Jamaica

Violent crime

Violent, gang and drug-related crime is a common including against tourists and expats. This includes:

• murder
• kidnapping
• shootings
• armed robbery
• sexual assault
• carjacking
• home invasions

Hotspots for violent crime include:

• Kingston — Tivoli Gardens, Whitfield Town, Payne Land, West Kingston, Grant's Pen, August Town, Denham Town, Hannah Town, Arnett Gardens, Olympic Gardens, Harbour View, Central Village, Spanish Town, Mountain View, Trench Town, Cassava Piece, Canterbury, Norwood and Rose Heights

• Montego Bay — St Clavers Avenue and Hart Street, Flankers, Canterbury, Norwood, Rose Heights and Mount Salem

• Mountain View Avenue between Kingston and Norman Manley International Airport

Criminals have targeted travellers after accepting spiked food or drink, including in tourist resorts.

Travellers have reported assaults carried out by resort staff and other travellers.

Most hotels and resorts are well-guarded, but always lock your doors and windows.

You can be robbed and assaulted after accepting rides from strangers or using unofficial taxis.

To protect yourself from crime:

• always be alert to your surroundings
• stay somewhere safe with good security
• only use ATMs in hotels, shopping centres or other controlled areas during the day
• be mindful of who's around you when using ATMs
• arrange transport to/from the airport in advance
• avoid travelling alone, especially at night
• avoid beaches at night
• don't leave your food or drink unattended
• never accept food, drink, gum or cigarettes from strangers or people you've just met

If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. Criminals are often armed and you can be seriously injured or killed.

Gang violence along Mountain View Avenue has led to motorists being shot in the crossfire.

You're more likely to be robbed when travelling to and from Norman Manley International Airport at night.

You can be robbed and assaulted after accepting rides from strangers or using unofficial taxis.

To protect yourself while on the road:

• use established tour operators or taxis authorised by the Jamaican United Travellers' Association.

• don't share taxis or use public transport

• don't accept rides from strangers

• be wary of approaches from 'friendly' strangers

• avoid using Mountain View Avenue when travelling to and from Norman Manley International Airport

See Travel.

Petty crime

Petty crime, including bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft is common. Old Kingston and overcrowded public transport are hotspots for pickpockets and bag-snatchers.

Thefts from hotel room safes by hotel staff occur in large resorts.

To protect yourself from petty crime:

• always lock hotel doors and windows

• use the hotel safe to lock away your valuables

• check your accommodation has a high level of security, especially in villa-style hotels

• don't put valuables in your checked luggage, carry them

• keep doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving

Scams and fraud

You may experience credit card or ATM fraud.

To protect yourself from fraud:

• only use ATMs in daylight hours in hotels, shopping centres or other controlled areas

• always keep an eye on your credit card when shopping, including at supermarkets

The Jamaican Government has enhanced security measures.

States of emergency are invoked in the parishes of Clarendon, Hanover, St Andrew, St Catherine, St James and Westmoreland.

During this time, security forces have the power to:

• search members of the public

• shorten business opening hours

• restrict access to certain areas

• detain people without a warrant

The Government has also set special zones for the military. This is to help police respond to increased violence and shootings in:

• Denham Town in Kingston

• Mount Salem in Montego Bay

Be alert in these areas, especially at night.

Expect road closures and travel delays. Security operations are ongoing. Authorities can set curfews with little or no notice.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Kingston is a hotspot for this activity. Firearms might be used.

Demonstrations can happen without notice along the roads leading to Norman Manley International Airport. Roadblocks are often set up.

Authorities can close roads and impose curfews at short notice.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid large gatherings and protests

• monitor the media for reports of road closures, curfews and possible unrest

• be ready to change travel plans in case of road closures or curfews

• follow advice from local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Transport and tour operators may not meet Australian safety standards or may not maintain safety equipment, including for scuba diving.

Operators may not take recommended safety precautions or meet maintenance standards.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it

• use only well-known, registered tour operators

• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements

• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Jamaica experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• hurricanes

• tropical storms

• earthquakes

• tsunamis

To protect yourself in case of a natural disaster:

• monitor local media and other sources

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place

• follow the advice of local authorities

• keep in contact with your friends and family

• contact your tour operator, hotel or airline

• get local advice before entering affected areas

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

Hurricanes and severe weather

The Caribbean hurricane season is from June to November. Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur in other months. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

Landslides, mudslides and flooding can also occur. Essential services, such as water and electricity, might be affected.

If you're travelling to Jamaica during hurricane season, check if severe weather has affected tourist services.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area

• flights could be delayed or suspended

• available flights may fill quickly

• adequate shelter may not be available

Severe weather may also affect:

• access to ports

• road travel

• essential services, such as water, electricity and communication systems

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship

• identify your local shelter

• monitor local media and advice from the US National Hurricane Center

• follow the advice of local authorities

• keep in touch with your friends and family

Earthquakes

Jamaica is in an active earthquake zone.

