Hurricane Melissa FAQs

Nov 19, 2025

1. Is Jamaica currently open for visitors?
Yes. Some regions were undamaged by Hurricane Melissa, and those areas continue to
have the ability to welcome visitors who had preexisting plans to visit the island or are
thinking of visiting in 2025. Other areas experienced some damage but have been fully
restored to full operation. However, there are some areas that experienced greater levels
of damage, and ground crews are making repairs right now. For a full list of regions, hotels
and resorts that are open, click here www.visitjamaica.com/travel-alerts/.


2. Is it safe to visit Jamaica after the hurricane?
Understanding that some regions were undamaged by Hurricane Melissa and are up and
running. Other areas have experienced more damage and are making repairs right now.
For a full list of regions, hotels and resorts that are open, click here
www.visitjamaica.com/travel-alerts/.


3. Which areas of Jamaica were most affected by Hurricane Melissa, and are there
completely inaccessible regions?
For the most updated list of regions, hotels and resorts that are open or are still
experiencing repairs, click here www.visitjamaica.com/travel-alerts/


4. What precautions have the government or local authorities taken to ensure the
safety of tourists?
The safety of our visitors, resort staff, and residents has, and continues to be, the top
priority for us. We are working as quickly as possible to restore damage caused by
Hurricane Melissa, knowing that tourism is a vital component of our economy. For our
visitors, our focus remains on ensuring the island’s full beauty and offerings are up to our
standard and safety guidelines.


5. Are there any health concerns or advisories related to food, water, or sanitation
that visitors should be aware of?
There have been unrelated reports of what is suspected of being leptospirosis. The Ministry of
Health and Wellness’ epidemiology and environmental health teams have intensified
surveillance across all parishes that were severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa and
continue to work with local health teams to ensure early detection and prompt treatment of any
cases.

6. How does this impact visitors?
Visitors can rest assured that resorts either have their own water source or receive water
through the National Water Commission, all of which are frequently tested for quality
assurance.

7. What if a visitor is staying outside of a resort area?
Visitors should take precautions by avoiding swimming, wading, or playing in flood waters or
any water that may have resulted from flooding. Wear protective clothing and footwear when
working or walking in areas that may be contaminated. Handle animals carefully, especially
those that may have been in contact with flood water or could be infected with leptospirosis.
Avoid consuming food that may have been contaminated with flood water or animal urine.
Visit the nearest health Centre immediately if you experience fever, chills, muscle pain, or
anther flu-like symptom.

8. Are the airports and flights running as scheduled?
Yes. We are pleased that full operations have been restored at our three international
airports – Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, Norman Manley
International Airport (KIN) in Kingston, and Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA) near
Ocho Rios. This includes passengers and cargo planes.

9. Are seaports in Jamaica operational, and are cruise visits running as scheduled?
Yes, our seaports are open. We look forward to welcoming cruise guests to our
beautiful port cities.

10. What is the status of roads and transportation systems?
We are pleased to share that most main roads, the ones travelled mostly by tourists,
experienced limited damage. For a full list of highways and roads that are open, click here
www.visitjamaica.com/travel-alerts/.

11. What is the status of utilities (power, internet, and water) in major tourist areas?
Government agencies and private sector companies are working to restore utilities in all
resort areas.

12. Will hotels and resorts honour existing reservations, or are there
cancellations/changes visitors should be aware of?
If you have an existing reservation, we encourage you to still come to Jamaica, should the
accommodation(s) you booked can host you. As for cancellations and changes to
reservations, please work directly with your travel advisor, booking agent and/or hotel for
specific details.

13. Are Jamaica’s major tourist attractions (e.g., beaches, Dunn’s River Falls, Blue
Mountains) open and safe to visit? Some are open.
Yes! For an updated list of attractions that can welcome visitors, please click here
www.visitjamaica.com/travel-alerts/.


