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Jamaica
Country Specific Information
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June 02, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Jamaica is a developing nation of over 2.6 million people. Facilities for tourists are widely available. International
airports are located in Kingston and Montego Bay. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Jamaica for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document
to enter or re-enter the United States. This requirement will be extended to sea travel (except closed loop cruises), including
ferry service, by the summer of 2009. Until then, U.S. citizens traveling by sea must have government-issued photo identification
and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, a birth certificate or certificate of nationalization), or other
WHTI compliant document such as a passport card for entry or re-entry to the U.S. Sea travelers should also check with their
cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements.
Applications for the new U.S. Passport Card are now being accepted. Based on current projections, we expect the passport card
to be in full production beginning in July 2008. The card may not be used to travel by air and is available only to U.S. citizens.
Further information on the Passport Card is available at http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html and upcoming changes to U.S. passport policy can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. We strongly encourage all American citizen travelers to apply for a U.S. passport well in advance of anticipated travel. American
citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on how to apply for their passports.
Visitors must have a return ticket and be able to show sufficient funds for their visit. U.S. citizens traveling to Jamaica
for work or extended stays are required to have a current U.S. passport and visa issued by the Jamaican Embassy or a Jamaican
Consulate. There is a departure tax for travelers, which is regularly included in airfare. For further information, travelers
may contact the Embassy of Jamaica at 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, telephone (202) 452-0660; the Jamaican
Consulate in Miami or New York; honorary consuls in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Seattle or Los Angeles. Visit the Embassy
of Jamaica's web site at http://www.congenjamaica-ny.org for the most current visa information.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Gang violence and shootings occur regularly in certain areas of Kingston and Montego Bay. These areas include Mountain View,
Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, Cassava Piece, and Arnett Gardens in Kingston, and Flankers in Montego Bay. Some neighborhoods
are occasionally subject to curfews and police searches. Impromptu demonstrations can occur, during which demonstrators often
construct roadblocks or otherwise block the streets. These events usually do not affect tourist areas, but travelers to Kingston
should check with local authorities or the U.S. Embassy for current information prior to their trip.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in
the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are
available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For
general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the
Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Crime, including violent crime, is a serious problem in Jamaica, particularly in Kingston. While the vast majority of crimes
occur in impoverished areas, the violence is not confined. The primary criminal concern of a tourist is being a victim of
theft. In several cases, armed robberies of Americans have turned violent when the victims resisted handing over valuables. Crime
is exacerbated by the fact that police are understaffed and ineffective. Therefore, tourists should take their own precautions
and always pay extra attention to their surroundings when traveling, exercise care when walking outside after dark, and should
always avoid areas known for high crime rates. As a general rule, valuables should not be left unattended, including in hotel
rooms and on the beach. Care should be taken when carrying high value items such as cameras, or when wearing expensive jewelry
on the street. Women's handbags should be zipped and held close to the body. Men should carry wallets in their front pants
pocket. Large amounts of cash should always be handled discreetly.
The U.S. Embassy advises its staff to avoid inner-city areas of Kingston and other urban centers, such as those listed in
the section on Safety and Security, whenever possible. Particular caution is advised after dark in downtown Kingston. The
U.S. Embassy also cautions its staff not to use public buses, which are often overcrowded and are a frequent venue for crime.
To enhance security in the principal resort areas, the Government of Jamaica has taken a number of steps, including assignment
of special police foot and bicycle patrols. Particular care is still called for, however, when staying at isolated villas
and smaller establishments that may have fewer security arrangements. Some street vendors and taxi drivers in tourist areas
are known to confront and harass tourists to buy their wares or employ their services. If a firm "No, thank you" does not
solve the problem, visitors may wish to seek the assistance of a tourist police officer.
Drug use is prevalent in some tourist areas. American citizens should avoid buying, selling, holding, or taking illegal drugs
under any circumstances. There is anecdotal evidence that the use of so-called date rape drugs, such as Rohypnol, has become
more common at clubs and private parties. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other illegal narcotics are especially potent in
Jamaica, and their use may lead to severe or even disastrous health consequences.
