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UK Customer Services0330 880 3600
Open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 8.30am - 4pm, Closed Sunday..
(Calls may be monitored or recorded)
Contact details can be found in your policy documentation
Available 24 hours a day, every day
Region: North & Central America & the Caribbean
Full Name: Jamaica
Capital City: Kingston
Language Spoken: English, patois English
Get travel insurance to Jamaica from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Jamaica and most of the world.
18 15 N, 77 30 W
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m
0 km
hurricanes (especially July to November)
bauxite, gypsum, limestone
arable land: 15.83% permanent crops: 10.01% other: 74.16% (2005)
heavy rates of deforestation; coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions
Tropical all year. Temperate in mountain areas. The rainy months are May and October, but showers may occur at any time. Hurricanes are prone during the rainy season, between June and November. Jamaica also lies within the earthquake zone. Cooler evenings. Required clothing Lightweight cottons and linens; light woollens are advised for evenings. Avoid synthetics. Waterproofing is necessary all year round.
time difference: UTC-5
2,758,124 (July 2006 est.)
0-14 years: 33.1% (male 464,297/female 449,181) 15-64 years: 59.6% (male 808,718/female 835,394) 65 years and over: 7.3% (male 90,100/female 110,434) (2006 est.)
total: 23 years male: 22.4 years female: 23.5 years (2006 est.)
0.8% (2006 est.)
20.82 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
6.52 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
-6.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
total population: 73.24 years male: 71.54 years female: 75.03 years (2006 est.)
2.41 children born/woman (2006 est.)
Business people should wear a suit or 'shirtjac' (jacket without a tie), also known locally as a kareba. Usual formalities are required and appointments and business cards are normal. Jamaicans are a little more formal than North Americans. " Generally, Jamaican business acquaintances, after a courteous and friendly first greeting, will respond quickly to informality. Office hours are 0830-1630 Monday to Friday.
Gang violence and shootings occur regularly in the Kingston metropolitan area. Some inner-city neighborhoods are occasionally subject to curfews and police searches. Impromptu demonstrations sometimes occur, during which demonstrators often construct roadblocks. These events usually do not affect tourist areas As a general precaution, tourists should pay attention when traveling, particularly when traveling abroad. There is always the possibility for petty theft and criminal activity, including violent crime. Crime is a serious problem in Jamaica, particularly in Kingston. In several cases, robberies of foreigners have turned violent after the victim resisted handing over valuables. Caution should be exercised when traveling to and from Kingston?s Norman Manley Airport via Mountain View and Windward Road, especially after dark, because of the crime threat in the neighborhoods that they traverse. Buses, which are often overcrowded and have proven to be a frequent venue for crime, should be avoided. Visitors should exercise care walking outside after dark and should avoid neighborhoods known for high crime rates. The Government of Jamaica has taken a number of steps, including assignment of special police foot and bicycle patrols, to enhance security in the principal resort areas. Particular care is called for at isolated villas and smaller establishments that may have fewer security arrangements. Travelers should be more cautious in unfamiliar surroundings than they are at home. In particular, valuables should not be left unattended anywhere, including at the beach.
Hotels are plentiful in Jamaica and a number of business class hotels are available. Hotels are government-controlled in four categories: A, B, C and D. The categories are based on rates charged.
Full telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 1 809 and there are no area codes. The outgoing international code is 011. Fax services are available from 0700-1000 daily at the Jamintel office in Kingston. Fax services are also widely available in most hotels and offices. Post office hours: 0830-1630 Monday to Friday.
is a 110 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase. American 2-pin plugs are standard, but many hotels offer, in addition, 220 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase, from 3-pin sockets. Electricity 110 volts AC, 60Hz, single phase. American two-pin plugs are standard, but many hotels offer, in addition, 220 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase, from three-pin sockets.
A,B
Jamaican food is full of fire, taking advantage of pungent spices and peppers.
National specialties:
? ?Rice and peas?, a tasty dish with no peas at all but with kidney beans, white rice, coconut milk, scallions (spring onions) and coconut oil.
? Salt fish (dried cod) and ackee (the cooked fruit of the ackee tree).
? Jamaican pepperpot soup (salt pork, salt beef, okra and Indian kale known as callaloo).
? Chicken fricass?e Jamaican-style (a rich chicken stew with carrots, scallions, yams, onions, tomatoes and peppers prepared in unrefined coconut oil).
? Roast suckling pig (a three-month-old piglet which is boned and stuffed with rice, peppers, diced yam and thyme mixed with shredded coconut and corn meal). National drinks:
? Jamaican rum is world famous, especially Gold Label and Appleton.
? Rum Punch.
? Rumona is a delicious rum cordial.
? Red Stripe beer.
? Tia Maria (a Blue Mountain coffee and chocolate liqueur).
? Blue Mountain coffee. Things to know: Bars have table and/or counter service. The legal drinking age is 18. There are no licensing hours and alcohol can be bought all day. Tipping : Most Jamaican hotels and restaurants add a service charge of 10 per cent; otherwise 10 to 15 per cent is expected. Chambermaids, waiters, hotel bellboys and airport porters all expect tips. Taxi drivers receive 10 per cent of the fare.
