Travel Alert Update: Jamaica

"The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens about sporadic violence between government security forces and criminal gang elements in Kingston, Jamaica, and its surrounding areas. Since May 23, 2010, Jamaican security forces have been engaged in operations to root out illegal weapons in formerly gang-controlled neighborhoods and apprehend suspected gang members in various areas of Kingston and Spanish Town. The Government of Jamaica has imposed a State of Emergency in Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Catherine’s Parish (which includes Spanish Town). The possibility exists that police operations and/or violence could spread beyond the greater Kingston and Spanish Town areas. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Alert issued on June 15, 2010 to provide updated information on the security and airport situation. This Travel Alert expires on July 23, 2010.

"U.S citizens presently in Jamaica should monitor local news and radio frequently when venturing out from their homes or hotels in the Kingston area. U.S. citizens traveling to or from the Norman Manley International Airport should use the South Camp Road route and avoid the Mountain View Road airport route. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise heightened security awareness and maintain a low profile.

"U.S. citizens living and residing in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also register by visiting the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or our consular agencies in Montego Bay, Jamaica and Georgetown, Cayman Islands, during business hours.

"Emergencies involving American citizens can be reported by contacting the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at 142 Old Hope Road in the Liguanea area of Kingston, telephone (876) 702-6450; after hours emergency telephone (876) 702-6000; Consular Section fax (876) 702-6018; and e-mail at KingstonACS@state.gov. The U.S. Consular Agency in Montego Bay has moved and is now located at Whitter Village, Ironshore, telephone (876) 953-0620. The U.S. Consular Agency in the Cayman Islands is located at 118 Dorcy Drive, Suite B-1, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, telephone (345) 945-8173.

"U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website at http://kingston.usembassy.gov and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution Messages, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html which includes valuable security information for living and/or traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444."

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