Relatives of U.S. citizens visiting Jamaica and U.S. citizens who are prisoners in Jamaica have received telephone calls from
people claiming to be Jamaican police officers, other public officials, or medical professionals. The callers usually state
that the visitor or prisoner has had trouble and needs financial help. In almost every case these claims are untrue. The caller
insists that money should be sent to either themselves or a third party who will assist the visitor or prisoner, but when
money is sent, it fails to reach the U.S. citizens in alleged need. U.S. citizens who receive calls such as these should never
send money. They should contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the Embassy's Consular Section at telephone (876) 702-6000
for assistance in confirming the validity of the call.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. More
information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate
medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation
and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand
the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information for Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care is more limited than in the United States. Comprehensive emergency medical services are located only in Kingston
and Montego Bay, and smaller public hospitals are located in each parish. Emergency medical and ambulance services, and the
availability of prescription drugs, are limited in outlying parishes. Ambulance service is limited both in the quality of
emergency care and in the availability of vehicles in remote parts of the country. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization
and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals in Jamaica often
require cash payment prior to providing services. If a medical evacuation is required, the Embassy recommends you contact
the American Citizen Services Unit at (876) 702-6000 for assistance.
Numerous incidences of Dengue fever, including to Americans, returned to Jamaica during the summer of 2007 after many years
of no cases being reported in Jamaica. Dengue fever is a mosquito transmitted disease common in warm, wet areas of the world
with potentially deadly virulence. Americans are urged to review the following Internet link to the Center for Disease Control
Fact Sheet on Dengue and particularly to follow the guidance on deterring mosquitoes: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/dengue/resources/DengueFactSheet.pdf.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please
see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Jamaica is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in
a particular location or circumstance.
Drivers and pedestrians should remember that, unlike the United States, driving in Jamaica is on the left-hand side of the
road. Breakdown assistance is quite limited in urban areas and virtually unavailable in rural areas. Nighttime driving is
especially dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. As noted above in the section on Crime, public buses are often
overcrowded and they are frequently a venue of crime. Travelers who use taxicabs should take only licensed taxicabs having
red-and-white PP license plates.
Drivers and passengers in the front seat are required to wear seat belts, and motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets. Extreme
caution should be used in operating motor driven cycles. Several serious and fatal accidents take place each year involving
American tourists riding in taxis without seat belts. All passengers are strongly encouraged to utilize vehicles equipped
with seat belts.
Drivers should make every effort to avoid areas of high crime and civil strife. Roadblocks are sometimes employed by residents
as protests intended to draw attention to particular issues and require extreme caution by drivers. The U.S. Embassy advises
its staff to exercise caution when traveling in areas described in the sections on Safety and Security and Crime. The Embassy
also advises its staff to always keep their windows up and doors locked when driving and to leave enough distance between
themselves and the preceding car at intersections to allow a roll forward in case of harassment by pedestrian panhandlers. As
a rule, drivers should always avoid contact with large groups of pedestrians.
Most roads are paved, but suffer from ill repair, inadequate signage, large pot holes, and poor traffic control markings. City
roads are often subject to poorly marked construction zones, pedestrians, bicyclists, and, occasionally, livestock. Street
corners are frequented by peddlers, window washers, and beggars walking among stopped cars. Smaller roads are often narrow
and they are frequently traveled at high speeds. Drivers should maintain special care when entering traffic circles (“roundabouts”),
which are often poorly marked and require traffic to move in a clockwise direction. Motorists entering a roundabout must yield
to those already in it. Labeling of roundabout exit points is exceptionally confusing, often making it difficult to determine
how to continue toward the desired destination. Failure to turn into the correct flow of traffic can result in a head on collision.
The A1, A2 and A3 highways are the primary links between the most important cities and tourist destinations on the island. These
roads are not comparable to American highways, and road conditions may be hazardous due to poor repair, inadequate signage
and poor traffic control markings. The B highways and other rural roads are often very narrow and frequented by large trucks,
buses, pedestrians, bicyclists and open range livestock. Highways are traveled at high speeds, but they are not limited-access
and are subject to the hazards outlined above.
