We want you to have a relaxing,
no-problem vacation. So we try to make getting here, being here and
leaving here, a no-problem proposition. Herewith, a guide to our rules
of the road.
Travel
To & Around Jamaica
There are plenty of ways to get to and around the island of Jamaica.
Here is a list of some of the Airlines,
Cruise Ships and Tour
Operators serving Jamaica.
Proof of Citizenship
Immigration - Proof of citizenship and a ticket for onward
destination is required for a visit not exceeding six months. Some
countries require visas; check with the Consulate of Jamaica nearest
you.
U.S.A. - Valid passport. Or passport that has expired not
longer than one year; or an original birth certificate with raised
seal, along with photo I.D. (both bearing the same name). Those
visiting as tourists may remain for a period not exceeding six months.
Canada - Same documentation as
above. Naturalized citizens may use certificate of citizenship along
with photo I.D.(both bearing the same name).
U.K. - Commonwealth citizens
require only valid passport.
Japan - Valid passport. Visa
for stays of over 30 days.
Alien registration card holders -
Please check with Consulate of Jamaica nearest you.
Children require birth certificate
along with photo I.D. (both bearing the same name).
Customs
Incoming duty-free items - 1/2 pound of tobacco, one quart of
spirits (including liqueurs, cordials and wine), six fluid ounces of
perfumed spirits and twelve fluid ounces of toilet water.
Incoming restricted items -
Fresh flowers, plants, honey, fruits, meats and vegetables (except
canned), coffee (in any form), firearms, explosives, and dangerous
drugs, including marijuana.
Persons who use only Kosher foods
must have for all carcasses being imported: (a) meat inspection
certificates from the U.S.D.A./Official Government Vet. Ministry of
Agriculture & Veterinarian Division in Canada certifying ante and
post mortem inspection; (b) stamp of approval on all carcasses; (c) an
import license from the Ministry of Agriculture in Jamaica. The
Jamaica Tourist Board will make arrangements to obtain the license, if
given two weeks notice.
Outgoing Items:
U.S. - Visitors may carry US$600 in purchases after each 48
hour visit. Items manufactured in Jamaica (rum, coffee, perfume, arts
& crafts, etc.) are also duty-free. Visitors can mail unlimited
gifts (not including perfume, cigars or liquor) worth up to $10.00
back to the U.S. All in-bond purchases must be made in foreign
currency.
U.K. - Visitors are allowed
200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs (no
one under 17 is entitled to tobacco or drink allowance), all other
goods including gifts and souvenirs £36 sterling value.
Canada - Residents, temporary
residents, and former residents of Canada returning to live in Canada
may claim goods free of duties under one of the following exemptions:
7 day absence from Canada $500.00 yearly; 48 hour absence $200.00 any
time; 24 hour absence $50.00, not including alcohol or tobacco
products. Only one of the above exemptions may be claimed and visitors
cannot pool their exemption with other passengers.
Japan - Duty free allowance up
to YEN200,000 (approximately US$1700). Liquor allowance is 3 bottles
(4/5 quart). Children under 20 not permitted to bring in liquor.
Health
No vaccinations required unless, in the last 6 weeks, you have
visited: Asia, Africa, Central & South America, Dominican
Republic, Haiti, Trinidad or Tobago.
Money & Banking
Current Conversion Rates:
English
French
German
The official rate of exchange fluctuates daily depending on
foreign exchange markets. A sample rate: US$1.00 - JA$37.22; £1.00 -
JA$56.20; CA$1.00 - JA$26.42; YEN100 - JA$33.21. Foreign currency may
be exchanged for Jamaican dollars at banks or licensed exchange
bureaus in airports and hotels. Purchases may be made in any currency
recognized by the Jamaican government.
Jamaican dollars may be reconverted
to foreign currency at Airport Bureau of Exchange upon departure by
presenting a foreign exchange receipt.
Foreign currency or Jamaican dollars
may be taken into or out of Jamaica. However, amounts exceeding
US$10,000 (or its equivalent in any other foreign currency) or
JA$150,000 must be declared to Jamaican Customs.
Commercial banks maintain branches through-out
the island. The hours are 9am-2pm on Mondays to Thursdays;
9am-12pm and 2:30pm-5pm on Fridays. Exchange Bureaus are open in
Montego Bay and Kingston airports for all international flight
arrivals and departures.
Getting
Married
You can tie the knot in Jamaica just 24 hours after you get there,
without any red tape. Well, hardly any. And without a blood test. Just
call our Ministry of National Security at 1-876-922-0080 before you
go, to make an application for your marriage license.
Clothing
Lightweight tropical clothing is best suited throughout the year. On
the beaches shorts and swim wear are acceptable. A light sweater is
suggested for evening, especially in the winter months when
semi-casual wear for evenings and a sports jacket for men is
suggested.
Weather
The northeast trade winds and mountain breezes keep the temperature pleasant
year round in Jamaica. Here you'll find an up-to-date weather
forecast.
Miscellaneous
Pets No pets are allowed. There is no rabies in Jamaica.
Electrical System 110 volts/50
cycles is standard. 220 volts is used at some hotels. (Adaptors
available at some hotels).
Time Zone Eastern Standard
Time. Jamaica does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Tipping Most hotels have a
service charge from 10-15%. The same amount, although not added to
most bills, is generally accepted at restaurants.
Water All drinking water in
Jamaica is purified and filtered by the most modern methods. Water
temperature is approximately 78 degrees F (25 degrees C).
Departure Tax Like most
countries, Jamaica has a departure tax, payable at the airport on your
departure. It's JA$1,000 (around $25 US) - cash only, please!
Before You Go, it's nice to
know that in a 1994 survey of thousands of our visitors, 92.7% said
they'd love to join us again. This may explain why, in 1994 and 1995,
over 500,000 travel agents worldwide voted Jamaica the top Caribbean
destination. And why people Come to Jamaica and Feel All Right...over
and over again.