Jamaica Travel Guide

Jamaica — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
British	Yes	No	Yes
Other EU	Yes	No/1	Yes
Australian	Yes	No	Yes
USA	Yes	No	Yes
Canadian	Yes	No	Yes

Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Passport Notes

Jamaica does not recognize passports issued by the Palestinian government.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
(a) 1. nationals of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who can obtain their visas on arrival.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

Visa Note

(a) All nationals referred to in the chart above must have evidence of sufficient funds and a return or onward-bound ticket for their next destination. (b) Work visas are issued solely on the basis of evidence of a confirmed job offer. The consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission) can advise.

Types of Visa and Cost

Visa issued at port of entry: US$20 or equivalent; visa in advance: £25.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Important Addresses.

Working Days Required

Minimum 3 to 4 days, although applications referred to Jamaica may take up to three weeks.

Travel Warnings

Jamaica (particularly the capital city, Kingston) suffers from a high crime rate - public order incidents, shootings and gang violence in inner city areas are not uncommon.This includes neighborhoods such as Spanish Town, West Kingston, Grant's Pen, Harbour View, August Town and parts of Montego Bay.

Most attacks on tourists are theft-related; travelers should take care particularly when withdrawing money from ATMs and guard valuables carefully. Don't use buses or walk alone at night, and only use taxis authorized by Jamaica Tourist Board - these are usually operated by the Jamaica Union of Travelers Association (JUTA).

The hurricane season in Jamaica normally runs from June to November.

There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice.

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

Medical care standards vary dramatically across the country’s 16 public and six private hospitals. Away from major cities, medical centers are often poorly funded and under-resourced. Health insurance is strongly recommended, since medical treatment can be expensive. Major hotels often keep a doctor and dentist on 24-hour call. Cash payment is often required, sometimes in advance.