CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Jamaica

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 1 has been updated.

Since January 23, 2007, all Canadian citizens transiting the United States when travelling to and from Jamaica by air must comply with entry requirements to the U.S. For more detailed information, please see the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) web site.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Jamaica

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

There is a relatively high level of violent crime and murder mainly related to gang activity and reprisal killings in inner-city communities. In the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporate Area, the communities of Waterhouse, Drewsland, Grants Pen, Cassava Piece, Rockfort and Downtown/Central Kingston have seen significant upsurges of violence. Police may impose curfews with short notice in areas where flare-ups have occurred. Travellers are advised to listen to media reports and follow the advice of local police and military officers.

Political demonstrations, marches, and strikes may occur in the capital and throughout the country. Roadblocks may occur on main roads and cause travel disruptions.

Canadians should not attempt to cross blockades even if they appear unattended. They should also avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.

The hurricane season extends from June 1^st to November 30^th. For more information, please see our Global Issue on the hurricane season.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Violent crime and petty theft occur, particularly in Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay. Although the presence of security and anti-crime troops has intensified in major urban areas, drug and gang-related violence including shootings occurs and can result in death, injury, and destruction of property. The number of murders in Jamaica is substantially high in recent years. Travellers should always be aware of the risk of becoming the victim of crossfire.  Areas to be avoided include inner-city and poor neighbourhoods such as Whitfield Town, Payne Land, West Kingston, Grant's Pen, August Town, Denham Town, Hannah Town, and Tivoli and Olympic Gardens in Kingston, as well as Flankers and Mount Salem in Montego Bay (except for the resort areas), Central Village and Spanish Town.

Canadians should also avoid accepting drinks or food from strangers in the event they may be spiked.

Victims of crime should avoid offering resistance to assailants, as this reaction may provoke the use of violence. Stay on main roads as much as possible. Do not walk alone or visit beaches after dark, ensure hotel room doors and windows are secure, and ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times.

Tourist assistance

In the event of an emergency, call 119 for police and 110 for an ambulance. Mobile police patrols operate to assist tourists. Security personnel and front-desk hotel staff can also offer assistance in most emergencies. Visitor information booths and Jamaica Tourist Board offices are located throughout the island. They offer various services to visitors, including direct radio links with local police and information on safe public beaches. These offices are located at:

MONTEGO BAY: Cornwall Beach, Gloucester Avenue/ tel.: 876-952-4425, -4426, -4427, or -4428

SANGSTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/ tel.: 876-952-2462

OCHO RIOS: TPD co. office tel.: 876-974-7705/2582

PORT ANTONIO: City Centre Plaza/ tel.: 876-993-3051/2587

KINGSTON: Head Office, ICWI Building, 2 St. Lucia Ave./ tel.: 876-929-9200

AIRPORTS AUTHORITY, NORMAN MANLEY AIRPORT, KINGSTON (flight information only) / tel.: 876-924-8024

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Jamaican authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the High Commission for Jamaica and its consulates for up-to-date information.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

While Jamaican immigration rules state that Canadians are only required to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) for travel to Jamaica, an increasing number of airlines in Jamaica are refusing boarding to Canadian passengers returning to Canada who are only in possession of these documents. Airlines have the right to refuse boarding to any passenger if they are not satisfied with the validity of the travel documents presented, regardless of the country's immigration entry rules. In order to avoid delays and other problems that may hinder their return to Canada, Canadian citizens are strongly advised to obtain a Canadian passport prior to initiating international travel and to carry it for all visits outside Canada.  

Canadians should be aware that an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds is required upon entry to the country. The Jamaican Immigration entry card, usually given to travellers upon check-in at the airport or during the flight, is also required upon departure from Jamaica.

Overstaying is a criminal offence and can lead to jail time, heavy fines, and deportation. Please see the nearest immigration office for an extension.

An airport tax of J$1,000 is charged upon departure. This tax is now included in airline ticket prices, except for charter flights.

Proof of yellow fever immunization is required for travellers arriving from an infected area.

