Travelore Update: Jamaica Reduced Travel Advisory To Level 2

On January 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of State officially reduced Jamaica’s travel advisory to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This update reflects the country’s progress in recovering from Hurricane Melissa, which hit the island in late October 2025 and had previously triggered an increase to Level 3.

Key details of the current Jamaica Travel Advisory include:

Risk Indicators: While the overall level has been lowered, the State Department still advises caution due to crime, health, and natural disaster risks.

Hurricane Recovery: Major airports have reopened, but western areas like Montego Bay and Black River are still in various stages of recovery from post-storm infrastructure impacts. Medical Care: The advisory warns that basic and specialized medical services may be limited in many parts of the island.

High-Risk Zones: Certain areas, including parts of St. Catherine, Clarendon, and specific neighborhoods in St. Ann, remain under a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning due to high crime.

Traveler Precautions: U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time security updates.

Jamaica Launches Official Relief Platform In Wake Of Hurricane Melissa — Here’s How To Help

Hurricane Melissa passed over the western end of Jamaica on Tuesday, causing widespared devastation. The extent of the damage is not yet known.

Jamaica PM Andrew Holness.

Some 530,000 residents in Jamaica are currently without electricity, according to local reports.

The Government of Jamaica has launched an official relief and recovery platform following the impact of Hurricane Melissa. The new website — supportjamaica.gov.jm — is designed to coordinate relief efforts, mobilize support, and provide critical resources for those affected by the storm.

Through the platform, users can make secure donations, submit pledges, report emergencies, and find nearby shelters. It will also serve as a key tool for Jamaicans abroad who want to contribute to national recovery efforts.

Government officials are reminding the public to ensure they are using only official websites. “If it doesn’t end with .gov.jm, it is not an official Government of Jamaica website,” the announcement emphasized.

Hurricane Melissa made its closest approach to western Jamaica, bringing heavy rain, flash flooding, and widespread damage across parts of the island. Relief operations and emergency response efforts are now underway.

For verified information, updates, and ways to help, visit Support Jamaica.

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Mexico Set To Join Barbados, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba, Costa Rica, And St. Lucia In Caribbean Push For Sustainability With New Tourist Tax: What You Need To Know

Mexico is taking a bold step toward sustainable tourism by introducing a new cruise passenger tax in 2025, aligning itself with Caribbean nations like Barbados, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba, Costa Rica, and St. Lucia that have already implemented similar measures. This move reflects a growing regional commitment to reinvesting tourism revenue into environmental protection, infrastructure upgrades, and cultural preservation—ensuring that the economic benefits of travel are balanced with long-term sustainability and resilience.

As the global tourism industry rebounds post-pandemic, a wave of countries across the Caribbean and the Americas are embracing a new strategy—sustainable travel funding through tourist taxes. Mexico, one of the region’s most visited nations, is now set to introduce a significant new tourist tax in 2025, joining the ranks of Barbados, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba, Costa Rica, Belize, and St. Lucia. These nations have all implemented targeted fees aimed at balancing booming visitor numbers with the urgent need to protect their ecosystems, upgrade infrastructure, and foster long-term resilience.

This strategic move marks Mexico’s entry into a broader Caribbean trend prioritizing environmental protection, economic reinvestment, and tourism sustainability. But what does this mean for travelers—and how are these taxes shaping the future of global tourism?

Mexico’s $42 Cruise Passenger Fee Takes Effect in 2025

Mexico’s decision to introduce a new $42 cruise passenger fee marks one of the region’s most prominent tax additions. Set to roll out in early 2025, this federal tax applies specifically to cruise ship visitors and is part of a law passed in late 2024.

According to officials, around two-thirds of the revenue will fund national security projects managed by the military. The remaining portion is earmarked for modernizing port facilities and upgrading coastal infrastructure. The goal is to not only support growing visitor volumes but also protect Mexico’s coastal assets from environmental degradation.

