Jamaica

What to wear in Jamaica

Casual wear is the norm during the day, but shorts and swimsuits should be confined to the beach and pool. Evening dress varies from very casual to quite formal, depending on the places you visit; a few upscale hotels and restaurants require a jacket and tie.

Spoken language in Jamaica

English and the lively dialect of Jamaican Creole English.

Electricity in Jamaica

Most places have the standard electrical voltage of 110, same as in the US. Some hotels, however, operate on 220 volts/50 cycles and require an adapter for American appliances.

Customs information for Jamaica visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry Requirements

You will not need a passport, but must have proof of citizenship (or permanent residency) and a return or ongoing ticket. A passport whenever you travel to another country is your best option, but to enter Jamaica you can also use an original birth certificate (or a certified copy) plus a government issued photo ID. Visits are limited to a maximum of 6 months.

Immigration Card

You will be given an immigration card on arrival at the airport, which you must carry during your visit and return to Jamaican Customs upon departure.

Jamaica Customs

An adult is allowed to bring into Jamaica, duty-free, no more than 50 cigars, or 200 cigarettes, or 1 pound of tobacco, 1 quart or 1 liter of spirits, cordials and wine, 6 fluid ounces of perfumed spirits, and 12 fluid ounces of toilette water. For more information, contact the Customs House at 876-922-5140.

Departure Tax

You will be charged a US$27 departure tax at the airport, payable either in US or Jamaican dollars. The Jamaican exchange equivalent for this tax is J$1,000.

US Customs

Generally, returning US citizens can bring home, duty-free, US$600 worth of goods for each 48-hour visit. Items made in Jamaica are always duty-free.

United States Embassy

Jamaica Mutual Life Centre, 2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica, phone 876-929-4850.

Note

Calling embassies or consulates in Jamaica requires patience. You may need to let the phone ring for a significant amount of time before it is answered.

Advising for Jamaica visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Drinking

You must be at least 21.

Gambling

There are no casinos in Jamaica. A number of resorts, like Coral Cliff Hotel in Montego Bay and the Renaissance Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios, have game rooms with slot machines.

Sunburn and Heatstroke

The sun can be harsh, especially in summer, so sunblock and a hat are essential. Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

Water

It's usually safe to drink the water, which is filtered and chlorinated. Nonetheless, to be on the safe side, drink bottled water whenever possible.

Safety

Kingston has a crime problem so, if you choose to go there, take common sense precautions and remain alert to your surroundings.