Welcome to Jamaica

The rhythm of Jamaica can be felt in its friendliness, its turquoise waters lapping sugary sand beaches, its lush mountainsides and rushing rivers. It can be appreciated in lazy afternoons floating down the river, gospel music and the thumping bass of nightclub tunes and the mouthwatering scent of jerk chicken and rich yam stews.

Within this natural and cultural mosaic, you can spend one day hiking in the majestic Blue and John Crow Mountains, then the next touring the former home of Bob Marley. Cool off under world-famous Dunn’s River Falls and Park, then taste homegrown spirits at Appleton Rum. Zipline through the rain forest, greet crocodiles in their natural habitat and swim through ancient caves.

Visit with the Rastafari people, learning about their traditional drum-making techniques, their farming methods and their cuisine. Stroll through the National Gallery of Jamaica in Kingston and admire the city’s sensational street art. Feel the heartbeat of the Caribbean in Jamaica.

Unique Facts

• Jamaica is home to Blue Mountain Coffee, grown, naturally, in the Blue Mountains, the Caribbean’s highest mountains. Be sure to take home some of these sought-after beans.
• There are approximately 50 public beaches on Jamaica, the most renowned of which is Negril’s Seven Mile Beach.
• Try the second-best national dish in the world, after the United States hamburger: Jamaica’s ackee and saltfish, made with ackee fruit and salted codfish with assorted spices.
• The island is home to numerous waterfalls, including the famous Dunn’s River Falls – visit the Ocho Rio Blue Hole, Mayfield Falls, Reach Falls, YS Falls and Konoko Falls.
• There are many historic plantations to visit, including the Rose Hall Great House, Croydon Plantation, Seville Great House and Heritage Park.

Language

Jamaica’s official language is English. Jamaican Patois is also widely spoken.

When To Go

The best time to visit Jamaica is between November and mid-December.

Airports

Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay
Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston
Ian Fleming International Airport, Ocho Rios

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for days of 90 days or less.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Jamaica: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A and B. Standard voltage:110V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official currency: Jamaican Dollar

Getting Around

Public transportation consists of buses, minibuses and taxis between Kingston and every point on the island. There is cheap bus service between towns, but the driving is erractic and the buses are often overcrowded. More expensive, yet more reliable, scheduled coach service connects larger towns.

Driver’s License

A valid driver’s license from your country of residence (in English) is required.

US Embassy Info

US Embassy Kingston
142 Old Hope Road
Kingston 6
Jamaica, West Indies
Tel: 876-702-6000

Local Visitor Info

Jamaica Tourist Board
Convention Centre
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Tel: 876-952-4425

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance, Fire: 110
Police: 119

Safety and Security

Violence and shoots occur regularly in Jamaica’s major cities. Do not visit Spanish Town. The police do have the capacity to reliably respond to serious crimes.