Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens must have a valid passport. An original Birth Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization, along with an official photo ID, are also accepted if the reason for travel is tourism. No visa is required if travel is for tourism (up to a stay of 6 months). If traveling on business, a passport and visa are required. As of December 31, 2006: Passport required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean (including the Bahamas). A combination of original birth certificate and drivers license will no longer be acceptable for travel to the Caribbean.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required (irrespective of endorsements).

Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens require a passport. Any documents that establish nationality and identity, such as a Certificate of citizenship or an original Birth Certificate with an official photo ID, are also accepted if the reason for travel is tourism. No visa is required.

Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens require a valid passport, but a visa is not required.

Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must hold a valid passport. No visa is required for tourist purposes.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days, provided the purpose of travel is tourism. If traveling on business, a visa is required.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold sufficient funds to cover period of intended stay, as well as an onward or return ticket to country of permanent residence and documents required for next destination.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Departure Taxes
Jamaica has a departure tax that is payable in cash only at the airport upon your departure. Currently, the tax is JA$1000 or US$27 (or equivalent in foreign currency). Cruise ship passengers also are subject to a departure tax of US$15. Most airlines include the departure tax in the ticket price.

Health / Security
No vaccinations are required to enter the country unless, in the last 6 weeks, you have visited: Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad or Tobago.

There are several hospitals throughout Jamaica, with the majority located in Kingston.

What to Bring

Clothing
Lightweight tropical clothing is best suited throughout the year. On the beaches shorts and swimwear are acceptable. A light sweater is suggested for evening, especially in the winter months. Some hotels require casual eveningwear for women and a jacket for men when dining. Laundering and dry cleaning facilities are available.

Miscellaneous
Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the country. Film, camera, sunscreen, hat and beach cover up, remember it is a tropical climate and you can burn easily in the sun.

Financial Matters

Currency
Jamaican Dollar

Tax Free Status
A 1981 treaty between the United States and Jamaica makes expenses for a meeting or convention held in Jamaica tax-deductible.

Tipping
Most hotels will include a 10 to 15% charge on your bill. These charges are not automatically included in restaurant bills, so tipping is suggested.

Gambling
There is no casino gambling in Jamaica, although a number of resorts have game rooms with slot machines. The only legal betting is on horse racing at Caymanas Park Race Track in Kingston.

Utilities

Voltage
110 volts/50 cycles is standard. 220 volts used at some hotels. Adaptors are available at some hotels, although hair dryers and irons work without adapters.

Water
All drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered by modern methods.

Communications
International cables and inland telegrams can be sent from most hotels and post offices. Direct international telephone service operates 24-hours a day. There are three daily newspapers and five weekend newspapers. E-mail, telex, fax, radio and local/cable/satellite TV are also available.

Transportation

By Cab
Taxis have predetermined rates between one location and another. All cabs have red PPV plates (Public Passenger Vehicle) along with regular license plates. Limousines, air-conditioned coaches and local bus service also connect all villages, cities and towns.

By Rented Car
In Jamaica you drive on the left. The speed limit is 30 MPH in towns and 50 MPH on highways. To rent any vehicle, visitors may use a drivers license (valid for 12 months) for up to a 3-month period. Drivers must be at least 25 years of age to rent a car and must post a bond to meet insurance regulations with cash, major credit card, or travelers checks. Service stations are open daily and will only accept cash.