music and culture may contain homophobic content
- Don't assume that venues or areas are LGBTQ+-friendly; exercise caution everywhere
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations discreetly if seeking community or resources
- Be particularly cautious in rural areas and less touristy parts of Kingston where attitudes may be more conservative
- Consider whether Jamaica is the right destination for you based on your comfort level with discretion
- If confronted with harassment, prioritize your safety and don't engage
- Book private transportation rather than using public transit where you may be more vulnerable
- Some upscale hotels and resorts in New Kingston may be more accepting, but discretion is still advised
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Kingston due to elevated crime rates, potential for medical emergencies requiring evacuation, hurricane risk during certain seasons, and the high cost of private medical care. Many incidents that may seem unlikely can result in significant expenses or complications without proper coverage.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Kingston Safety Guide before you go.