Don't travel to Kingston, Jamaica, warns State Dept.

Tuesday May 25, 2010

The U.S. government is now explicitly warning travelers not to travel to Kingston, Jamaica, and vicinity due to the ongoing violence in the city.

"The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Kingston, Jamaica and its surrounding areas because of escalating violence, shootings and unrest," according to the travel alert issued on May 24. "Jamaican Defense Forces are engaged in an operation to arrest an alleged drug and weapons trafficker. Access to the Norman Manley International Airport has been blocked on an intermittent basis by gun battles between criminal elements and police. A number of air flights into and out of Kingston have been canceled. The Government of Jamaica has imposed a State of Emergency in Kingston and St. Andrew. The possibility exists that unrest could spread beyond the general Kingston area."

"U.S citizens presently in Jamaica should monitor local news and radio frequently before venturing out from their homes or hotels. U.S. citizens traveling to or from the Norman Manley International Airport should use the South Camp Road route. U.S. citizens should contact their air carriers regarding flight status before traveling to the airport. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise heightened security awareness and maintain a low profile during this State of Emergency. U.S. citizens in Jamaica are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when venturing outside their residence or hotel."

For more details, visit the State Department website.