For specific information concerning Jamaican drivers permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please
contact the Embassy of Jamaica's website: http://www.congenjamaica-ny.org or the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA or on line at http://www.jamaicatravel.com.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Jamaica’s Civil Aviation Authority as being
in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Jamaica’s air
carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Behavior Modification Facilities: In recent years, there has been a growth of Behavior Modification Facilities for the treatment
of minors with drug/alcohol, violence, and discipline problems. Parents enroll their children in these facilities in the hope
of improving their behavior. The Department of State is aware of such facilities in Jamaica and Mexico. There may be facilities
in other countries that have not come to the attention of the U.S. government.
Parents considering enrolling their children in overseas Behavior Modification Facilities should visit the facility, if at
all possible, and review the host country's rules regarding the facility and its employees. Parents may contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate
in the host country to inquire about the facility or speak to the country officer in the Office of American Citizen Services,
Bureau of Consular Affairs at: (202) 647-5226. When such facilities are known to exist, consular officials conduct periodic
site visits, sometimes in the company of host country government officials, to monitor the general well being of U.S. citizen
enrollees and to check on specific individuals who have been the subject of welfare and whereabouts inquiries. Further information
can be found in the Bureau of Consular Affairs Behavior Modification Facilities Fact Sheet.
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against taking any type of firearm or ammunition into Jamaica without authorization
from the Ministry of National Security. Entering Jamaica with a firearm or even a single round of ammunition is a serious
crime that can result in a long prison sentence.
Fresh fruits, vegetables and uncooked meats are not permitted to be brought in or out of the country and may be confiscated
by customs officials. Pets may not be brought into Jamaica, except for dogs from the United Kingdom that have not been vaccinated
for rabies and only after six months quarantine.
It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington or one of the Jamaican consulates in the United States for
specific information regarding customs requirements.
Please see our information on customs regulations.
Jamaica, like all Caribbean countries, can be affected by hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each
year. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has put measures in place in the event of an emergency
or disaster. General information is available on the subject via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for
breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences. Persons violating Jamaica’s laws, even
unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Jamaica
are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Airport searches are thorough and people
attempting to smuggle narcotics are often apprehended.
Prison conditions in Jamaica differ greatly from prison conditions in the United States. Prisoners are provided only the most
basic meals and must rely upon personal funds, family and friends to supplement their diets, provide clothing, and supply
personal care items such as toothpaste and shampoo. Packages shipped from the United States to prisoners are subject to Jamaican
import taxes and are undeliverable when the recipient lacks the funds to pay the duties.
Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable
in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
Jamaican law contains specific prohibitions on certain sexual activities. These prohibitions have been used to target homosexuals
and trans-gendered individuals. Violations can result in lengthy imprisonment.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues web pages.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Jamaica are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration web site, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Jamaica. Americans without Internet access may register
directly with the U.S. Embassy in Kingston between the hours of 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. on any business day. By registering, American
citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at 142 Old Hope Road in the Liguanea area of Kingston, tel. (876) 702-6000. Office
hours are 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with window services available Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., except local and
U.S. holidays. For emergencies after hours, on weekends, and holidays, U.S. citizens are requested to call the U.S. Embassy
duty officer through the main switchboard at (876) 702-6000. The Embassy’s American Citizen Services office provides routine
information at http://kingston.usembassy.gov/.
The Consular Agency in Montego Bay is located at St. James Place, 2nd Floor, Gloucester Avenue, tel. (876) 952-0160. Office
hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30. The U.S. Embassy also has consular responsibility for the Cayman Islands,
a British dependent territory. The office is located at 222 Mirco Centre, Georgetown. Hours are M-W-F from 8:00 to 14:00. The
telephone number is (345) 945-8173 and the e-mail is consagency@candw.ky. For additional information on travel conditions in the Cayman Islands, please refer to the Cayman Islands Consular Information
Sheet.
* * *
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 16, 2007 to update the entry/exit requirements and Traffic Safety
and Road conditions section.
