The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory to a Level 2 due to an increased “risk of crime.”
WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department is urging travelers to exercise caution when visiting Grenada, a popular destination in the Caribbean.
The federal agency raised its travel advisory to a Level 2 on Jan. 5 due to the risk of crime. A Level 2 advisory advises travelers to be aware of heightened risk.
“Violent crime can occur anywhere in Grenada. American citizens in Grenada have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary and rape,” the updated travel notice said. “In some cases, American citizens have been killed.”
The State Department also cautioned that police response times on the island are “not as fast as one may expect in the United States.”
Travelers visiting the popular vacation destination are urged to keep a low profile, be aware of their surroundings, use caution when walking or driving at night, and not to answer their hotel door or residence unless they know who is at the door. Additionally, the State Department urges against physically resisting any robbery attempt.
The advisory also suggests that travelers purchase travel insurance before heading to Grenada and check whether it provides evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is also recommended to stay up to date on the latest alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate.
The State Department regularly updates its travel advisories, with warnings ranging from level 1 to level 4, with four being the highest and signaling a “do not travel” advisory.
What do the travel advisory levels mean?
Level 1 means travelers should exercise normal precautions.
Level 2 raises concern for travelers to “exercise increased caution,”
Level 3 urges travelers to “reconsider travel.”
Level 4, the highest of the travel warnings from the State Department, places a “Do Not Travel” advisory on the country.
