Tourist kidnappings, rampant crime spark travel warnings in Caribbean, South America

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The U.S. State Department has issued a series of travel warnings to Americans looking to visit the Caribbean or South America this summer after countries across both regions experienced an uptick in crime. 

The department issued five updated travel advisories in the past three weeks for Haiti, Colombia, Jamaica, Chile and Peru, with Haiti receiving the highest level advisory: Do Not Travel. The warning advises that Haiti has experienced "widespread" kidnapping, with victims "regularly" including U.S. citizens and ransom negotiations. 

Americans have been harmed during these incidents, the department warned. The country has also had a rash of robberies and carjackings, as well as "mob killings" against presumed criminals.  

Jamaica considered sending police and soldiers to Haiti to help the country deal with ongoing gang violence that has gripped the capital for months in response to an appeal for foreign troop assistance – a request that the U.S. and Canada had turned down. 

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Tourists on a Segway tour in front of Government Palace in the walled city of Cartagena, Colombia, a Unesco World Heritage Site April 29, 2012. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

However, Jamaica has its own crime problem. Colombia and Jamaica, both of which have seen violent crimes increase in recent months, have received level three advisories to "reconsider travel."

The State Department cautioned that Jamaica has for several years reported a homicide rate that ranks "among the highest in the Western Hemisphere." American government personnel have been prohibited from traveling to several areas in the country and from traveling on buses or driving outside certain areas of Kingston at night. 

Montego Bay in Jamaica. (Will Twort/Jamaica Tourist Board/dpa)

Colombia has struggled with crime and political turmoil, with representatives from the government and the National Liberation Army (ELN), the country’s largest guerilla group, meeting in Cuba this month for a third round of talks to discuss peace talks and a cease-fire. 

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View of Columbia's capital city of Bogota from the top of Monserrate Hill Aug. 18, 2019. (Photo by JUAN BARRETO / AFP)

The ELN, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People’s Army (FARC-EP), and Segunda Marquetalia terrorist organizations, as well as the Clan del Golfo and other criminal organizations "continue operating and carrying out attacks" in the country, according to the State Department. 

The department warns that "demonstrations occur regularly," with large public demonstrations over a "variety of political or economic issues" that can "shutdown roads and highways." 

A parent carrying his child after picking him up from school runs past police carrying out an operation against gangs in the Bel-Air area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph, File)

Chile and Peru have level two advisories, which suggest "increased caution" as both countries continue to similarly experience some political turmoil, with large-scale demonstrations periodically in the cities. Peru's advisory is an improvement from earlier advisories, which were issued during widespread national protests over the resignation of the country's President Pedro Castillo

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Tourists hike through the Salar de Atacama, one of the largest salt deposits in Chile, in the Atacama Desert. (Photo by Paulo Fridman/Corbis via Getty Images)

In January, Peru had to evacuate hundreds of tourists from travel sites as protesters clashed with police over the transition of power in the country. Castillo resigned from office and handed power to his deputy, Dina Boluarte, but citizens did not believe she had the country’s best interests at heart. 

The ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru.

"The improved travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State is welcome news and a further reminder to the world that Peru is open for business," Ambassador of Peru to the United States Gustavo Meza-Cuadra told Fox News Digital. "The upgraded travel alert underscores the safe and stable reality we see on the ground in Peru and should encourage travelers to visit."

Some protests continue, as does an elevated baseline crime right that includes petty theft, carjackings, muggings and assaults during daylight hours, according to the State Department. Some of the concern surrounds the Colombia-Peruvian border due to crime that occurs in the region. 

Anti-government protesters who traveled to the capital from across the country march against Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, clash with the police in Lima, Peru, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. Protesters are seeking immediate elections, Boluarte's resignation, the release of ousted President Pedro Castillo and justice for the dozens of protesters killed in clashes with police.  (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

Meza-Cuadra remains confident, though, that the country will see another, improved travel guidance from the State Department again in the near future as the country gains long-term stability. 

"We look forward to this improved travel advisory giving U.S. travelers the added confidence to book their summer travel and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Peruvian people," he said. 

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The State Department suggests adhering to department guidelines on travel to high-risk areas if Americans must visit these areas and suggests enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment program. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: This report has been updated to clarify changes in the State Department's advisory on Peru.