14. Are there any hurricane aftereffects, such as flooding, that I should be aware of?
As an island in the Caribbean, the region is susceptible to tropical storms and
hurricanes. However, our infrastructure is usually designed to withstand the impact of
such storms, including high winds and heavy rainfall. As we continue to restore our
beautiful island and welcome guests, we are taking heightened caution to ensure a safe
environment for guests, workers and residents.


15. Have any local tours or excursion operators resumed business, and is it safe to
book tours?
Yes. Please check directly with the tour provider to ensure the most up-to-date
information and booking availability. You can also check www.visitjamaica.com/travelalerts/.

16. Have prices for accommodation, flights, or other services been affected by the
hurricane (e.g., discounts or increases)?
Work directly with your travel advisor, booking agent, airline and hotels for the most upto-date pricing.

17. How can visitors best support Jamaica’s recovery efforts through ethical
tourism? Are there specific areas where tourism dollars are most needed?
The best way to support Jamaica’s restoration is to visit us on the island, enjoying our
hotels, resorts, dining and attractions. We are confident our guests will continue to have
authentic experiences, embracing all that our island has to offer.


18. What should tourists do in case of emergencies during their stay (e.g., local
helplines, embassy contacts, evacuation plans)?
Our hotel and resort staff are specially trained to ensure all guests are safe and
comfortable during their stay. In the event of an emergency, hurricane, or otherwise,
please work directly with the hospitality team for careful instructions. This includes early
warning systems, evacuation protocols, and safe shelter options. Whether you’re staying
in a hotel or exploring the island, you’ll find a well-coordinated system for ensuring your
safety.


19. What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy for travel plans impacted by the
hurricane?
Please work directly with your travel advisor, booking agent, airlines, and hotels for the
most up-to-date details on cancellation and rescheduling policies.


20. How have local communities been affected by the hurricane, and how can
tourists visit respectfully and responsibly during the recovery period?
Communities across the island most impacted by Hurricane Melissa continue to
prioritise restoration efforts. With support from neighbouring communities, local
government aid and the outpouring of support from international groups. For more
information, go to www.visitjamaica.com/travel-alerts/


21. I have been to Jamaica in the past and love the people and the country. How can
I help?
The best way to support the people and country of Jamaica is to come back and
experience the beauty of the island. We look forward to welcoming you back very soon


22. Is it okay to vacation here, or does it seem inappropriate given the
circumstances?
The best way to support Jamaica is by visiting Jamaica, as tourism is a vital driver of our
economy. We welcome all visitors to visit Jamaica to experience the unique beauty our
island has to offer.

23. What’s the best time to visit Jamaica after a hurricane?
While it’s impossible to guarantee that no storm will occur, the likelihood of one forming
soon after a recent hurricane is typically reduced due to disrupted atmospheric
conditions in the region. With careful planning and access to real-time updates,
travellers can still enjoy their time in Jamaica confidently and safely. Jamaica is ready and
eager to welcome you back to the island. Consider booking your trip soon to experience
all that the country has to offer.


24. When is hurricane season in Jamaica?
As an island in the tropics, hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to
November 30, with the peak period for activity being from August to October. While
hurricanes and tropical storms are most likely to occur during this period, their
occurrence depends on a variety of meteorological factors, such as ocean temperatures,
wind patterns, and atmospheric pressure.


25. How is the weather forecast for the upcoming weeks?
Please check with your local weather source for the most up-to-date weather in Jamaica
at the time of your trip.


26. Is Jamaica ready to welcome back tourists? Is it safe?
Yes! Jamaica takes the safety of its locals and visitors seriously. Tourism authorities,
resorts, and local businesses have detailed hurricane preparedness plans in place. This
includes early warning systems, evacuation protocols, and safe shelter options. Whether
you’re staying in a hotel or exploring the island, you’ll find a well-coordinated system for
ensuring your safety.


27. What hurricane monitoring efforts are in place?
Rest assured, Jamaica has robust weather monitoring systems in place. Meteorologists
and agencies such as the Jamaica Meteorological Service, the National Hurricane Center
(NHC), and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) provide
real-time updates and forecasts, ensuring that residents and visitors are well-informed
about any potential weather threats.