Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[1] (876) 702-6000; US Embassy in Kingston, 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica, WI; KingstonACS@state.gov; https://jm.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
876
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 110; Fire: 110; Police: 119
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Jamaica: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior
Currency (Code)
Jamaican dollars (JMD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
110 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
English, English patois
Major Religions
Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Rastafarian
Time Difference
UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
If your driver's license doesn't have a stamped photograph, an IDP is required.
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Negril Beach & Negril Cliffs; rafting the Martha Brae River; Dunn's River Falls; Blue & John Crow Mountains National Park; Port Antonio; Doctor's Cave Beach
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, track and field, netball, rugby
Cultural Practices
Men often pat each other's shoulder or arm during greetings or conversation. Always wait until invited before using someone's first name.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 10-20% is appropriate in nicer restaurants. Before tipping at a hotel, be sure to check if tips are even allowed. In some cases, employees can be fired if caught taking gifts or money.
Souvenirs
Hand-loomed, embroidered, and batik fabric; silkscreens and oil paintings, wood carvings; raffia, straw, and wicker items; rum, coffee, pottery and ceramics, bead and shell jewelry
Traditional Cuisine
Ackee and saltfish — boiled ackee (a pear-shaped fruit) and salted codfish sautéd with onions and tomatoes; sometimes served over bammy (deep-fried cassava cakes) with fried plantains
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
