Security Brief for prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 8:10:45 PM UTC

Security Assessment Rating

Security Rating for Jamaica: 3 - Moderate

Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 4 Overall Rating: Security Services 4 3 Civil Unrest 3 Terrorism 1 Moderate Kidnapping 3 Geopolitical 3

Security Overview : Overview of Jamaica There are no conflicts that pose a considerable concern to foreign travelers, nor is there a terror threat that may adversely affect the country's security landscape. However, crime rates are high. Although travelers face a greater risk of exposure to petty crime, some foreign nationals have also fallen victim to violent crime. Protests and strike actions occasionally occur and have the potential to escalate into violence and result in disruptions.

No Current Security Alerts

Other Alerts & Advisories Critical Alerts

Entry/Exit: Officials in Jamaica ease curfew and capacity restrictions as part of extension of COVID-19-related measures through Aug. 11. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Travel and business disruptions

Summary Authorities in Jamaica have extended most of the country's travel and domestic restrictions through the morning of Aug. 11 to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, as part of the extension, officials have relaxed several capacity restrictions and shortened curfew hours. Under the new directives, curfew hours are 23:00-05:00 Monday-Saturday and 18:00-05:00 Sunday.

Additionally, beaches, rivers, water parks, and other attractions are open for visitors but must close by 18:00 Mondays to Saturdays and 17:00 Sundays. Parks, gyms, and bars, by contrast, can remain open until one hour before curfew begins, though they are still subject to existing health protocols. Worship and marriage ceremonies, indoor cinemas, and theaters are subject to density limit of one person every 4 square meters (40 square feet) up to a 70 percent capacity limit. Funeral services can occur with a maximum of 30 persons inside the church or other such indoor venue; burials can occur 09:00-17:00 Mondays to Fridays with up to 30 people attending.

Officials continue to encourage private companies to allow their employees to work from home whenever possible; public employees will continue working from home. Individuals not fully vaccinated and over the age of 60 are urged to stay at home. The use of facemasks in public settings and requirements to maintain social distancing remain in place.

Travel Restrictions Jamaican authorities have extended the ban on entry for passengers from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, India, and Trinidad and Tobago until Aug. 10. The measure applies to all non-Jamaicans who have been in these countries within the last 14 days before their intended arrival in Jamaica. Jamaican nationals who have been in the affected countries 14 days before arrival will be tested at the airport and placed in a state quarantine facility for a minimum of 48 hours. Persons who test negative will complete the remainder of their 14- day quarantine at home, while those who test positive will be placed in a state isolation facility until they have recovered.

Except for travel from the six South American countries, India, and Trinidad and Tobago, all ports of entry are open to nonresident foreign travelers, citizens, and legal citizens; all arriving passengers will be subject to strict health screenings and assessments. All travelers require pre-travel authorization up to seven days before the planned departure. Individuals 12 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 PCR, antigen, or other approved test taken up to 72 hours before travel. In most cases, fully vaccinated arrivals must complete an eight- day self-quarantine, while unvaccinated passengers must undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. If authorities consider them low-risk, these individuals can leave their homes once a day to go to the closest location to obtain food, medical supplies, or medical services or conduct financial transactions. Additionally, fully vaccinated individuals can further shorten their mandatory quarantine period by taking an approved PCR test after their arrival and obtaining a negative result. Other entry and quarantine requirements for travelers are:

Citizens and legal residents: Travelers are required to complete self-quarantine; if considered high-risk, they may be required to take an additional PCR or antigen test upon arrival. Nonresident business travelers: Individuals traveling for business purposes will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and must self-quarantine at their accommodation while awaiting the results. If the test is negative, they can end the quarantine, but only to obtain essential goods and conduct their business meetings. Otherwise, they must remain at their place of accommodation. If the test is positive, they must continue to isolate. Nonresidents staying in the Resilient Corridor: Travelers for tourism purposes staying at approved locations in the Resilient Corridor may be subject to testing upon arrival. In those cases, they must wait for the test result within their hotel rooms. If they test negative or are not subject to testing upon arrival, they may leave their hotel room and resort, provided they remain in the Resilient Corridor. This area includes the northern coast from , Westmoreland, to , Portland, and the southern coast from Milk River, Clarendon, to Negril. Nonresidents staying outside the Resilient Corridor: Travelers on non-business purposes and not staying in the Resilient Corridor must self-quarantine for eight days if fully vaccinated, or 14 days if not fully vaccinated, regardless of a negative COVID-19 test result.

All travelers assessed to be high risk may be subject to additional health tests at the airport. Travelers with a positive COVID-19 test result will be required to isolate at home or an approved government facility for 14 days.

