US and Canada Issue Urgent Caribbean Travel Advisories for Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago with Key Safety Tips for Tourists Visiting Havana, Montego Bay, Nassau as both governments warn travelers of rising crime, safety threats, and infrastructure issues across some of the most visited destinations in the region for 2025. From petty theft in Havana to armed robberies in Montego Bay and daylight assaults in Nassau, the new advisories urge heightened vigilance in light of worsening conditions. The alerts highlight risks ranging from violent gang activity and firearm-related crimes to prolonged power outages, restricted emergency services, and strict local laws that could trap unsuspecting visitors. With millions planning Caribbean holidays, these government updates are a critical wake-up call for travelers headed to the region’s most iconic cities and islands.

Cuba: Power Outages and Walking Alone in Havana

One of their warnings is directed at travelers thinking about a trip to Cuba, particularly Havana. The Canadian government warns that visitors should be vigilant as food, medicine and fuel “remain in short supply” and are not easily accessible throughout the country. Tourists may be forced to travel with cash, making them more vulnerable to theft.

Advisories from both Canada and the US caution about petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag-snatchings and car break-ins. These attacks are often on busy shopping streets, buses, nightclubs and security checkpoints at popular tourist sites. There are also growing complaints of theft from hotel rooms and private rentals, known as casas particulares.

The US government also notes severe disruptions to Cuba’s electrical grid. Since late 2024, islandwide blackouts—sometimes lasting for more than 12 hours—have been a daily occurrence in cities across the island, including in Havana. Large hotels and institutions mostly depend on backup generators, but fuel shortages often make the systems unreliable in the event of prolonged power failures.

The US also re-affirms that all travel to Cuba for touristy purposes by American citizens continues to be very limited and subject to restrictions defined under the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations. Travellers who do not heed the legal guidance face stiff penalties or even prosecution.

Cuba – Where Time Stands Still but Caution Moves Fast

Havana: Vintage Vibes Meet Modern Warnings

Places to Visit: Old Havana (UNESCO site), El Capitolio, Museum of the Revolution, Malecón seawall
Things to Do:

• Cruise the streets in a classic 1950s convertible
• Sip mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio
• Watch street performers in Plaza Vieja
  Travel Tip: Carry cash discreetly; most cards don’t work. Expect long blackouts—choose hotels with generators.
  Safety Note: Petty theft is widespread—keep electronics and documents secured at all times.

Trinidad: Colonial Charm in the Caribbean Hills

Places to Visit: Plaza Mayor, Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad, Valle de los Ingenios
Things to Do:

• Go horseback riding to hidden waterfalls
• Dance to live trova music in cobblestone bars
• Explore sugar plantation ruins and climb the Manaca Iznaga tower
  Travel Tip: Lodging in casas particulares is scenic but can lack security—lock valuables.
  Safety Note: Don’t wander off into unlit streets at night; stay in well-trafficked areas.

Varadero: Beachfront Paradise with a Watchful Eye

Places to Visit: Varadero Beach, Josone Park, Cueva de Ambrosio, Delfinario
Things to Do:

• Snorkel or scuba dive in turquoise waters
• Stroll through manicured parks and street markets
• Take a catamaran cruise to nearby cays
  Travel Tip: Don’t leave bags on beaches unattended. Avoid flashy jewelry in public.
  Safety Note: While safer than Havana, hotel theft still happens—use safes and avoid street ATMs.

Jamaica: Police Surge Fails to Halt Violence in Jamaica’s Tourism Mecca

Millions of tourists still flock to Jamaica every year, but advisories from both countries reference persistently high levels of violence — even in tourist Mecca Montego Bay.

Armed robberies and acts of violence provoked by gang activity take place in urban and resort areas in Canada, officials note. Violence is greatest in “high-risk communities,” but opportunistic crimes like theft and assault do occur in touristy areas.

The US warning highlights an especially vexing problem: the ongoing threat of sexual assault, even at resorts and among American citizens. U.S. Embassy employees are also banned from getting on public buses or from driving between cities at night, illustrating the extent of the threats that danger even trained individuals.

