Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime. US government personnel are prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days.
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
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
876
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 110; Fire: 110; Police: 119
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
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 64.8%, Roman Catholic 2.2%, Jehovah's Witness 1.9%, Rastafarian 1.1%
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: Wednesday, September 06, 2023
