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. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
Americans: Expired passports of up to one year are accepted. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months for tourist purposes.
UK nationals: British nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required.
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 require a valid passport, but a visa is not required.
South Africans: South Africans must hold a valid passport. No visa is required.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required.
Health
Dengue fever and Leptospirosis are 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. 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, 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.