There’s been a slight decline in crime stats since 2024 but the murder rate is still among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. In addition, visitors are strongly discouraged to display wealth and should travel with a high degree of caution especially when in the city of Kingston or in Montego Bay.

Jamaica – Island of Irie Energy and Intense Alerts

Montego Bay: All-Inclusive Dreams, Real-World Risks

Places to Visit: Doctor’s Cave Beach, Rose Hall Great House, Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue)
Things to Do:

• Lounge on sugar-white beaches or book a snorkeling tour
• Tour historic plantations and haunted estates
• Enjoy vibrant nightlife with jerk chicken and live reggae
  Travel Tip: Use resort-arranged taxis and excursions. Avoid isolated areas after dark.
  Safety Note: Armed robbery and sexual assault reports exist—even in resort zones. Be aware.

Kingston: Cultural Heartbeat with Caution in the Background

Places to Visit: Bob Marley Museum, Devon House, National Gallery of Jamaica
Things to Do:

• Explore reggae history and local street food scenes
• Take guided city tours to see murals and marketplaces
• Visit Emancipation Park for local culture and events
  Travel Tip: Kingston has high crime—stay in upscale areas and avoid solo exploration.
  Safety Note: Most violent crime happens in “hot spot” zones—always ask locals or hotels where not to go.

Ocho Rios: Adventure and Waterfalls Await

Places to Visit: Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain, Turtle River Park
Things to Do:

• Climb cascading waterfalls or zipline over rainforest
• Take a bamboo raft ride down the White River
• Visit local craft markets for handmade souvenirs
  Travel Tip: Choose organized tours over wandering. Avoid carrying more than one card or large cash.
  Safety Note: Less crime than Kingston, but petty theft and scams can occur—remain alert.

Bahamas: Daytime Robberies and Holiday Surges in Nassau

Nassau is one of the Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports and popular among American and Canadian passengers. But both governments still warn to practice safety since crime levels have been increasing in both the Bahamian capitol and Freeport.

Canada notes that daytime is no protection from bag-snatching and other forms of petty crime, which occurs frequently in cruise ports and resort areas. Crime intensifies during holidays, festivals, and special events in your community, and visitors are often targeted.

The US also states that violent crime, including burglaries, sexual assaults, and armed robberies, is mostly committed in areas where tourists are known to frequent. The “Over the Hill” peninsula, south of Shirley Street in Nassau, has been tagged as an area with a high risk of gang violence leading to fatalities. Travellers are warned to stay out of these areas and to use additional caution when renting vacation properties without private security.

The Bahamas – Luxury Meets Local Precaution

Nassau: Cruise Capital with Rising Street Crime

Places to Visit: Queen’s Staircase, Junkanoo Beach, Parliament Square, Atlantis Paradise Island
Things to Do:

• Swim with dolphins or sharks on organized tours
• Take a historical walking tour of downtown
• Shop for conch salad and straw goods in the market
  Travel Tip: Stay alert around cruise terminals and avoid the “Over the Hill” zone south of Shirley Street.
  Safety Note: Daytime robberies have occurred—don’t let your guard down, even in well-lit areas.

Freeport: Laid-Back Charm with a Cautious Edge

Places to Visit: Lucaya Beach, Port Lucaya Marketplace, Rand Nature Centre
Things to Do:

• Relax on quiet beaches or try reef diving
• Explore mangroves by kayak or take dolphin tours
• Enjoy sunset drinks along the canal waterfront
  Travel Tip: Avoid walking alone at night, especially near port or nightlife areas.
  Safety Note: While less hectic than Nassau, property crime can still affect tourists—lock everything.

Eleuthera: Pink Sands and Peaceful Retreats

Places to Visit: Pink Sands Beach, Glass Window Bridge, Lighthouse Beach
Things to Do:

• Take scenic drives and snap photos of dramatic cliffs
• Swim in secluded bays and snorkel in coral gardens
• Visit sleepy fishing villages for fresh seafood
  Travel Tip: It’s peaceful—but don’t get complacent. Some areas have no police patrols or emergency services.
  Safety Note: Remote beaches = minimal security. Travel in groups and tell your hosts your itinerary.