While cruise lines have raised concerns about the cost potentially making Mexico less competitive, government officials emphasize that these funds are essential for long-term planning and environmental safeguarding. The new policy places Mexico in alignment with other nations already channeling tourism revenue into strategic national development.

Barbados: Tiered Hotel Levies Fuel Cultural and Infrastructure Growth

Barbados has adopted a nuanced approach to tourist taxation through its Room Rate Levy system. This policy charges guests based on the classification of their accommodation. Guests staying at small properties like guesthouses pay BDS $5 (approximately USD $2.50) per night. Meanwhile, travelers opting for upscale resorts pay up to BDS $20 (approximately USD $10) per night. For vacation rentals and villas, a 2.5% levy applies, capped at BDS $20.

These funds are directed into national tourism campaigns, upgrades to Grantley Adams International Airport, and preservation efforts for cultural and historical landmarks. With this system, Barbados ensures that tourism revenues actively support both its economy and heritage.

The Bahamas Restructures Cruise Passenger Taxes for Sustainability

In 2024, The Bahamas introduced sweeping reforms to its cruise tax framework. Departing cruise passengers from ports like Nassau and Freeport now face an increased departure tax of $23, up from $18. Additionally, a $5 environmental tourism tax and a $2 enhancement tax have been added.

These changes are more than fiscal adjustments—they represent a calculated move to ensure that cruise tourism, which forms a large part of the Bahamian economy, also contributes to sustainability. Funds are used for environmental conservation, including marine reserve maintenance, as well as enhancements to tourist facilities and local amenities.

Dominican Republic: $10 Tourist Card Supports National Projects

Travelers arriving in the Dominican Republic are typically charged a $10 tourist card fee, often embedded in airfare. This fee operates as a temporary travel permit, and the collected revenue is channeled into infrastructure projects, tourism marketing campaigns, and operational enhancements across the tourism sector.

From beachside security improvements to upgrades in major city centers like Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic’s approach ensures that visitor contributions directly benefit their travel experience while also supporting national development.

Jamaica’s $20 Tourism Enhancement Fee Fuels Destination Branding

Every visitor arriving in Jamaica pays a $20 Tourism Enhancement Fee. This charge is part of the country’s long-standing strategy to modernize its tourism infrastructure and reinforce global marketing efforts.

The revenue supports the development of roads, airport terminals, and cultural heritage attractions. Additionally, the fee plays a critical role in preserving Jamaica’s identity in a competitive global tourism market, funding projects that blend authenticity with upgraded amenities.

Aruba Adds a $20 Sustainability Fee for Air Travelers

Since July 2024, Aruba has required air travelers aged 8 and older to pay a $20 sustainability fee. The charge is collected through the Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) card system, a mandatory step before check-in.

Proceeds are directed into wastewater system upgrades and environmental initiatives that aim to reduce ecological damage from increased tourism. Aruba’s strategy centers around maintaining the island’s pristine reputation while accommodating surging tourist numbers.

Costa Rica’s $29 Departure Tax Continues to Power Eco-Tourism

Costa Rica’s longstanding $29 departure tax reflects its deep commitment to eco-tourism. Typically bundled into airline ticket prices, the fee is crucial for financing the country’s vast network of national parks, wildlife reserves, and green transport systems.

Belize’s Layered Exit Tax Model Prioritizes Biodiversity

Belize applies a comprehensive departure tax for land and air exits, totaling approximately US$40. This includes a Border Development Fee, a Conservation Fee, and a standard Departure Tax.

The funds support biodiversity initiatives, airport enhancements, and smoother processing at land border crossings. Belize’s model reflects a commitment to conservation-first tourism, ensuring that tourism supports rather than endangers the country’s celebrated ecosystems.

St. Lucia’s Variable Hotel Tax Based on Accommodation Type

St. Lucia has taken a differentiated approach to taxation based on property type. The country charges between $3 and $6 per night, depending on where travelers stay. This approach ensures that even smaller, budget-conscious accommodations contribute proportionally to national tourism funds.

