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By Kimone Witter
British tourists heading to Jamaica are being urged to exercise increased caution following a new travel advisory from the UK government warning of a rise in sexual assaults at resorts and continued disruptions linked to Hurricane Melissa.
The updated advisory from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, issued on May 7, warns that incidents have been reported in heavily frequented tourist areas, including beach resorts, bars and organised excursions.
According to the advisory, several reported assaults involved perpetrators first encountering victims socially before targeting them in secluded locations.
The UK government also advised travellers to remain vigilant in social settings and avoid isolated areas after dark. It stressed that while the incidents are not widespread, the pattern was serious enough to justify heightened travel guidance.
Beyond personal safety concerns, the UK Foreign Office said storm recovery challenges remain a concern in parts of western Jamaica.
It noted that some areas continue to experience unreliable utilities, while damaged infrastructure has complicated access to healthcare services in certain communities.
Health officials are also warning visitors about an increased risk of mosquito-borne illnesses in storm-affected zones where standing water remains an issue. The Foreign Office further stressed the importance of comprehensive travel insurance.
The UK advisory comes despite Jamaica remaining the Caribbean's most popular destination for British travellers.
The island welcomed 230,000 UK visitors in 2024 and 202,160 in 2025, while nearly 30,000 British tourists visited during the first two months of 2026 alone.
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