Tourists Need To Know About This New Travel Advisory Before Visiting The Caribbean

While traveling overseas is an enriching experience, you may want to avoid booking some destinations in the Caribbean and beyond. Agencies like the U.S. Department of State make safety a top priority and publish advisories for countries all over the world so travelers can stay informed and aware of possible risks. On July 15, 2025, the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs raised the travel advisory for Haiti to the maximum Level 4: Do Not Travel. This means that they are recommending against all travel to this small Caribbean country. Specific warnings include the risk of kidnapping, sexual assault, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care options.

The recent increase in violent crime perpetrated by local gangs and organized crime regimes in Haiti has put travelers at significant risk, and U.S. citizens have been kidnapped, hurt, and even killed. For government employees and embassy personnel that must remain in the country, it is advised to avoid activities such as using public transportation, visiting banks or ATMs, or driving and traveling anywhere after dark. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to help its citizens within Haiti, and local police and first responders have few resources to respond to crime or emergencies. Those who still wish to travel to Haiti, despite warnings against doing so, will face a challenging time getting there. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned flights to Haiti and popular cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean have suspended visits to Haitian ports, including Labadee. The U.S. Embassy in Haiti has also advised all U.S. citizens to leave as soon as possible.

For those who want to see the world, there is some risk involved that needs to be taken into consideration. Even when traveling to areas without significant advisories, there are still many steps you can, and should, take when traveling abroad to keep yourself and your family safe. One of the first things you should do before leaving on any trip abroad if you are a U.S. citizen is to sign up for the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will push alerts regarding changes to travel advisory statuses and give you access to important information about U.S. consular services in and around your travel destination. It's also important to plan wisely and ensure that you have a basic understanding of your destination in advance, as things can change quickly. 

Fortunately, other beautiful Caribbean destinations are considered safer to travel to, such as Barbados, renowned for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. You could also head on over to the Cayman Islands to experience its bioluminescent lagooon, try mouthwatering cuisine, and enjoy wildlife encounters. The island of Grenada is another excellent destination, with pristine waterfalls, lush scenery, and an underwater sculpture park. All of these destinations are rated by the Department of State as a Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, meaning they are considered safe for travel. Wherever you choose to go, it's always important to stay up-to-date with the latest alerts and advisories to make the most informed decisions about your adventures. Dangers exist everywhere, and there are numerous dangerous cities in America to be aware of. While Haiti is a beautiful country, you may want to save your visit for another time once the travel advisory is lowered.