Cooler temperatures and off-season discounts will draw many travelers to the Caribbean this fall for sun-soaked getaways.
These islands offer not only warm weather and abundant sunshine, but also unique experiences, world-class hotels and resorts, stunning nature and vibrant culture.
However, travelers will want to read the latest guidance from the US State Department before they depart.
Aruba and the ABC Islands
Aruba, the “happy” island, is one of the popular Caribbean destinations that was under a Level 1 travel advisory in September this year, so people are advised to take the usual precautions when enjoying Aruba’s world-class beaches and stunning nature.
The same is true in the neighboring Leeward Antilles, Bonaire and Curacao.
Aruba’s picturesque coastline. (Photo courtesy of Aruba Tourism Board)
Bahamas
The Bahamas, which remains under a Level 2 travel advisory due to crime, made headlines in late January when the U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued a cautionary alert for Americans following an increase in violent crime.
Bahamas tourism officials responded to the advisory, noting that the Level 2 advisory has been in place for some time.
“The safety and health of our nine million visitors each year is the government’s top priority and I am confident that will remain so. We welcome visitors in droves and they will continue to experience our warm Bahamian hospitality,” Chester Cooper, Bahamas’ Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, told Travel Pulse.
British Virgin Islands
Travelers can exercise normal caution when exploring Tortola, Virgin Gorda and other islands and reefs in the British Virgin Islands this fall.
Rosewood, Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands (Photo by Sarah Greaves-Gabadon)
Cayman Islands
Tourists hoping to enjoy the Cayman Islands’ stunning beaches, nature and wildlife can travel with peace of mind as the British Overseas Territory remains under a Level 1 travel advisory from the Department of State.
Dominica
The natural island of Dominica received a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department this September, making it a great choice for adventure seekers and travelers who prioritize safety.
dominican republic
A beach near Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. (Photo: Patrick Clark)
Visitors to the Dominican Republic are urged to be on high alert for crime, as “due to the development of professional tourist police forces, the implementation of 911 systems in many parts of the country, and the concentration of resources in resort areas, which tend to be better policed than urban areas such as Santo Domingo,” the State Department noted.
Jamaica
The State Department has advised Americans to reconsider traveling to Jamaica this fall, citing crime and poor health services, but Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States has called for the Level 3 warning to be rescinded, calling it “inaccurate.”
In a Facebook post earlier this year, Audrey Marks said the recommendation “distorts the reality and facts of Jamaica.”
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett also addressed the controversial recommendation, telling Travel Pulse: “The Level 3 recommendation for Jamaica is not new and has been in place since early 2022. Since then, Jamaica has welcomed millions of tourists and remains one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.”
“The visitor-involved crime rate is extremely low at 0.01 per cent,” Bartlett added.
El San Juan Hotel, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Brian Major)
Puerto Rico
While the State Department has not issued a travel advisory for the U.S. territory, the Canadian government has placed Puerto Rico at a low risk level and encourages islanders to take normal safety precautions while on the island. Not only is Puerto Rico safe, it also offers Americans the opportunity to experience the Caribbean without a passport.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis is enhancing connectivity, increasing options for travelers to this safe Caribbean region that is under a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State.
Saint Lucia
Maria Major Island, St. Lucia. (Photo: Brian Major)
St. Lucia continues to be one of the safest travel destinations in the Caribbean, receiving a Level 1 travel advisory from the State Department in September of this year.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Travelers are advised to exercise extra caution when exploring the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime, most of which occurs on Providenciales Island.
Following the arrest of several tourists who arrived with ammunition in their luggage by mistake, the islands also had an important message for tourists: “All travelers to the Turks and Caicos Islands are strongly encouraged to carefully check their baggage for ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing the United States,” the State Department warned.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The Canadian government has set a low risk rating for the U.S. Virgin Islands for the fall and advises travelers to take normal safety precautions, as the biggest threat is often the possibility of minor crime.
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