Turks and Caicos: Providenciales on edge as crime wave is not slowed by rigid gun laws

Turks and Caicos, which is often promoted as a luxurious getaway, has also been criticized. Now, both governments are advising tourists to take extra precautions, particularly on the most populated island, Providenciales.

Petty thefts, including muggings, pick-pocketing, and theft from homes and vehicles, are increasing. Visitors are cautioned not to leave valuables in cars, even in the trunk, and to keep personal items secure on beaches.

The US also highlights the fact that the country has a zero-tolerance approach to weapons. Tourists who inadvertently bring even a single bullet into their luggage have been punished with prison time, heavy fines, and lengthy detention. Under the law, some US citizens have been immediately arrested, while others have not been able to return home for weeks.

With constrained investigative resources, local law enforcement could find it challenging to help foreign victims effectively. In an emergency, U.S. citizens in the Turks and Caicos Islands may contact the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas which has consular responsibility for Turks and Caicos.

Turks and Caicos – Luxury Escape with Legal Traps

Providenciales: Glamour with Guardrails

Places to Visit: Grace Bay Beach, Chalk Sound National Park, Sapodilla Bay
Things to Do:

• Relax on award-winning white sand beaches
• Kayak through glowing turquoise lagoons
• Snorkel vibrant reefs teeming with marine life
  Travel Tip: Never carry ammunition or even spent bullets—strict gun laws apply.
  Safety Note: Petty crimes like bag snatching happen even in upscale areas—don’t leave items unattended.

Grand Turk: Cruise Hub with Colonial Flair

Places to Visit: Grand Turk Lighthouse, Cockburn Town, Governor’s Beach
Things to Do:

• Tour the island by bike or golf cart
• Visit the National Museum and shipwreck exhibits
• Snorkel right off the shore at Coral Gardens
  Travel Tip: Crime is lower here but services are limited. Be cautious after dark in cruise port areas.
  Safety Note: Some neighborhoods lack visible policing—travel with companions and avoid walking alone.

South Caicos: Quiet Beauty off the Beaten Path

Places to Visit: Bell Sound Nature Reserve, East Bay Beach, Highland House Ruins
Things to Do:

• Dive into vibrant coral walls and marine sanctuaries
• Go bonefishing with local guides
• Experience untouched landscapes with minimal crowds
  Travel Tip: South Caicos is remote—have backup plans and supplies.
  Safety Note: Emergencies may require transport to Providenciales—keep embassy contacts handy.

Dominican Republic: Crime Spreads Beyond Beach Resorts as Tensions Build on Haitian Border

The Dominican Republic is still a prime destination for sun, but both countries have raised safety red flags, especially for those who stray outside of resort zones. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault is widespread in urban areas such as Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

Canada specifically points to the border area with Haiti — and Dajabón, in particular — as particularly unstable. Because of political and other unstable conditions, overland and seaways from Haiti into the Dominican Republic are now completely closed. Emergency services are severely restricted close to the border, and travellers are recommended to not enter this region altogether.

The US advises people not to visit isolated areas, including when they are getting together with people they have met on the internet. Common-Sense Travelers are advised to avoid ostentatious displays of wealth and to be extra cautious while in all cities and on all forms of public transportation.

Dominican Republic – Tropical Allure with a Sharp Edge

Punta Cana: Resort Royalty with Reality Checks

Places to Visit: Bávaro Beach, Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, Hoyo Azul
Things to Do:

• Relax in an all-inclusive beachfront resort
• Take a catamaran to Isla Saona for snorkeling
• Zipline through lush jungle canopies
  Travel Tip: Resort zones are safest—limit solo walks beyond perimeter gates.
  Safety Note: Violent crimes have occurred outside resort grounds—avoid nighttime outings in remote areas.

Santo Domingo: Colonial Grandeur Meets Modern Grit

Places to Visit: Zona Colonial, Alcázar de Colón, Catedral Primada de América
Things to Do:

• Walk the historic first city of the New World
• Enjoy rooftop dining and live merengue music
• Shop at local boutiques and artisan markets
  Travel Tip: Use taxis arranged by your hotel; public transport can be risky.
  Safety Note: Pickpocketing and robbery are frequent—stay alert in busy plazas and side streets.

