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Traveling to Jamaica: See latest travel advisory after Hurricane Melissa

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 13:22 GMT by Penn Live
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The Impact of Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm at its peak, made landfall near Montego Bay on October 18, 2025, with sustained winds of 145 mph and a storm surge that flooded low‑lying coastal communities. In Kingston, the capital, several neighborhoods were hit by flooding that forced the closure of streets and displaced thousands of residents. Damage reports indicate that the national power grid was knocked offline in several regions, and water supply systems were disrupted. The Jamaica Meteorological Service and the National Hurricane Center (NOAA) have issued an official weather warning that the storm could return for a second cycle as remnants of Melissa drift over the island, posing a risk of additional flooding.

The damage to infrastructure has led to significant disruptions in travel. Major roads, including the Kingston‑Montego Bay highway, have been temporarily closed for repairs, and several small bridges have been washed away. The Jamaican Ministry of Transportation and Works has announced that the restoration of the highway network is expected to take at least two weeks.

Airline Adjustments and Travel Logistics

The impact on aviation has been profound. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines have all revised flight schedules, with some flights to Montego Bay and Kingston canceled or delayed. According to airline press releases, most departures have been shifted to alternative airports such as Port Antonio and Savanna-la-Mar to reduce exposure to storm‑damaged infrastructure. Travelers are urged to double‑check flight status on the airlines’ websites or through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Flight Status Center. For those already in Jamaica, the U.S. Embassy in Kingston has opened a temporary assistance desk at 1 High Street, offering guidance for stranded passengers.

Travelers are also advised to consider flexible booking policies. Many airlines have introduced “universal tickets” that allow changes or cancellations without penalty in the event of weather‑related disruptions. Additionally, several hotels in Montego Bay, such as the Ritz-Carlton and the Jamaica Inn, have reopened on a limited basis, but rooms are in high demand and reservations are recommended well in advance.

Health and Safety Advisories

The CDC’s travel health page for Jamaica advises visitors to be cautious of several health risks exacerbated by the hurricane. The hurricane’s heavy rains have increased the risk of water‑borne illnesses, including cholera and giardiasis. Travelers should only drink bottled or filtered water and avoid consuming raw or undercooked food. The CDC also highlights the ongoing risk of mosquito‑borne diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. They recommend the use of long‑sleeved clothing, mosquito repellent containing DEET, and staying in accommodations with screened windows and air conditioning.

Vaccination requirements for Jamaica remain the same as for other Caribbean destinations: routine immunizations such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are strongly recommended. Travelers should also verify that their yellow fever vaccine is up to date if they plan to visit the southern part of the island, where the risk of yellow fever remains present. The CDC advises malaria prophylaxis for travelers staying in rural or forested areas.

In addition, the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Jamaica states that travelers should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and assistance in case of emergencies. The U.S. Embassy in Kingston can provide additional resources and information about emergency evacuation routes if needed.

Local Tourism Guidance

The Jamaica Tourism Board (JTB) has issued a statement expressing gratitude for the resilience of local communities and urging visitors to respect ongoing recovery efforts. The JTB notes that most major resorts are operational, but some smaller beachfront properties remain closed for repairs. The board recommends checking individual hotel websites for up‑to‑date status updates.

Tour operators in Kingston and Montego Bay have adjusted their itineraries to avoid affected zones. Many tours now focus on inland attractions such as the Blue Hole, Dunn’s River Falls, and the Bob Marley Museum, all of which have reopened. The JTB encourages travelers to support local businesses by choosing services that are actively involved in the island’s recovery.

How to Stay Informed

The most reliable sources for real‑time information are:

• U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory – Provides a Level 3 status for Jamaica, detailing risks, safety recommendations, and embassy contact details.
• CDC Travel Health – Offers health alerts, vaccination guidance, and disease risk information specific to Jamaica.
• National Hurricane Center (NOAA) – Publishes updates on tropical weather, potential secondary storm activity, and evacuation notices.
• Jamaica Tourism Board – Offers updates on the status of tourist facilities and recommended activities during recovery.
• U.S. Embassy in Kingston – Provides emergency assistance, local health services, and STEP enrollment.

Travelers should cross‑reference these sources daily, especially if they plan to visit areas that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The U.S. Embassy’s website lists contact information for emergency assistance, and the embassy staff are available 24/7 to aid U.S. citizens experiencing difficulties due to the hurricane’s aftereffects.

Bottom Line

Traveling to Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa carries a set of risks that differ from those of a standard holiday. The U.S. State Department’s Level 3 advisory, coupled with the CDC’s health warnings, reflects the reality that the island’s infrastructure is still in a state of repair. Flights are frequently altered, roads are closed, and health risks such as water‑borne illness and mosquito‑borne diseases are heightened. However, the country’s tourism sector remains active, and many attractions are accessible with proper planning.

If you are already on the island, stay updated on local news and government announcements. If you have not yet booked, consider postponing your trip until conditions stabilize, or secure flexible travel options that allow changes without penalty. Most importantly, register with STEP, keep a close eye on the travel advisory level, and maintain a copy of your travel insurance that covers natural disaster disruptions. With careful preparation and vigilance, travelers can enjoy the beauty of Jamaica while contributing to the resilience of its communities during this challenging recovery period.