A popular Caribbean vacation spot is now under a stricter United States travel advisory because of rising concerns about violent crime. American officials are urging visitors to take extra care while staying in the country and to follow basic personal safety steps at all times.
The advisory clearly warns travelers not to open the door at their hotel or rental unless they are certain who is outside.Officials stress that staying calm and keeping a low profile can reduce the risk of serious harm.
Authorities also note that emergency response times can be slow, which makes personal awareness even more important.
According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, around 16.8 million Americans visited Caribbean destinations in 2024. Tourism remains a key source of income for many islands, including Grenada, where the United States Embassy is located in the capital city of St. George’s, the largest city on the island.
A security report from the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security highlights that local police often cooperate with United States officials. However, the report also points out ongoing challenges. These include limited funding, outdated equipment, lack of training, and staff shortages. Because of these issues, law enforcement response times may not always meet expectations.
The report adds that tourist areas do receive a certain level of police protection, as tourism plays a major role in regional economies.
