Montego Bay

Travel to Jamaica

Overview

Jamaica has a fascinating and diverse range of attractions. Visitors can take in the sights of Spanish Town or visit the former home of Bob Marley. Across the bay lies Port Royal, a notorious pirate haven from the 17th century, once renowned as the ‘richest and wickedest city in the world’. Boat trips to the coral reefs at Lime Cay leave from the port, while adventurous souls can also take a predawn hike up Blue Mountain for an unmissable sunrise.

Montego Bay is home to the clear turquoise waters of Doctor’s Cove Beach. Visitors here can experience a true taste of local culture in the busy, noisy bustle of downtown life. Further east lies Ocho Rios, where Ian Fleming wrote his James Bond novels. This popular destination for cruise ships also lies close to Dolphin Cove, the incredible Dunn’s River Falls and the Green Grotto Caves.

Tucked away on the east of the island is Port Antonio, the secluded retreat of the rich and famous. Navy Island boasts gold sands and its very own rainforest, while fans of the movie Blue Lagoon will find the actual site near Port Antonio.

To the west lies the beautiful town of Negril, with its famous Seven Mile Beach stretching up the coast. Perched up on the cliffs is Rick’s Cafe, one of the top bars in the world, serving great food, rum cocktails and a truly homegrown reggae vibe.

Climate in Jamaica

Jamaica’s climate is tropical with constant warm to hot temperatures all year round, though conditions are cooler in the higher, central areas. On the coast temperatures range from 72F (22C) and 88F (31C). Mornings and evenings are slightly chillier in the winter months but Jamaica is hot year-round. There are variations in climate according to region, with the east coast receiving substantially more rain than the rest of the country, and the south coast far less.

The wettest months are between May and November, when short sharp showers can be expected. The heaviest rains occur in September and October and the hurricane season runs from June to November. The country is also in the earthquake zone.

Due to its tropical climate Jamaica is a popular destination all year, but the best time to visit is between mid-December and mid-April, which is the peak tourist season. If visitors are travelling on a budget or want to avoid the crowds, they should consider coming in the rainy season, which has its own charms.

Health Notes when travelling to Jamaica

While generally safe, the tap water can cause stomach upsets and visitors are advised to drink bottled water. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya have been confirmed. Private medical facilities are of a reasonable standard but can vary throughout the island, with facilities limited outside Kingston and Montego Bay. Medical treatment can be expensive so travel insurance is advised. If visitors require prescription medication, it’s best to bring it with them, along with a signed and dated letter from their doctor naming the medication and explaining why they need it.

Safety Notes when travelling to Jamaica

There are incidents of petty crime such as robbery, particularly in the capital city of Kingston and in Montego Bay. Tourists are advised to be cautious and take care of their belongings. It’s best to avoid using buses at night and also to steer clear of any public demonstrations that may occur. Hurricane season runs from June to November. While it is rare for tropical storms to make landfall in Jamaica, visitors travelling at this time should monitor local and international weather updates for peace of mind.

Customs in Jamaica

Contrary to popular belief, smoking marijuana is illegal in Jamaica. Homosexuality is also prohibited by law and the country is notorious for its intolerance towards it.

Duty Free in Jamaica

Travellers to Jamaica over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 230g of other tobacco products; 1L alcoholic beverages and wine; and perfume up to 170ml. Prohibited items include products made from goatskin (e.g. drums, handbags and rugs).

Doing Business in Jamaica

Business in Jamaica is surprisingly formal, with proper titles used and suits and ties the norm despite the tropical climate. Introductions are usually made with a handshake and an exchange of business cards. Punctuality is key, and socialising is an important aspect of the business meeting. Business hours are usually from 8:30am to 4:30pm or 5pm on weekdays.

Communication in Jamaica

The international access code for Jamaica is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 876. WiFi is available in the main towns, restaurants and resorts; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.

Tipping in Jamaica

Outside the all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica where tips are part of the package, visitors should tip 10 to 15 percent for taxis, personal services, room service and restaurants where a service charge is not already included in the bill. Parking attendants, bellboys and porters also expect a small tip.

Passport/Visa Note

All foreign visitors to Jamaica must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Jamaica if visitors are arriving from or have transited through an infected area. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US citizens must have a passport to enter Jamaica that has to be valid upon their return to the USA. A visa is required for stays of over 90 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian citizens require a passport valid for period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of fewer than 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK citizens must have a passport to enter Jamaica that has to be valid for the duration of their stay. A visa is required for stays of over 90 days.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required for stays of fewer than 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required for stays of fewer than 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. A visa is required.

Tourist Offices

http://www.visitjamaica.com

Jamaica Embassies

In the United States:

Jamaican Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 452 0660.

In Canada:

Jamaican High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 9311.

In the United Kingdom:

Jamaica High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7823 9911.

In Australia:

Jamaican Embassy, Sydney +61 04 0220 5266.

In Ireland:

Jamaican Embassy, Brussels, Belgium (also responsible for Ireland): +32 2 230 1170.

In South Africa:

Jamaican High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 362 6667

Foreign Embassies in Jamaica

American Embassy

United States Embassy, Kingston: +1 876 702 6000.

Canadian Embassy

Canadian High Commission, Kingston: +1 876 926 1500.

British Embassy

British High Commission, Kingston: +1 876 936 0700

Australian Embassy

Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Jamaica): +1 868 822 5450.

Irish Embassy

Irish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Jamaica): +1 613 233 6281.

New Zealand Embassy

New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Jamaica): +1 613 238 5991.

South African Embassy

South African High Commission, Kingston: + 1 876 620 4840.

Currency

The Jamaican dollar (JMD) is the local currency and is divided into 100 cents. The island is well supplied with ATMs, banks and bureaux de change, with banking hours usually running Monday to Thursday from 9am to 2pm, and Friday from 9am to 4pm. Cambio exchange offices are found throughout the country and often offer better exchange rates than banks, as do exchange bureaux at the airports and hotels. Travellers should retain receipts as proof of legal currency exchange. Major credit cards are widely accepted; cash is best taken in US dollars.