The United States Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Grenada, raising the destination to Level Two citing concerns related to crime.
The January 5 update includes the addition of a crime risk indicator, revisions to the advisory summary, and the removal of references to specific areas of increased risk.
According to the advisory, violent crime can occur anywhere in Grenada, and US citizens have previously been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, and rape.
In some instances, American nationals have been killed, a reference to Ralph Hendry, 66, and Kathy Brandel, 71, who were killed after their catamaran were hijack by Ron Mitchell, Atiba Stanisclaus and Trevon Robertson following their escape from prison in February 2024.
The advisory also cautions that police response times may be slower than what US nationals are accustomed to at home.
However, the Country Security Report issued alongside the advisory presents a more nuanced assessment of the on-the-ground situation.
The US Department of State continues to classify Grenada’s capital city St George’s as a low-threat location for crime, terrorism, political violence, kidnapping, and civil unrest directed at or affecting official US government interests.
The report states that criminals do not specifically target US travellers, and that tourism remains a major contributor to Grenada’s economy.
While violent crime and homicide rates have increased slightly over the past two years, the report notes that most serious crimes occur between rival groups and do not target tourists or spill into tourist areas.
“There is no serious risk to travellers from violent crime,” the report states, adding that petty theft targeting tourists is minimal and that there are no specific geographic areas of concern.
The report also highlights structural challenges within law enforcement, including limited funding, equipment shortages, and staffing constraints, which can lead to delayed police response times. It is not uncommon, the report notes, for emergency responses to take an hour or more in some cases, particularly outside tourist zones.
Travellers are advised to exercise caution when traveling outside of tourist areas at night, due to unmarked or unlighted roads, and to remain vigilant when using ATMs or public telephones in secluded locations.
On broader security concerns, the State Department confirmed that kidnapping remains extremely rare in Grenada, consistently ranking among the lowest reported crimes.
The terrorism threat is also assessed as low, with no recent incidents directed at US interests.
Public protests and demonstrations are infrequent and typically peaceful, though travellers are advised to avoid demonstrations should they arise.
The US State Department encouraged travellers to subscribe to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), review the Country Security Report, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for travel health guidance, and consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance prior to visiting Grenada.
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