Puerto Plata: Coastal Escape with Caribbean Color

Places to Visit: Mount Isabel de Torres, Fortaleza San Felipe, Ocean World Adventure Park
Things to Do:

• Ride the cable car to scenic mountain views
• Visit rum distilleries and cacao farms
• Lounge at Playa Dorada or surf in Cabarete
  Travel Tip: Avoid walking beaches alone at dusk.
  Safety Note: Crime is less intense here than Santo Domingo but still present—lock hotel doors and avoid isolated roads.

Trinidad and Tobago – Rising Gang Violence and Terror Risks in Port of Spain

In also comes Trinidad and Tobago, as warnings from both nations about violent crime, including gang violence and the potential of a terror attack, are raising red flags. In Port of Spain around Beetham Estate Gardens, Laventille and Cocorite have full blown murder, robbery and rape attacks on a daily basis.

Canada in particular warns against non-essential travel in parts of the capital and several other high-crime neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the U.S. is advising travelers to think twice about visiting at all, citing the increased threats of kidnapping, terrorism and home break-ins. US Embassy personnel are subject to severe restrictions on where and when they can travel in the country, particularly at night.

Travelers to the twin-island country are urged to hunker down in securely protected lodgings, to shun out-of-the-way beaches after nightfall and to remain vigilant at all times, particularly in Port of Spain.

Trinidad and Tobago – Dual-Island Adventure with Heightened Vigilance

Port of Spain: Urban Energy Amid Gang Warnings

Places to Visit: Queen’s Park Savannah, National Museum, Royal Botanic Gardens
Things to Do:

• Experience Carnival and steelpan performances
• Walk among historic mansions and street art
• Sample doubles, bake and shark, and Trini street food
  Travel Tip: Avoid areas like Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, and Cocorite—even in daylight.
  Safety Note: Gang violence and home invasions are real risks—stay in high-end hotels with 24/7 security.

Tobago: Natural Serenity with Safer Shores

Places to Visit: Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Nylon Pool, Fort King George
Things to Do:

• Snorkel among coral reefs in Buccoo Marine Park
• Take a glass-bottom boat over turquoise lagoons
• Visit laid-back fishing villages and serene forest reserves
  Travel Tip: Tobago is generally safer, but still avoid isolated beaches after dark.
  Safety Note: Petty theft happens—don’t leave belongings out of sight, even in quiet areas.

San Fernando: Industrial Heart with Local Color

Places to Visit: San Fernando Hill, Gulf City Mall, Palmiste Park
Things to Do:

• Hike to panoramic views over the Gulf of Paria
• Shop at local markets for crafts and spices
• Visit temples and churches reflecting the island’s diversity
  Travel Tip: Avoid driving at night and steer clear of poorly lit zones.
  Safety Note: While quieter than Port of Spain, it’s still best to stay alert and travel with others.

Top Travel Safety Tips for Travelers in 2025

For those still looking to take Caribbean trips in 2025, US and Canadian officials hammer home the need for vigilance. Here are the essential safety recommendations that all six advisories have in common:

• Refrain from displaying large amounts of cash, or wearing valuable jewellery in public.
• Opt for hotels or vacation rental properties where security is robust
• Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark.
• Avoid public transportation if not absolutely required
• Carry photocopies or digital copies of passports and travel documents
• Stay alert to local news and follow the instructions of local officials
• If in doubt, consult embassies or consulates for updates ahead of travel between islands or border areas

US and Canada issued urgent Caribbean travel advisories for Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago due to rising violent crime, infrastructure failures, and increasing risks in top tourist spots like Havana, Montego Bay, and Nassau. The alerts include key safety tips for 2025 travelers amid growing concerns over robberies, blackouts, gang activity, and legal enforcement issues.

Millions of tourists are still flocking to the Caribbean and determining the changing security situation is essential. Though the sprawling beaches and electric cultures can still be tempting, safety should be the top priority for anyone planning a visit to Havana, Montego Bay, Nassau and beyond.