US issues new travel advisories for summer hotspots in the Caribbean and South America

The US State Department has issued a series of travel advisories for Americans planning to visit the Caribbean or South America this summer after countries in both regions reported a spike in crime.

The department has issued five updated travel advisories in the past three weeks for Haiti, Colombia, Jamaica, Chile and Peru, with Haiti receiving the highest-level advisory: Do Not Travel. The warning informs that Haiti has suffered “widespread” kidnappings, with “regular” victims including US citizens and ransom negotiations.

Americans have been harmed in these incidents, the department warned. The country has also experienced a spate of robberies and carjackings, as well as “mass murders” against suspected criminals.

Jamaica has been considering sending police and soldiers to Haiti to help the country deal with ongoing gang violence that has gripped the capital for months in response to an appeal for assistance from foreign troops, a request which the United States and Canada had rejected.

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Colombian tourism

Tourists on a Segway tour in front of the Government Palace in the walled city of Cartagena, Colombia, a Unesco World Heritage Site, on April 29, 2012. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

However, Jamaica has its own crime problem. Colombia and Jamaica, which have seen increases in violent crime in recent months, have received level three advisories to “reconsider travel”.

The State Department has warned that Jamaica has for several years reported a homicide rate that ranks “among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.” US government personnel have been banned from traveling to different areas of the country and from riding buses or driving outside certain areas of Kingston at night.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay Jamaica. (Will Twort/Jamaica Tourist Board/dpa)

Colombia has struggled with crime and political turmoil, with representatives from the government and the National Liberation Army (ELN), the country’s largest guerrilla group, meeting this month in Cuba for a third round of talks to discuss peace talks and ceasefires.

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Colombian tourism

View of Colombia’s capital, Bogota, from the top of Monserrate hill, August 18, 2019. (Photo by JUAN BARRETO/AFP)

The terrorist organizations ELN, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – Popular Army (FARC-EP) and Segunda Marquetalia, as well as the Clan del Golfo and other criminal organizations “continue to operate and carry out attacks” in the country, according to the State Department.

The department warns that “rallies happen regularly”, with large public demonstrations on “a variety of political or economic issues” which can “close roads and highways”.

Military support of Haiti

On March 3, 2023, a parent carrying his child after picking him up from school runs in front of police who are conducting an operation against gangs in the Bel-Air area of ​​Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph, archive)

Chile and Peru have second-level alerts, suggesting “extra caution” as both countries continue to experience some political turmoil alike, with periodic large-scale demonstrations in cities.

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Chile tourists

Tourists hike through the Salar de Atacama, one of Chile’s largest salt deposits, in the Atacama Desert. (Photo by Paulo Fridman/Corbis via Getty Images)

In January, Peru had to evacuate hundreds of tourists from travel spots as protesters clashed with police over the handover of power in the country. Former Peruvian president Pedro Castillo resigned from office and handed over power to his deputy, Dina Boluarte, but citizens did not believe he had the country’s best interests at heart.

Peru

The ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru.

Protests continue, as does an elevated law on base crime that includes petty theft, auto theft, robbery and assault during daylight hours, according to the State Department. Part of the concern surrounds the Colombian-Peruvian border due to crime occurring in the region.

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Peru police protest clash

Anti-government protesters who have traveled to the capital from across the country march against Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, clash with police in Lima, Peru Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Protesters are demanding immediate elections, Boluarte’s resignation, the release of the ousted President Pedro Castillo and justice for the dozens of protesters killed in clashes with the police. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

The State Department suggests adhering to the department’s guidelines on travel to high-risk areas if Americans must visit these areas, and suggests enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment program.

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