US State Department issues warning about travel to Colombia and Jamaica

US issues travel warning for Colombia and Jamaica.

The State Department warns of violence and terrorism.

They offer safety recommendations.

Due to worries about violence, the State Department has issued a travel warning for Colombia and Jamaica, suggesting US residents reconsider visiting the two countries, according to USA Today.

The State Department made this recommendation because both countries are experiencing waves of violent crime and, in Colombia’s case, terrorism.

STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES TRAVEL WARNING FOR JAMAICA AND COLOMBIA

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The State Department had previously issued alerts for both nations. However, after a recent analysis, it has reactivated them. The agency is in charge of evaluating the security conditions in countries to protect American tourists.

In this new update, US authorities warn of «widespread» violent crime in Colombia, including homicides, assaults and armed robbery and, in some places, kidnapping and extortion.

WHAT IS THE DANGER?

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Regarding Jamaica, the State Department of State issued a level 3 advisory Jamaica because, “Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.»

Regarding Colombia, they report that terrorist and criminal organizations can attack public areas such as restaurants, hotels, and airports without prior notice, and due to civil unrest, «demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country» and «protests can turn violent and may result in in deaths and injuries.»

WHY JAMAICA?

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“The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas,” a State Department spokesperson said. “We take seriously our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions.” They claim that the biggest risk factor is crime, but it is also important to take into account the response to crime.

“Local police do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents,” according to the State Department. “When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities.»

WHERE IS VIOLENCE OCCURRING IN COLOMBIA?

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The State Department says «not to travel» to Arauca, Cauca and Norte de Santander, since violent crimes are perceived to be widespread, and they also warn that terrorist groups may be active. The most popular tourist places are in Bogotá and Medellín.

“The government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to the citizens of the United States. Travel of government personnel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns,» the authorities say.