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U.S. State Department Lowers Travel Advisory Risk For The Dominican Republic And Jamaica

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Travelers interested in visiting these beautiful destinations should review the Travel Advisory updates and the CDC recommendations

The Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States Department of State made level changes for two major vacation destinations on March 14: the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Both countries have passed from “Level 4: Do Not Travel” to “Level 3: Reconsider Travel.” 

The updates have been made considering new COVID-19 information. The  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also changed level advisories of risk considerations, and the Dominican Republic and Jamaica’s status moved from “Level 4: Very High Risk” to “Level 3: High”

CDC sign in campus

Both institutions still consider of risk traveling to any of these destinations for multiple reasons but recognized that the coronavirus and its variants' contagion rates have lowered and local authorities are more in control of the consequences of the pandemic. 

Considering that in January both countries have been labeled Level 4, the new status is more optimistic and could represent great news for travelers interested in these beautiful destinations. 

Woman in swing by the beach

Now that Jamaica has removed travel authorization and quarantine requirements for tourists, and the Dominican Republic removed all covid-19 restrictions, travelers can start considering these destinations —and the travel recommendations— for future vacations. 

Dominican Republic Travel Advisory

Now that this country doesn’t request to show proof of vaccination, a negative test, or even wear masks, many travelers are eager to visit the Dominican Republic. However, before visiting this beautiful Caribbean destination and enjoying its white sand beaches and fascinating landscapes, American travelers should bear in mind the US government’s guidelines.

The U.S. Department of State recommends reconsidering visiting the Dominican Republic due to the local consequences of the COVID-19 and also due to crime. 

The government acknowledges that there is still a great risk of contracting COVID-19 and those who are not vaccinated could present severe symptoms.  The CDC recommends American citizens get all vaccinations before traveling to this destination and reminds them that there is a peril of getting and spreading the virus. 

International vaccine certificate

Regarding crime, the government states that there is concern about armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault in the Dominican Republic. The Travel Advisory suggests travelers read the US Embassy's website, the CDC recommendations, follow the Department of State on social media channels, review the Country security report and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts.

Once in the Dominican Republic, it is also advised to stay alert, not to resist robbery attempts, and avoid displaying signs of wealth (like wearing expensive jewelry).

Jamaica Travel Advisory

Beach In Jamaica

This spectacular Caribbean island is one of America's favorite travel destinations. Its exquisite climate, rich culture, and beautiful ecosystem are constantly attracting travelers from all over the world, and since the government eased travel restrictions, even more!

However, its Level 3 label in the US Department of State suggests that travelers should read and consider warnings before traveling to Jamaica. The Travel Advisory update states that due to crime and COVID-19 this destination must be reconsidered too. 

Besides presenting high risks of getting coronavirus and spreading the disease, there is also the possibility of being ordered to quarantine for 14 days for non-vaccinated visitors. Travelers should stay up-to-date with all travel restrictions. 

The U.S Department of State also has a list of locations of violent crime risk, it is not advised to visit certain areas such as Clarendon Parish, Logwood and Orange Bay, Downtown Kingston, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August Town, Cassava Piece, Springmount, Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar and The Whitehall neighborhood of east Negril.

According to the information established in the document, there are reports of armed robberies, sexual assault —including at resorts—, homicides, home invasions and other violent crimes. Travelers are advised to avoid public buses, secluded places, walking or driving at night, beware of surroundings and keep a low profile.

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