Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue taking appropriate precautions.

 

For some visitors and business activities appropriate security advice and support should be used.  

 

Crime

 

Crime levels are high, particularly the capital city Kingston. Gang violence and shootings are usually confined to inner city neighbourhoods, including West Kingston, Grant’s Pen, August Town, Harbour View, Spanish Town and certain parts of Montego Bay. Public order incidents and demonstrations can occur in Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay. You should avoid all demonstrations. Criminals often use these events as cover for robbery and theft. You should be particularly vigilant in these areas.

 

The motive for most attacks on tourists is robbery. There are mobile police patrols, but you should take steps to protect yourself and your belongings. Be vigilant at all times, even if you’re staying with friends and family. Don’t walk alone in isolated areas or on deserted beaches, even during the day. Take particular care when withdrawing money from ATMs. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellery. Try to vary which restaurants you use. Using the same place too often might make you a target for thieves. Avoid using buses at night.

 

Most hotels and resorts are well guarded, but robberies can occur. Follow hotel security procedures. Use hotel safe, lock windows and doors and report suspicious activity. If you are in residential accommodation, make sure proper door locks and window grilles are fitted and consider employing a guard and fitting a house alarm. Gated and guarded compounds are normally the safest type of accommodation.

 

Criminals have targeted visiting foreign nationals and those returning to resettle permanently in Jamaica. There have been some violent incidents, including armed robbery, murder and rape. Before returning to resettle, seek advice from the Jamaican High Commission in London and the local Jamaican Information Service.

 

Don’t resist in the event of an attempted robbery. If you need the police in an emergency, call 119.

 

Local travel

 

The Jamaican police may impose curfews at short notice for specific towns or areas. 

 

Travelling from the airport

 

There have been outbreaks of violence in the Mountain View area on one route from Norman Manley International Airport into Kingston. Avoid this route and use the alternative signposted Humming Bird route via South Camp Road instead.

 

We have received reports of foreing nationals being robbed when travelling to private accommodation from Norman Manley International Airport. Be especially vigilant when travelling from the airport to your accommodation.

 

Road Travel

 

You can drive in Jamaica using an EU driving licence for up to 6 months. If you aren’t familiar with Kingston, don’t drive in the city. If you get lost, you risk putting yourself and your passengers in personal danger. Some hire cars and minibuses don’t have seatbelts fitted in the rear. Check with the hire car company before you arrive.

 

Road accidents and fatalities are common. Many roads are badly maintained with poor signage. Roads in rural areas are narrow, winding and poorly lit at night. Speeding and drink-driving are common.

 

Drive defensively, and take great care on the roads, whether you are in a vehicle or a pedestrian. Drivers and front seat passengers must wear seat belts at all times. Keep the windows up and doors locked.

 

Motorcycle riders must wear a helmet.

 

Hurricanes, tropical storms and road-works can temporarily block roads. Check your route in advance.

 

Only use Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) approved taxis or minibuses for excursions, airport transfers and sightseeing. Don’t hail a taxi in the street and don’t share a taxi with strangers. Most hotels and resorts have assigned JTB drivers who carry photo ID and display a prominent blue JTB sticker on the front windscreen.

 

Local laws and customs

Contrary to popular belief, it’s illegal to smoke marijuana (‘ganja’) in Jamaica. There are penalties for all drug offences, including those involving ganja. Every year many foreign nationals are arrested for attempting to traffic ganja and other drugs.

 

In April 2015, legislation came into force to decriminalise possession of small amounts of ganja. Possession of up to 2 ounces will continue to be illegal, but will be punishable by a fine of JMD500 which is payable within 30 days. Severe penalties will remain in place for other drug related offences, including attempting to export narcotics.

 

All prison sentences are served in Jamaica. Prison conditions are harsh. Pack all luggage yourself and don’t carry anything through customs for anyone else.

 

Jamaican laws make certain homosexual acts illegal. The attitude of many Jamaicans to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people is hostile.

 

Health

Medical treatment can be expensive. The standard of private medical facilities can vary throughout the island. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year.

 

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Jamaica. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. For more details about this outbreak, see the website of the National Health Network and Centre.

 

The 2013 UNAIDS Report on the global AIDS epidemic estimates that around 28,000 adults aged 15 or over in Jamaica were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1.7% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 110 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre.

 

See our tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.

 

Jamaica is prone to earthquakes.

  

Visas

 

EU nationals don’t need a visa to visit Jamaica. Visitors are usually granted entry for a maximum of 90 days. The date by which you must leave Jamaica will be stamped in your passport. If you wish to extend your stay beyond this date you will need to apply to the Jamaican Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency. Overstaying without the proper authority can result in detention and/or a fine. For further information about entry requirements, see the website of the Jamaican High Commission.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Jamaica.

 

The Jamaican authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry to and exit from Jamaica. If you’re travelling via the United States using an ETD you’ll need to get a US visa as ETDs are not valid for entry into the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme. (VWP).

 

Arrival and departure taxes

 

Arrival and departure taxes are usually included in the cost of your ticket, but this is not always the case for charter flights. Departure tax is currently JMD1,800 (approximately US$20) for air passengers. There is a US$15 landing fee for cruise ship passengers.

 

Customs regulations

 

Personal imports of meat and dairy products from the UK are banned. Customs officials may search baggage and will destroy banned foodstuffs.

 

Previous travel to countries affected by Ebola

 

Entry restrictions may apply if you ordinarily live in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, or you have visited any of those countries in the previous 28 days. Check with the Jamaican High Commission before you travel.