Authorities could further tighten, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources World Health Organization (WHO) Jamaica Information Service Travel Guidelines Traveler Authorization

Alert begins: 07/01/2021 Warning Alerts

Health: COVID-19 activity continues across several Caribbean countries and territories as of June 24. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 transmission Location(s): Caribbean (map) Date: May 2021-June 2021 Transmission: Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)

Summary Several countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of June 24. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 May 27-June 24. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

Very high risk of transmission

Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Martin Trinidad and Tobago

High risk of transmission

Aruba Bahamas Bonaire British Virgin Islands Cuba Dominican Republic Guadeloupe Martinique Saint-Barthelemy Sint Maarten Saint Vincent and the Grenadines US Virgin Islands Saint Lucia

Moderate risk of transmission

Jamaica Puerto Rico

Low risk of transmission

Antigua and Barbuda Barbados Bermuda Cayman Islands Curacao Dominica Haiti Turks and Caicos Islands

Background and Analysis COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission does occur, primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants. Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.

Resources WHO coronavirus knowledge base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Alert begins: 06/24/2021

Security Intelligence

SECURITY

Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - Jamaica There is no particular conflict threat in Jamaica.

Civil Unrest: Civil unrest generally poses a moderate threat in Jamaica

Demonstrations occur in Jamaica, although the majority of these mobilisations are staged in Kingston and other administrative centers. Common triggers include socioeconomic issues, including high crime rates, unpopular government policies and political developments. Such occurrences are usually staged peacefully, although they can escalate into violence with little or no warning. In the past, demonstrators have erected roadblocks and burnt tires along major thoroughfares, including those that lead to Norman Manley International Airport (KIN). Other tactics include rock-throwing, setting off fireworks and burning busses and other vehicles. Clashes between protesters and security personnel have at times resulted in casualties and arrests.

Labor strikes are also periodically staged in the country. These work stoppages are typically announced in advance, although labor unions have also staged spontaneous industrial actions in the past. It should be noted that industrial actions can paralyze the operations of the affected sector(s).

Crime: Crime generally poses a high threat in Jamaica

Crime is a serious problem in Jamaica. Incidents of opportunistic crime, including petty theft, pickpocketing and scams, are common in crowded areas and tourist destinations in Kingston and other parts of the country, with thieves targeting laptops, cameras and mobile phones. Similarly, robbery targeting drugged victims at nightclubs is a concern. Hotel room theft, notably at smaller establishments, and residential burglary, including in upscale areas, as well car-jacking and theft of vehicular parts occur with regularity. Occupants, if present, can be threatened or harmed. In addition, currency exchange-related scams and ATM skimmings are a problem in most urban centers and popular tourist destinations. Violent crime, including gun-related incidents, is a major threat. Armed robbery is a particular concern in low- income neighborhoods, whilst some travelers have been robbed in taxis. Shootings, assaults and kidnappings are also considered a common occurrence, especially in gang-controlled areas of Kingston and other major cities. Although the majority of victims of violent crime are locals, foreigners have also been incidentally exposed to violence and targeted.

In general, inner-city areas such as West Kingston, Grants Pen, August Town, Tivoli Gardens, Harbor View, Denham Town, Hannah Town, Mountain View, Trench Town and Arnett Gardens (all in Kingston), and Flankers, Mount Salem and (all in , away from the resort areas) are particularly prone to gang activity and should be avoided, especially at night. Saint James Parish - including Montego Bay - has been put under a state of emergency fin the past due to spiking crime rates, although resort areas were unaffected. Similarly, St. Catherine North has been under a separate measure.

Related Advice: Protecting yourself from carjacking and reacting when it happens. Related Advice: Strategies for reducing the risk of becoming a victim of LGBT hate crime.

Geopolitical: The geopolitical threat in Jamaica is low Jamaica currently enjoys moderate political stability. However, high levels of corruption and weak rule of law have hampered governance as well as adversely affected judicial processes and law enforcement.

Kidnapping/Hostage Situation: The threat of kidnapping in Jamaica is moderate

Kidnapping

The threat of kidnapping in Jamaica is moderate; kidnappers are more likely to target locals as opposed to tourists and short-term recreational and/or business travelers. The most common types of abduction in Jamaica include basic opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom and express kidnapping. Express kidnappings involve the short- term abduction of a victim while they are robbed of their possessions and forced to withdraw money from ATMs. Victims can be held for long periods of time without any guarantee of safe release.

Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Security: Emergency numbers and selected embassy contacts in Jamaica

FIRE EMERGENCY 119 POLICE EMERGENCY 119 AMBULANCE EMERGENCY 119 TOURIST BOARD +876-929-9200 Contact information for select embassies in Jamaica: If you are calling from outside Jamaica, dial +1 first.

