Jamaica Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All foreign visitors to Jamaica must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, return/onward tickets to their country of permanent residence, and the necessary travel documentation for this next documentation. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Jamaica, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport (expired up to one year is acceptable) to enter Jamaica. No visa is required, for tourist stays of up to six months; and for business-related stays of up to 30 days.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required for British passport holders, irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national status contained therein.

Canadians

Canadian citizens require a passport. Expired passports of up to one year are accepted. A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, is also accepted if the reason for travel is tourism. No visa is required.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required.

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days.

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required.

Healthcare

Dengue fever and Leptospirosis are travel health risks in Jamaica, so visitors should use insect protection measures and avoid rivers and dams. There is a small malaria risk, and visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites, though prophylaxis is not considered necessary. Although generally safe, the tap water can cause stomach upsets and visitors are advised to drink bottled water if on short trips. Private medical facilities are of a reasonable standard but can vary throughout the island, and facilities are limited outside Kingston and Montego Bay. Medical treatment can be expensive so insurance is advised. No vaccination certificates are needed for entry into Jamaica, but yellow fever certificates are required from travelers coming from an infected area.

Safety

There are high levels of crime and violence in Jamaica, especially around Kingston, and tourists should be alert, not resist in the event of attempted robbery, and avoid walking or using public transport at night. If you are self-driving do not give lifts to strangers. When traveling to or from the airport in Kingston avoid the Mountain View route. Travelers on the Hummingbird route should also be cautious at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas or on beaches, even in daylight hours. Jamaica is prone to hurricanes between June and November.