The U.S. State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for Grenada, citing an increased risk of crime.

The Level 2 advisory, updated on January 5, warns travelers about incidents of violent crime, including armed robbery, assault, burglary and rape. According to U.S. officials, American citizens have been among the victims.

“In some cases, U.S. citizens have been killed,” the advisory states, adding that police response times in Grenada are often slower than what travelers might expect in the United States.

Grenada is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, part of the West Indies, approximately 125 miles north of Venezuela.

The State Department urges travelers to exercise heightened caution, advising them not to open hotel or residence doors unless they are certain of who is on the other side. Officials also recommend avoiding resistance during robbery attempts, maintaining a low profile, and remaining vigilant at all times.

Travelers are encouraged to limit nighttime walking or driving and to stay aware of their surroundings, as law enforcement and emergency response times can be delayed.

While the U.S. Embassy is located in St. George’s, the island’s capital and largest city, the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security notes that local police resources are often strained. Although regional law enforcement generally cooperates with U.S. authorities, response times may be slowed by limited funding, equipment shortages, insufficient training and staffing challenges.

Tourism remains a vital part of the Caribbean economy, and local governments do provide police presence in major tourist areas. Still, U.S. officials stress that travelers should take personal safety precautions.

Approximately 16.8 million Americans visited the Caribbean in 2024, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

The State Department uses a four-level travel advisory system to help Americans assess safety risks when traveling abroad.