Australia - Consulate Brazil - Embassy Canada - High Commission

80-82 Second Street, 23 Millsborough, Crescent 3 West Kings House Road Port Bustamante Kingston 13 Kingston 6 P.O. Box 1500 Phone: +876-361-1332 Phone: +876-946-9812 Kingston 10 Email: Fax: +876-929-5897 Phone: +876-926-1500 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: +876-511-3493 http://kingston.itamaraty.gov.br Email: [email protected] http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/jamaica- jamaique/index.aspx China - Embassy France - Embassy Germany - Embassy

8 Seaview Avenue 13 Hillcrest Avenue 10 Waterloo Road P.O. Box 232 Kingston 6 Kingston 10 Kingston 10 Phone: +876-978-02-10 Phone: +876-926-6728 Phone: +876-927-3871 Fax: +876-927-49-98 Fax: +876-929-8282 Fax: +876-927-6920 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: http://www.ambafrance-jm-bm.org/ http://www.kingston.diplo.de [email protected] http://jm.china-embassy.org Japan - Embassy United Kingdom - High Commission United States - Embassy

NCB North Tower 28 Trafalgar Road 3rd Floor Mutual Life Bldg. 6th floor P.O. Box 575 142 Old Hope Road 2 Oxford Road Kingston 10 Kingston 6 Kingston 5 Phone: +876-510-0700 Phone: +876-702-6000 Phone: +876-929-3338/9 Fax: +876-511-0737 Fax: +876-702-6348 Fax: +876-968-1373 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] http://www.jamaica.emb- http://www.gov.uk/government/world/jamaica http://kingston.usembassy.gov japan.go.jp/ For a comprehensive listing of embassy contact information in this destination and a comprehensive listing of Jamaican embassies and consulates in other destinations, visit embassy.goabroad.com . Please advise WorldAware, using the feedback button, if this link does not work or if you require additional information that the link does not provide.

Travelers should familiarize themselves with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case their country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.

Security Services: Security Services generally pose a high threat in Jamaica

Security Services

The capabilities and responsiveness of security services in Jamaica are generally poor (risk is high). Although Jamaica has a number of different security forces, the Jamaica Constabulary Force are likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals, and locals. Police officers, especially those assigned to tourist areas, are typically able to speak foreign languages, including Spanish. Corruption among security forces in general is an issue in Jamaica; there have been reported incidents of police involvement in violent crimes. However, crimes involving police rarely affect foreign visitors.

Terrorism: Terrorism generally poses a minimal threat in Jamaica There is no specific terrorist threat in Jamaica. The country has experienced no documented history of terrorist incidents, and there are no local or transnational terrorist groups known to be operating in the country. Despite the lack of a terrorist group in the country, immigration controls are considered to be lax, making it easy to transit using fake documents. Therefore, the island could be an attractive destination for potential terrorists planning to stage attacks in the region, notably on US soil.

Overview of Jamaica

Jamaica has long been a mainstay of Caribbean tourism, though perennial safety questions have plagued it due to the influence of narco-trafficking and criminal gangs. The island's political situation is stable, although transfers of power can be marred by election-related violence. Opportunistic crime is most likely to affect tourists, although violent crime, armed robberies and kidnapping also pose a threat. Protests occur occasionally and are typically peaceful, although violence can occur with little or no warning.

Corruption is a concern in the police force as well as in the executive and legislative branches of government. Road conditions are often in poor condition, whilst local driving habits may be erratic. Powerful storm systems during the hurricane season can cause flash floods and landslides. Looting is a problem after major storms. In terms of public health infrastructure, medical services are extremely limited outside of Kingston and Montego Bay. Weather, Currency Exchange

JAMAICA WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Kingston / Norman Manley: CURRENCY 1 Jamaican 1 US 1 Euro = Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 NAMES Dollar = Dollar = Euro 1.0000 0.0055 0.8423 High: 90° High: 88° High: 87° High: 87° High: 89° Jamaican 180.2756 1.0000 151.8481 F (32° C) F (31° C) F (30° C) F (30° C) F (31° C) Dollar Low: 76° Low: 76° Low: 74° Low: 74° Low: 77° US Dollar 1.1872 0.0066 1.0000 F (24° C) F (24° C) F (23° C) F (23° C) F (25° C) Montego Bay / Sangster: Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16

High: 86° High: 86° High: 85° High: 85° High: 86° F (30° C) F (30° C) F (29° C) F (29° C) F (30° C) Low: 80° Low: 79° Low: 79° Low: 77° Low: 78° F (26° C) F (26° C) F (26° C) F (25° C) F (25° C)

Disclaimer Travel information in this document and in the included links is provided by Crisis24 and/or its parents and subsidiaries ("WA"). While WA constantly monitors the changing world situation and strives for accuracy and timeliness, this information is provided to you on an "as is" basis, and your use of this information is at your own risk. © 2021, Crisis24 and/or its parents and subsidiaries.