Revenue is used to fund island-wide improvements, including beach maintenance, emergency response systems, and the development of new tourism products and community-based attractions.

A Regional Trend: Sustainability, Not Volume, Now Drives Policy

Across the Caribbean and Latin America, a noticeable shift is taking place: quality and sustainability are replacing pure tourist volume as the main priority. Governments in these tourism-reliant economies are recognizing that unregulated growth can come at a steep price—overstressed infrastructure, ecological damage, and cultural erosion.

Tourist taxes, often controversial in the past, are now being reframed as investments. They’re tools to deliver better services, maintain public amenities, and foster resilience against natural disasters and climate change.

Whether it’s Mexico strengthening port security, Barbados protecting its historic architecture, or Jamaica enhancing its roadways, the message is consistent: sustainable tourism is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Costa Rica has built its tourism brand on sustainability, and the departure tax supports the continued development of eco-friendly infrastructure. From improved hiking trails to clean-energy shuttles in national parks, the impact is both visible and vital.

What This Means for Travelers

For tourists, the practical impact of these new and updated taxes is a slight increase in total trip cost—typically no more than $5 to $42, depending on the country and travel type. But in return, travelers are promised cleaner beaches, more efficient airports, safer transit options, and richer cultural experiences.

These changes also promote transparency. Many countries are now openly declaring how the funds will be used, allowing travelers to feel confident that their contributions are improving the destinations they enjoy.

In Mexico’s case, the $42 cruise tax may lead to better port logistics and more secure docking facilities, while in Costa Rica, the departure tax continues to fund world-renowned conservation programs.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Travel in the Caribbean and Beyond

As climate change intensifies and global tourism demand continues to rise, countries across the Caribbean and Central America are laying the foundation for a more resilient future. Tourist taxes are emerging as one of the most direct and effective mechanisms to ensure that growth does not come at the cost of sustainability.

Mexico is set to introduce a new tourist tax in 2025, joining Barbados, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba, Costa Rica, and St. Lucia in a Caribbean-wide push to fund sustainable tourism, protect ecosystems, and upgrade vital infrastructure.

Mexico’s move to implement a new cruise passenger tax in 2025 places it squarely within a powerful regional trend reshaping travel in the Caribbean and Latin America. As it joins countries like Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Aruba, and Costa Rica, Mexico is embracing the future of tourism—one that prioritizes sustainability, community reinvestment, and thoughtful growth.

For travelers, the message is clear: every dollar spent on tourist taxes today helps build the destination you’ll want to return to tomorrow.

Mexico’s entry into this regional movement signals not only a change in policy but a broader cultural acknowledgment of the responsibilities tied to tourism. With increasing alignment among nations, the Caribbean is becoming a leader in responsible travel management—balancing beauty with sustainability, access with accountability.

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/

Jamaican Government Urged To 'Fully Decolonize' With Bill To Ditch King Charles

Many Jamaicans want their country to ditch King Charles as head of state but a bill presented by the government to do just that has frustrated some critics of the monarchy who believe the change should go further to slash colonial ties.

Jamaica gained independence in 1962 but - like 13 other former British colonies - it still retains the British monarch as its head of state.

Public opinion on the Caribbean island of nearly 3 million people has been shifting for years, and in December the government of Prime Minister Andrew Holness presented a bill to remove King Charles.

Hundreds of thousands of enslaved Africans were shipped to Jamaica during transatlantic slavery, and many scholars and advocates say the legacy of slavery and colonialism has resulted in or played a role in enduring inequities. Growing calls by African and Caribbean nations for reparations to address past wrongs have added to a shift in sentiment across the region.

Britain has so far rejected calls for reparations. On the issue of removing the monarchy as head of state, Buckingham Palace usually says such matters are for the local people and politicians to decide. On a visit to the Bahamas in 2022, Prince William - who is now heir to the throne - said he supports and respects any decision Caribbean nations make about their future.

The Jamaican bill - which could be debated in parliament as early as this month or next - would have to be ratified in a referendum if passed.

