As of February 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has designated 18 Caribbean islands with a Level 1 Travel Advisory, indicating that travelers should “exercise normal precautions.” These destinations are considered among the safest in the region for American visitors.
Travel Advisory Levels Explained
The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories in four distinct levels to guide citizens on potential risks abroad:
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: applies to destinations with minimal risk.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: suggests heightened awareness due to specific concerns, such as crime or natural disasters.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel: advises against travel due to serious safety issues, including terrorism or civil unrest.
Level 4: Do Not Travel: is the highest advisory, reserved for areas where severe threats, such as armed conflict or health crises, make travel unsafe. Each level aims to ensure the safety and well-being of U.S. travelers by providing clear, actionable guidance.
18 Safest Islands in the Caribbean (LEVEL 1)
The islands (18) currently under LEVEL 1 advisory on the U.S. State Department website include:
- Aruba (check full Aruba Travel Advisory 2025)
- Curaçao (check full Curaçao Travel Advisory 2025)
- French West Indies (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy)
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Grenada
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Montserrat
- Sint Maarten
- Bonaire
- Anguilla
The islands (5) currently under LEVEL 2 advisory on the U.S. State Department website include:
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- The Bahamas (most parts of the Bahamas are very safe, only Nassau has seen increased crime in the past 2 years).
- Belize
Suggested: 8 Caribbean Islands Americans Can Visit Without A Passport
These advisories are subject to change; therefore, travelers are encouraged to consult the U.S. Department of State’s official website for the most current information before planning their trips.
These 4 Caribbean Islands Are Currently Considered The Most Dangerous To Visit
Three Caribbean island countries are currently categorized as high-risk destinations under Level 3 or Level 4 U.S. State Department travel advisory due to significant safety concerns.
Jamaica has been designated as Level 3: Reconsider Travel, with authorities citing high levels of violent crime, including armed robberies and homicides, and urging heightened caution.
Trinidad and Tobago also holds a Level 3 advisory due to widespread violent crime, terrorism, and a rising risk of kidnapping.
Latest: Local authorities declared a “State of Emergency” in January 2025, due to gang wars and violence.
Honduras has also islands in the Caribbean and the country is currently under LEVEL 3: Reconsider Travel advisory due to high levels of violent crime, including homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. Gang activity, extortion, and human trafficking are widespread, and local authorities may struggle to respond effectively. While resort areas in the Bay Islands are better policed, demonstrations and roadblocks across the country can be unpredictable and turn violent.
Haiti has been assigned the highest warning, Level 4: Do Not Travel, as it faces severe instability from rampant crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and an inadequate healthcare system.
(Source: travel.state.gov)
(Images source: shutterstock.com)