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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Caribbean offers hundreds of tourist destinations across its many islands and coasts. Douglas Olivares/Shutterstock
The US State Department rates destinations by safety and security risks.
Advisories warn travelers about crime, unrest, health risks, and natural disasters.
Haiti and parts of Venezuela and Colombia remain "Do Not Travel" amid security concerns.
From rising airfare costs to worldwide tensions, travel for Americans is strained this summer.
On July 22, the US State Department issued a worldwide warning to American travelers, citing heightened tensions in the Middle East amid the Iran War and mentioning the potential for unforeseen escalation in other countries.
If you're planning a Caribbean vacation , you should know how safe your destination and the region are before you board your flight.
For some countries in the region, the State Department has issued travel advisories advising Americans to exercise caution when visiting.
The US State Department uses four levels of travel guidance to share with travelers what to expect in each country:
Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
Level 2: Exercise increased caution
Level 3: Reconsider travel
Level 4: Do not travel
As of August 3, 23 countries around the world are designated "do not travel," mostly because of ongoing armed conflicts.
Across the Caribbean — which we have defined broadly to include every country with a Caribbean coast in South, Central, and North America — levels of safety and resources can vary, and travelers should be aware of the specific conditions in the country or territory they intend to visit.
We reviewed travel advisories and information for every Caribbean country. Here's everything you need to know about your tropical destination before planning your next getaway.
Rebecca Harrington and Michelle Mark contributed to an earlier version of this story.
Anguilla - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
The British territory of Anguilla is one of the lesser-known Caribbean islands, meaning you can enjoy the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches without the crowds. pics721/Shutterstock
While the US State Department doesn't have any alerts for British territory, it advises travelers to exercise caution when driving, as roads can be in poor condition.
Additionally, it notes that medical facilities on the island fall below US standards.
Antigua and Barbuda - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
Antigua and Barbuda is a popular cruise ship destination. DiegoMariottini/Shutterstock
The US State Department doesn't have any alerts set for the popular cruise-ship destination, but it advises travelers on the country information page to be "extremely careful when driving, riding in a vehicle, or crossing roads."
It also notes that medical facilities on the island don't meet US standards, and divers facing decompression illness need to be evacuated from the island as it does not have a hyperbaric chamber.
The agency also says that mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are prevalent on the islands.
Aruba - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
Aruba is a Dutch island in the Caribbean. Mary Baratto/Shutterstock
The US State Department doesn't have any alerts for the Dutch island , but warns that "access to quality medical care is limited" and that, in cases of decompression sickness, divers need medical evacuation from the island, as it does not have a decompression chamber.
Mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are also prevalent on the island, and the CDC recommends the use of "mosquito repellents and insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets."
While crime isn't a particular concern there, theft is the main offense committed against tourists. The department suggests securing personal property in public areas, hotel rooms, and cars.
The Bahamas - Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The State Department warns of some violent crime in The Bahamas. Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock
The US State Department advises travelers to the island chain to remain cautious, as violent crimes — like armed robberies and sexual assaults — can "occur anywhere in the Bahamas ."
It also notes that a majority of crime occurs on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama, and warns to stay alert in the "Over the Hill" area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have been reported to have murdered residents. The agency notes that most crimes occur in Nassau and Freeport.
The department also warns about unsafe, unregulated tourist watercraft, such as boat tours , and the potential of sexual assault by Jet Ski operators. US government employees are prohibited from using Jet Skis and watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.
Beach-focused warnings focus on snorkeling safety, shark attacks, and potential sexual assault near Nassau beaches.
It also advises travelers to be wary of weather alerts and notes that the island's hurricane season generally runs from June through November.
Barbados - Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
Some crimes of opportunity, like pickpocketing, occur in Barbados. Mario Hagen/Shutterstock
The US State Department lists Barbados at Level 1 but warns that "crimes of opportunity" and violent crimes occur occasionally, advising travelers to use the same personal security measures as in any major US city .
It also notes that travelers should "exercise extra vigilance at night on party cruises and in the downtown area ."
Mosquito-borne diseases, such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika, are also prevalent.
Belize - Level 2: Exercise increased caution
The State Department advises increased caution in Belize. Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
The US State Department warns of violent crime , including "sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder," saying that isolated incidents of violent crime can occur even in tourist areas.
The south side of Belize C...
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