Before that, some critics - including the opposition People's National Party (PNP) - are raising objections to how a future president would be selected, what his or her role would be, and which court should be Jamaica's final court of appeal.

Steven Golding, head of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, founded more than a century ago by Jamaican civil rights leader Marcus Garvey, said the group and others had long advocated for the removal of "the last vestiges of the colonial umbilical cord".

But he added: "We must make sure that it's not a cosmetic surgery being done... we don't want to swap having a British monarch... to having a titular president. I would like to see an executive president, directly elected by the people."

Longstanding calls by some Jamaicans to abolish the monarchy picked up steam after Barbados, another former colony in the Caribbean, removed the late Queen Elizabeth as head of state in 2021. Holness told Prince William during a visit by the royal in 2022 that his country wanted to be "independent".

A survey by pollster Don Anderson in 2022 showed 56% of people in Jamaica wanted the monarch removed, up from 40% a decade earlier.

A PRESIDENT AS HEAD OF STATE

According to the government's bill, Charles' representative in Jamaica - the governor general - would be replaced by a president nominated by the prime minister in consultation with the opposition leader.

If the two could not agree on a candidate, the opposition leader could recommend a name, and if that were not accepted, the prime minister could choose a nominee who would then be elected with a simple parliamentary majority.

Donna Scott-Mottley, a spokesperson on justice for the PNP, said removing Charles would be the "final birth of a true nation" but the way the president would be chosen under the bill "compromised everything". "If you (PM) wanted your right-hand man to become president, you simply do the nomination," Scott-Mottley told Reuters.

Former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson has also voiced opposition, saying the president would be a "puppet of the prime minister".

The government did not reply to a request for comment on the criticism.

'FULL DECOLONISATION'

The bill is likely to pass the lower house of parliament as the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) currently has the two-thirds majority required, but it will need at least one opposition vote when it moves to the upper house.

Even if rejected by the upper house, the bill can still be put to a national referendum, which the government hopes to hold by next year. To pass, the referendum would need two-thirds of the vote, rather than just a simple majority.

A general election due this year may delay the process.

Another point of contention is the London-based Privy Council, the final court of appeal for UK overseas territories and some Commonwealth nations. Critics say this should be replaced by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Accessing the Privy Council can be expensive and cumbersome as those who wish to argue their cases there need a visa to travel to Britain. Caribbean nations such as Barbados, Belize and Guyana have replaced the Privy Council with the CCJ.

Accessing the Privy Council can be expensive and cumbersome as those who wish to argue their cases there need a visa to travel to Britain. Caribbean nations such as Barbados, Belize and Guyana have replaced the Privy Council with the CCJ.

The Jamaican government has said matters related to the court would feature later in the "phased reform", and that Jamaicans would be able to weigh in on the matter.

Christopher Charles, professor of political and social psychology at the University of the West Indies, said keeping the Privy Council was like wanting to get divorced while keeping "a room in the matrimonial home". Scott-Mottley said it would be "anachronistic" to drop Charles as monarch but still use his court.

Constitutional change advocate Haile Mika'el Cujo said keeping the Privy Council could put people off from voting in the referendum: "People are not going to sign off on that."

"We believe that time has come for full decolonisation... not piecemeal or partial or phased," said PNP's leader Mark Golding.

Reporting by Zahra Burton in Kingston and Catarina Demony in London; Editing by Frances Kerry Disagreements over the Privy Council have led the PNP to pause its participation in the committee working on the bill.

Caribbean Airlines Is Bringing Back Its Flights from Fort Lauderdale To Montego Bay, Jamaica

For years, it was one of the most popular routes to the Caribbean island of Jamaica: Caribbean Airlines’ nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport.

The main beach at the Eclipse at Half Moon resort in Jamaica.

But since before the pandemic, travelers looking to hop on Caribbean Airlines from FLL to MBJ have been out of luck.

But that’s about to change, with plans for the Fort Lauderdale-Mobay route to resume beginning in March 2025, Caribbean Journal las has learned.