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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Jamaica - KINGSTON, High Commission of Canada
Address: 3 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1500, Kingston,
Tel.: (876) 926-1500
Fax: (876) 511-3493
E-Mail: kngtn-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.jamaica.gc.ca

Jamaica - MONTEGO BAY, Consulate of Canada
Address: 29 Gloucester Street, Montego Bay
Tel.: (876) 952-6198
Fax: (876) 952-3953
E-Mail: cancon@cwjamaica.com

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Kingston and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 1 800 276-2989.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reminds travellers that anti-malarial medication and the use of personal protective measures against mosquito bites are recommended to prevent getting malaria cases have been reported. For more information, please consult PHAC’s Travel Health website.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers use personal protective measures against mosquito bites to prevent getting dengue disease while travelling to countries where the disease may occur. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Good to excellent medical facilities exist in all tourist areas and in Kingston. In remote areas, however, medical care and hospital facilities are limited. Medical expenses can be very high. It is normal for clinics to request payment up front or to take a credit card impression as a guarantee of payment prior to providing medical care. Canadians should report any illness or injury requiring hospitalization to the Canadian Embassy.

Travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Travellers should drink only boiled or bottled water and request information on the treatment and storage of water before accepting ice cubes.

AIDS is the second leading cause of death in Jamaica. Precautionary measures should be taken to avoid the risk of infectious diseases including AIDS.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

There is no prisoner transfer agreement in place between Canada and Jamaica.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Drugs

Possession of illegal drugs (including marijuana) is severe and may lead to lengthy jail terms. Departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drug possession. Many Canadians are serving prison sentences because they became involved in drug crimes, in some cases unwittingly. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else. When leaving Ocho Rios and Montego Bay with a cruise ship, travellers may be searched by local authorities for drug smuggling. It is recommended to be accompanied by a witness when undergoing such procedures.

Other Offences

Inappropriate conduct (public nudity in non-designated areas and indecent language) can lead to arrest.

Homosexual activity is illegal. There have been incidents where the public display of homosexual behaviour has lead to acts of persecution and violence. Discretion is highly recommended.

It is illegal to wear (or to buy or sell) army or police camouflage clothing.

Travellers should also be aware of lottery and business scams.

A work permit is required for working in Jamaica. Persons found working illegally may be held in local prisons until arrangements for their return to Canada (at their own cost) are made.

There are import and export regulations on items such as firearms, produce, and pets. Entering the country with a firearm or even a single round of ammunition is considered a serious crime. Canadians should contact the High Commission of Canada in Kingston for specific information regarding customs requirements.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Coastal roads are in fair condition, but driving in-country is dangerous due to narrow, winding, and poorly maintained roads. Speeding and drinking and driving are common. Motorists should keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked. Roadside assistance is available island wide.

When driving between Norman Manley International Airport and Kingston, travellers should take the South Camp Road (also known as the Humming Bird Route) rather than Mountain View Avenue where frequent altercations between rival gangs occur.

While public transportation is available, they are often overcrowded and are frequently a venue of crime. Travellers should use taxis ordered from hotels and authorized by the Jamaican Union of Travellers Association (JUTA). These are identified by red-and-white "PP" licence plates and a lime green JUTA sticker on the window. Since taxis are not metered, travellers should determine the fare in advance.

It is mandatory to wear a helmet on mopeds, motor scooters, and motorcycles, and to wear a seatbelt in cars and taxis. Visitors are subject to heavy fines for non-compliance.

There is no passenger rail service in Jamaica.

A Canadian driver's licence is sufficient for visitors to drive in Jamaica. Residents are, however, required to obtain a Jamaican driver's licence.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Jamaican dollar (J$). Credit cards are widely accepted. There have been reports of an increase in fraud and identity theft. Canadians should remain vigilant when using their credit or bank cards in public places such as restaurants and other merchants.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Flooding and landslides can occur and cause extensive damage in the mountainous regions. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Jamaica is located in an active seismic zone and is subject to earthquakes. In the event of a natural disaster, Canadians should follow the advice of the local authorities.

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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