Essential Information
US, Canadian and EU visitors will not find any Caribbean island which requires an entry visa, although US visitors require special permission to visit Cuba. Travel insurance is recommended for any trip to the Caribbean, particularly emergency evacuation coverage in case airlift is required. Check also that insurance policies cover so-called dangerous activities such as scuba diving.
JAMAICA
The home of reggae and Rastafarianism, Jamaica is the Caribbean’s third largest island, blessed with 600 miles of coastline and a cool, lush interior mountain range.
Area: 4,244 sq miles
Population: 2.9 million
Capital: Kingston
Political: Independence since 1962
Official website: www.visitjamaica.com
Indigenous name: Xaymaca
Currency Jamaican Dollar.
Passport Valid passport required.
Visa Needs No visa required. Visitors can stay six months.
Emergency Health Care Drink bottled water if possible.
Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston ( 876-926-1400-1)
Banks & ATMS. ATMs plentiful but distribute Jamaican dollars.
Free WIFI Locations. Hotels have free access.
Internet Cafes. Plenty of internet cafes around Montego Bay
Cell Phones access/Dialing code +876. Beware making international calls in hotels because of extortionate rates.
Safety Tips. Drinking age is 18. Dial 119 for police. Marijuana decriminalized. One of the most dangerous areas in the Caribbean. Avoid areas of Kingston and travel by bus.
Departure Tax $37