Nightlife
There is no shortage of night-time entertainment on the island that is the home of reggae music. Every town or village has some sort of nightlife, and there are regular street dances. Folkloric shows at larger resort hotels are held and steel bands often play. At least once a week, there is a torchlit, steel band show with limbo dancing and fire-eating demonstrations. Nightclubs feature jazz, soca, reggae and other music. For details of events, visitors should consult local newspapers. The Jamaica Tourist Board arranges ?Meet the People? evenings in various scenic locations throughout the island. Contact the Tourist Board in Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Port Antonio.
Restricted entry Jamaica does not recognize passports issued by the Palestinian Government.
Passport valid for at least six months required by all except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of the USA holding a certified copy of a birth certificate and photo identification (eg driver?s license or student ID).
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above, except 2. nationals of Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who can obtain their visas on arrival;
(b) nationals of Commonwealth countries, except nationals of Cameroon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka who do need visas prior to arrival;
(c) nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Mexico, Norway, San Marino, Surinam, Switzerland, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zimbabwe for stays not exceeding 90 days.
(a) All of the above must have evidence of sufficient funds and a return or onward-bound ticket for their next destination. (b) Except for persons in certain categories, a Work Permit is required for a business visit. The Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission) can advise. (c) Nationals of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival, provided holding valid onward or return tickets and evidence of sufficient funds: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, CIS, Croatia, Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of), Monaco, Romania, Serbia & Montenegro, Turkmenistan, Taiwan. These visas cost US$20.
Entry and Transit: US$43
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Top Things To Do.
(a) One passport-size photo. (b) Valid passport. (c) Completed application form. (d) Fee, payable in cash or postal orders only. (e) For postal applications, ?5 for return postage. (f) Travel itinerary. Business: (a)-(f), (g) Letter from company and, (h) Work permit.
48 hours, but up to three weeks in cases where applications are referred to Immigration Authorities in Kingston.
Enquire at High Commission.
No test Required
J$1000.
1-2 Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BZ, UK
Tel: (020) 7823 9911.
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1700, Fri 0900-1600 (High Commission); Mon-Fri 1000-1530 (Consulate).
1520 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 452 0660-9.
Website: www.emjamusa.org
767 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 935 9000.
Website: www.congenjamaica-ny.org
Travelers should be aware that there are high levels of crime and violence, particularly in the Kingston area and tourists should avoid certain routes.
The threat from terrorism is low. Most visits to Jamaica are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisaions for the latest travel advice.
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Jamaican Dollar (JMD; symbol J$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of J$1000, 500, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of J$20, 10, 5 and 1, and 25, 10 and 1 cents.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited; that of foreign currency is unrestricted, subject to declaration.
Mon-Thurs 0900-1400, Fri 0900-1200 and 1430-1700.
Money can be exchanged at the airport as well as at banks, hotels and bureaux de change. Receipts must be retained, as changing money on the black market is illegal. Many Jamaican ATMs accept international bank cards.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted as well as other cards with the Cirus or Plus logo. Banks give credit card advances. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
| City/Region | City/Area code | Followed by |
|---|---|---|
| Jamaica | (1+)876 | + 7 digit subscriber nr |
Dental care is available in Kingston
Generally the quality of medication cannot be guaranteed in Jamaica as, heat damaged and out of date supplies may be stocked
There are often shortages of blood supplies and screening is not consistent, therefore blood transfusions should be avoided.
Medical care is more limited than in the West. Comprehensive emergency medical services are located in Kingston and Montego Bay but public hospitals are located in each parish. Emergency medical and ambulance services are more 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. The Jamaica Defense Force operates helicopters, which can be used when necessary to transfer critical patients.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Take personal protective measures against insects. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood or rare meat. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured. Coral and jellyfish may present problems. Black widow spiders and scorpions are present but rare. Because of dense foliage and high pollen levels, the climate can be unpleasant for some asthma sufferers. The U.S. Transportation Department reports that the passenger cabins of aircraft destined for Jamaica are treated with a residual pesticide before passengers board.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Insect-borne illness: outbreaks of dengue fever occur, and dengue hemorrhagic fever has also occurred. Food-borne and water-borne illness: these diseases, including bacillary and amoebic dysenteries, are common. Hepatitis - occurs Leptospirosis - occurs (mainly during the mango season) Typhoid fever - occurs Other hazards: High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria. Influenza risk extends throughout the year.
Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.
No recent disease outbreaks
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Doctors Hospital | Fairfield Montego Bay 2 |
| F. I. S. H. Clinic | 19 Gordon Town Road Kingston |
| Private Wing University Hospital of the West Indies | Mona Kingston 7 St. Andrew |
| Victoria Jubilee Hospital | North Street Kingston |
Jamaica enjoys a free press. The broadcast media are predominantly commercial and the main newspapers are privately-owned.
Press: Daily papers are The Jamaica Gleaner (website: www.jamaica-gleaner.com), The Daily Star and The Jamaica Observer (website: www.jamaicaobserver.com).
Radio: Radio Jamaica Ltd (RJR) operates three commercial networks: RJR 94 FM; entertainment station FAME-FM; music and sports station Radio 2 FM. Other commercial stations include Irie FM, reggae Hot 102, KLAS FM and Power 106. Roots 96.1 FM is a community station. BBC Caribbean Service and World Service radio programs are available via the BBC 104 FM network.
TV: Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation became Television Jamaica Limited (TVJ) when it was privatized in 1997. Other channels include private channel CVM Television and religious channel Love TV.
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