And, most importantly, it will be operating every day of the week.

The move comes after Caribbean Airlines just this week resumed another long-dormant flight — Fort Lauderdale to Kingston, which will be operating three times each week, part of what has been one of the biggest years of expansion for Caribbean Airlines in the Trinidad-based airline’s history.

So what about cost? Right now, you can book a FLL-MBJ roundtrip for about $276 roundtrip, including a free checked bag. That covers travel from March 7 to June 30, 2025, according to the airline.

And what about where to stay? Navigating Montego Bay’s hotel landscape can be tricky. Yes, there is the sea of all-inclusive resorts, but there are some lovely smaller, independent places that should be at the top of your list.

That begins with the legendary Half Moon resort, whose Eclipse at Half Moon resort-within-a-resort has become one of the most sought after stays in the Caribbean right now. Rooms starting at $1,642 in early January.

A bit further outside of Montego Bay proper is the venerable Round Hill hotel, a boutique property (with rooms designed by co-owner Ralph Lauren) anchored by a collection of luxury staffed villas. You can’t go wrong with either choice, but the villas at Round Hill are one of the great delights of traveling to Jamaica. Rooms starting at $1,512 per night.

If you’re staying at an all-inclusive, your best best in Mobay remains a Sandals resort, from the original Sandals Montego Bay to the lovely Sandals Royal Caribbean (home to Jamaica’s first-ever overwater bungalows). At Sandals Montego Bay, you can find rooms in early January for as low as $293 per person per night.

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/alexander-britell/

Tourism Booms In Jamaica After Pandemic, Overwhelming Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

The number of tourists flocking to Jamaica’s sun-drenched beaches soared nearly 100% in the first three months of the year, causing long queues and hours-long waits for arriving passengers at the island’s main airport.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told The Associated Press that the problem stemmed from a shortage of airport staff to process the unexpected volume of people flying into Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay since the end of the pandemic.

Bartlett told Parliament later that day that there were 1.18 million arrivals from January through March — 94% more than the same period of 2022 and a record high for Jamaica’s tourism high season.

“The recovery has been stronger than anticipated and everybody all over the world is having difficulty with their airports because … (many) of the workers have not come back,” Bartlett said.

He said authorities plan to spend more on technology as they strive to do away with paperwork at the airport, including ending a requirement for visitors to fill out a form upon arrival.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the problems at Sangster underscore the need to push through the $70 million modernization and expansion project that already was underway.

The work is scheduled to be completed by 2025, and Honess said the improvements at the Caribbean’s largest and busiest airport “will make Jamaica more attractive and make Jamaica more competitive with other countries in the region, which have also invested heavily in improving their infrastructure.”

As part of the project, the runway is being lengthened at a cost of $34 million, work that is expected to be finished in June.

We are excited about the prospects of Sangster being able to accommodate these mega airlines that will be flying to Jamaica and the Caribbean,” Bartlett said during the AP interview last week.

He said the Tourism Ministry’s growth plan aims to have the island draw 5 million visitors annually by 2025. That would be a 35% increase from Jamaica’s peak of 3.7 million tourists in 2022.

Bartlett said Asian and Middle Eastern countries are among new markets being targeted and the airport must be able to accommodate the larger aircraft that would be used on such long-haul flights.

In 2019, before the pandemic, the airport processed 4.7 million passengers, including citizens and visitors. The number of tourists to Jamaica peaked at 3.7 million in 2022, 70% of whom used the Sangster gateway.

Sangster is managed by MBJ Airports Ltd., a consortium 74.5% owned by a subsidiary of the Mexican airports operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico and the rest by Vantage Airport Group of Canada.
The consortium, which has a 30-year concession that began in 2003, said it spent $287 million to improve the airport in the first 18 years of the deal.

Among the improvements, the airport operator has expanded the immigration hall and departure lounge. The check-in area was recently outfitted with 60 self-service kiosks, with plans to install more, to reduce passenger processing and waiting times.