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Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 鈥楤ritish citizen鈥� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government鈥檚 understanding of Jamaica鈥檚 current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Jamaica set and enforce entry rules. If you鈥檙e not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Jamaica, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. You must have 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to visit Jamaica. You will usually be granted entry for up to 90 days. The date you must leave Jamaica is stamped on your passport.

If you want to extend your stay, apply to the听.听If you overstay without authority, you could be fined or arrested.

Airport tax

Arrival and departure taxes are usually included in the cost of your ticket.听If unsure check with your carrier who will be able to advise you.

Vaccine requirements

You must have a certificate to prove you鈥檝e had a yellow fever vaccination if you鈥檙e coming from a .

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You must make a customs declaration before entering Jamaica. You should complete the online where possible before you arrive.

Taking food into Jamaica

It is illegal to bring meat and dairy products into Jamaica. Customs officials may search your baggage and will destroy banned foodstuffs.

Taking money into Jamaica

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more. You must declare this on your C5 form. You will also have to complete the Financial Investigation Division Cross Border Form which will be provided by a customs officer. You will need to provide:

• proof of the source of money
• the intended use of the funds

If you do not declare money as required, it is a breach of the Jamaican Customs Act. Your money could be seized and you could get a fine.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Jamaica

Although there鈥檚 no recent history of terrorism in Jamaica, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation听听听

Zones of Special Operations

The government can put enhanced security measures in place in response to outbursts of violence and shootings, such as a State of Emergency (SOE) or Zone of Special Operations (ZOSOs). A SOE or ZOSO will have specific boundaries and will temporarily give the police and military additional powers. These can include imposing curfews, cordons, searching of persons, vehicles, and places. Curfews can be imposed with little notice and are usually a short-term measure. Tourists and visitors are not usually affected by SOE or ZOZOs. Check locally whether any security measures or curfews apply and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Crowds and demonstrations

Protests and demonstrations occur across Jamaica and can cause significant disruption to traffic and public transportation. Any event with large crowds has the potential to turn violent, including large celebratory gatherings. They can also be used by criminals as cover for robbery and theft. Stay away from areas where protests, demonstrations or marches are taking place.听Monitor local and social media updates.

Crime

Crime and homicide rates are high in Jamaica. Gang violence and shootings mostly occur in inner city areas. Tourist areas are not usually affected by gang-related crime and violence.

Be cautious particularly when travelling in and around:

• Kingston
• Spanish Town
• Savanna-la-Mar
• parts of Montego Bay including Flankers, Barrett Town, Glendevon, Rose Heights and Mount Salem

Protecting yourself and your belongings

The motive for most attacks on tourists is robbery. Take extra care in more run-down areas and those less visited by tourists.

听Be aware of your surroundings and:

• do not walk in isolated areas or deserted beaches, even during the day
• travel with others or go on a tour with a reputable company when possible
• be careful when withdrawing money from ATMs.听Do not withdraw a lot of money at one time or use ATMs in badly lit areas. It is generally safer to use ATMs during daylight hours
• avoid using buses at night
• do not display valuables or leave them in your car
• consider removing expensive jewellery
• stay alert and be wary of people who approach you
• avoid walking at night听
• be aware that resisting a robbery could lead to a violent response, including the use of weapons, that could result in physical injury

Most hotels and resorts are well guarded, but burglaries can occur. Follow hotel security instructions, use hotel safes for your valuables, including your passport, and lock windows and doors. In residential accommodation ensure that proper locks and window grilles are fitted.

Rape and sexual assault听听

There have been incidents where tourists and visitors have been targets for rape and sexual assault. Take care when using dating apps in Jamaica, especially those used by the LGBT+ community. Criminals have used apps to lure victims to meet in a public place but later assault and rob them.

Read more听advice for women travelling abroad.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

It鈥檚 illegal to smoke marijuana (ganja) in Jamaica. There are penalties for all drug offences including those involving marijuana. For possession of amounts of up to 2 ounces you will get a fine of 500 Jamaican dollars, to be paid within 30 days. Severe penalties apply for all other drug related offences, including attempting to export narcotics.

All prison sentences are served in full in Jamaica. Prison conditions are harsh. Always pack your own luggage and do not carry anything through customs for someone else.

LGBT+ travellers

Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, but the law is not always strictly enforced. The attitude of many Jamaicans towards same-sex relationships is hostile. Be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

Travel to and from Norman Manley International Airport

There鈥檚 been sporadic violence in recent years in the Mountain View area 鈥� one of 2 routes between Kingston and Norman Manley International Airport. Most people take the Humming Bird route via South Camp Road to reduce the risk of being robbed on route.

British nationals have been tracked and robbed when travelling from the airport to their private accommodation. Be cautious when driving and getting out of the car.

Road travel听听听听

If you are planning to drive, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Jamaica. If you still have a paper driving licence, you need to update it to a photocard licence. Your UK driving licence can be used to drive in Jamaica for up to 6 months.

If you are unfamiliar with Kingston, do not drive in the city. If you get lost, you and your passengers may be at risk.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Jamaica. If convicted, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.

Road conditions and driving standards

Many roads are badly maintained with poor signage. In some locations a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Road accidents and fatalities are common. Roads in rural areas are often narrow and winding and poorly lit at night. Weather conditions can exacerbate poor driving conditions.

Driving standards vary. Lane discipline is poor.听 Speeding and drink-driving is common. Many drivers do not have car insurance.

Drivers and front-seat passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times. However, hire cars and minibuses do not always have rear seatbelts.

Motorbike riders must wear a helmet.

Taxi safety

Use Jamaican Tourist Board (JTB) approved taxis and minibuses for excursions, airport transfers and sightseeing. Most hotels and resorts have assigned听JTB听drivers who carry photo ID and display a blue听JTB听sticker on the front windscreen. Taxi-hailing apps such as Uber are now available in some areas of the island (including Kingston).

Extreme weather and natural disasters听听听

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to听extreme weather and natural hazards.

Hurricanes

Hurricane season is normally from June to November. We are seeing more uncharacteristic weather in Jamaica and the region is increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Hurricanes can cause fallen trees, damaged or blocked roads and flooding. Check your route in advance. Exercise caution in areas close to swamps, rivers, gullies and mangroves.

Monitor local news and check weather reports for Jamaica.

See Extreme weather and natural hazards听for advice about how to prepare effectively and what to do if you鈥檙e likely to be affected by a hurricane.

Earthquakes

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about听.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 110 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you鈥檙e referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the

See .

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read .

Healthcare in Jamaica

The standard of medical facilities 鈥� both private and government-operated 鈥� varies and may not meet UK standards.

Treatment can be expensive with doctors and hospitals expecting immediate cash payment for health services.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Jamaica.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you鈥檙e living in Jamaica.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Jamaica

Ambulance: 110

Fire: 110

Police: 119

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding and听听in Jamaica.
• dealing with a听death in Jamaica
• being听arrested or imprisoned in Jamaica
• getting help if you鈥檙e a听victim of crime
• what to do if you鈥檙e听in hospital
• if you鈥檙e affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

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Help abroad鈥€�

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Help in the UK鈥€�

You can call鈥�FCDO鈥痠n London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.鈥€�

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)鈥€�

Find out about call charges听

Get travel advice updates鈥€�

Sign up to鈥�get email notifications鈥痺hen this travel advice is updated.鈥€�

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Risk information for British companies

The鈥疧verseas Business Risk service鈥痮ffers information and advice for British companies operating in Jamaica on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.