Caribbean Travel Under Scrutiny: Haiti Joins Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico in Facing US Security and Health Warnings Following Hurricane Aftermath and Rising Illnesses

As of December 21, 2025, the U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released comprehensive travel advisories for various Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other affected regions. The warnings come in response to a combination of ongoing security concerns, health threats, and new entry restrictions imposed by the U.S. government starting in January 2026.

These alerts reflect the aftereffects of Hurricane Melissa (October 2025), which caused widespread destruction across the Caribbean, as well as recent health trends that have raised concerns for travelers. In addition, the U.S. State Department has issued new entry restrictions for nationals of certain Caribbean nations, which will significantly affect travel dynamics in the region.

This article outlines the major updates, including travel restrictions, security risks, health advisories, and the impact of U.S. policy changes.

What Are the Key Travel Alerts for the Caribbean Region?

U.S. State Department Travel Warnings

The U.S. State Department has raised the travel advisory for several Caribbean countries due to violent crime and ongoing instability. These countries, including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, are currently facing escalating challenges, primarily in high-risk areas where travelers are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel.

The Caribbean has long been a top tourist destination for U.S. travelers. However, increasing reports of violence, particularly in urban areas and regions close to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, have prompted the U.S. government to issue Level 4 travel advisories for certain neighborhoods, primarily due to extreme violence and criminal activity.

Key Areas in Jamaica Subject to the “Do Not Travel” Warning

While Jamaica as a whole is still classified under Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel“), specific neighborhoods in various parishes are now designated as Level 4 (“Do Not Travel“) due to high violence rates. These areas, primarily in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Spanish Town, are marked as “Hot Spots” by the U.S. State Department.

The U.S. government has specifically prohibited U.S. government employees from entering these regions, and U.S. citizens are urged to follow the same restrictions.

Here are the specific neighborhoods in Jamaica that should be avoided:

Parish	Specific Neighborhoods / Areas (Do Not Travel)
Kingston & St. Andrew	Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August Town, Downtown Kingston
St. James (Montego Bay)	All areas inland of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive (from San San to Harmony Beach Park)
St. Ann	Steer Town, Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios
St. Catherine	Spanish Town, Central Village, Portmore (specifically Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Waterford)
Westmoreland	Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar, specific neighborhoods in Negril (Whitehall, Bethel Town, Red Ground)
Clarendon	Entire parish, except for through travel on the T1 and A2 highways
St. Elizabeth	Vineyard District, areas between Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna

These regions have become increasingly volatile, with gang-related violence and civil unrest becoming more common. Travelers to these areas are strongly encouraged to reconsider their trips, while tourists to other, safer parts of Jamaica should exercise heightened vigilance.

Haiti: Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” and Full Entry Suspension for Nationals

In Haiti, the U.S. government has raised the travel advisory to Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) due to ongoing political instability, violent protests, and the worsening security situation. The country’s infrastructure, particularly in the capital Port-au-Prince, has been severely affected by both natural disasters and political unrest, making travel risky.

Moreover, Haitian nationals are now subject to a full entry suspension to the U.S., effective from January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998. This policy change stems from security concerns and the ongoing challenges posed by Haiti’s fragile political environment.

While this does not affect U.S. citizens visiting Haiti, it may cause flight disruptions and visa restrictions for travelers and business dealings between the two countries.

Cuba and Puerto Rico: Health Concerns Post-Hurricane Melissa

Both Cuba and the U.S. Virgin Islands have been hit hard by Hurricane Melissa, with widespread flooding and damaged infrastructure. The CDC has issued health warnings related to vector-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus, as well as concerns over respiratory illnesses such as influenza and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).

In particular, Puerto Rico and Cuba have seen a significant rise in dengue fever cases. With 4.5 million regional cases of dengue in 2025 alone, travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution, especially in areas where flooding has created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Health Threat	Primary Locations of Concern	Official Guidance for Travelers
Dengue Fever	Cuba, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands	High risk due to 4.5 million regional cases in 2025. Use EPA-registered insect repellent and wear long sleeves.
Zika Virus	Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands	Linked to post-hurricane water storage issues. Pregnant women should avoid these areas or use strict bite prevention.
Influenza / RSV	Region-wide (Peak Season)	PAHO alert warns of high circulation of A(H1N1). Travelers should be up-to-date on vaccinations before arrival.
Leptospirosis	Haiti, Dominican Republic	Risk is high in flood-affected areas. Avoid wading in floodwaters or contact with soil contaminated by animal urine.

Travelers to Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are encouraged to take precautionary measures, including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves, and avoiding standing water. Pregnant women, in particular, should avoid traveling to areas affected by the Zika virus due to risks to fetal health.

What Are the New U.S. Entry and Visa Restrictions for the Caribbean?

The U.S. government has also introduced new entry restrictions in the form of Presidential Proclamation 10998, which will affect several Caribbean nations starting January 1, 2026. These new regulations are tied to concerns over “Citizenship by Investment” programs, which have raised concerns about security risks and fraudulent activities in some Caribbean countries.

Country	Entry Policy for U.S. Nationals	Details
Haiti	Full entry suspension	Nationals of Haiti are under a full entry suspension to the U.S.
Antigua and Barbuda	Partial restrictions on visas (B, F, M, J visas)	Due to concerns related to Citizenship by Investment programs.
Dominica	Partial restrictions on visas (B, F, M, J visas)	Due to concerns related to Citizenship by Investment programs.

The restrictions do not prevent U.S. citizens from visiting these nations, but travelers should anticipate reduced flight availability and limited consular support as tensions rise in certain regions. As always, travelers should ensure they have valid documentation and are aware of potential flight and visa processing delays.

How Can Travelers Prepare?

1. Stay Informed: Always monitor government travel advisories, especially in regions prone to violent crime or natural disasters. The U.S. State Department and CDC offer real-time updates on health and security risks.
2. Vaccinations: Ensure that all necessary vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling, particularly for diseases like dengue, Zika, and influenza. Carry insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing if traveling to areas with active mosquito-borne illness transmission.
3. Emergency Contacts: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Be aware of the entry restrictions if you are a non-U.S. citizen from a restricted country.
4. Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and trip cancellations. Insurance should also include coverage for potential disruptions related to health outbreaks or political unrest.

Conclusion: Navigating Caribbean Travel in 2025-2026

Travelers to the Caribbean in 2025 and 2026 should remain vigilant and informed about both security concerns and health risks. The U.S. government has highlighted areas of extreme concern, particularly in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, due to violence, health outbreaks, and geopolitical instability. New entry restrictions and visa bans will also affect travelers, particularly those from Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.

The region remains a popular destination for tourism, but visitors must exercise heightened caution, particularly when traveling to high-risk areas. By staying updated on government advisories, taking health precautions, and being aware of new entry policies, travelers can make informed decisions and ensure a safer travel experience.

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