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis may occur in Jamaica. A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a tremor or earthquake.  Be alert to warnings.

To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away if advised by local authorities, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up

• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more

• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level

• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Jamaica. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common in Jamaica. Take appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to the risk of infection.

Insect-borne diseases

Zika virus is found in Jamaica, but it's not widespread. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor

• re-schedule non-essential travel to affected areas

The risk of contracting insect-borne illnesses increases in the wet season from June to December. These include:

• dengue
• chikungunya

To reduce your risk of diseases spread by insects:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or bad headache.

Other health risks

Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• hepatitis

• leptospirosis

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

• avoid ice cubes

• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

• get vaccinated before you travel

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Standards in public hospitals in tourist areas and in Kingston are reasonable. Medical care is limited in smaller towns and rural areas.

Emergency medical services are only located in Kingston and Montego Bay.

Costs for treatment can be high. At hospitals and private medical facilities, you'll have to pay cash or give a credit card imprint before a doctor will treat you.

If you're covered by health insurance, public hospitals may only need a deposit.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to Miami or another place with suitable facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

There's a hyperbaric chamber in the Discovery Bay Marine Lab near Ocho Rios.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. You can be sent to prison for carrying illegal drugs, including marijuana.

You'll be screened for drugs when you leave Jamaica.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Serious crimes, such as murder, can attract the death penalty.

In Jamaica it's illegal to:

• be nude in public

• swear

• buy, sell or wear camouflage-style clothing

• ride a moped, motor scooter or motorcycle without a helmet

• travel in a car or taxi without wearing a seatbelt

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Jamaica recognises dual citizenship.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are illegal and aren't widely accepted.

Verbal and physical aggression can happen towards people in a same-sex relationship.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

Visa-free travel for short stays

You won't need a visa to enter Jamaica if your visit is for either:

• tourism and you'll stay for less than 6 months

• business and you'll stay for less than 30 days

In other situations, apply for a visa through a Jamaican embassy or consulate.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions, such as customs and quarantine regulations, can change at short notice. Contact a Jamaican embassy for details.

Jamaica doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Australia. Its nearest mission is the Embassy of Jamaica in Tokyo (Japanese).

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US, you must also meet US entry and transit requirements. This includes transit through Hawaii or another US point of entry.

Check your visa requirements with a US embassy or consulate well before you travel.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US

Arrival and departure tax

You must pay an arrival and departure tax.

It might be included in the price of your airline ticket. However, this isn’t always the case for charter flights.

Confirm with your travel agent or airline.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Jamaica if you arrive from or transit through a country where yellow fever is widespread. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Children aged under 1 year don't need one.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Jamaican Dollar (JAD).

Declare all currency when you arrive. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

Only change money at commercial banks and exchange bureaus.

Tourist spots in major towns accept international credit cards. Before you travel, ask your bank if your cards will work in Jamaica.

ATMs aren't widely available outside Kingston and Montego Bay.

Only use ATMs in safe places, such as hotels. Criminals target people using ATMs on the street.

Driving permit

To drive in Jamaica, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

More information:

• Road safety and driving

Road travel

You're twice as likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Jamaica than in Australia. 

Night-time driving is especially dangerous.

Driving hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads

• speeding

• pedestrians and people selling things on roads

Weather conditions can make some roads impassable.

Authorities can close roads at short notice, including for security reasons. See Safety

Breakdown assistance is limited in urban areas and unavailable in rural areas.

By law, you must wear a seat belt in cars and taxis.

If you plan to drive in Jamaica:

• check you have the right travel insurance cover

• check local traffic laws and practices

• avoid driving at night, especially outside of Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril

• take the South Camp Road (the 'hummingbird route') when driving between Norman Manley International Airport and Kingston

• avoid Mountain View Avenue

Get up-to-date advice on road closures and curfews. See Safety

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Always wear a helmet. This applies to mopeds, motor scooters and motorbikes. 

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorcycle, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel. Travellers using unofficial taxis have been robbed and assaulted.

Use taxis authorised by the Jamaican United Travellers' Association (JUTA). You can order JUTA taxis at hotels or via a uniformed attendant at the airport.

To protect yourself from scams and overcharging:

• use registered taxis

• avoid unlicensed private taxis

• agree on the fare in advance

Public transport

Avoid public transport. It's not safe due to high levels of crime and overcrowding.

Boat travel

Cruise ships dock in Jamaica.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Jamaica's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 119.

Medical emergencies

Call 119, or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 119.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Kingston. It provides limited consular services and conducts passport interviews.

You can get full consular assistance from the Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.

Australian Consulate, Kingston

80-82 Second Street, Port Bustamante

Kingston 13, Jamaica

Phone: +1 876 361 1332

Email: marjory.kennedy@jashipco.com

Australian High Commission, Port of Spain

18 Herbert Street, St Clair

Port of Spain

Trinidad and Tobago

Phone: +1 868 822 5450

Fax: +1 868 822 5490

Website: trinidadandtobago.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in the Caribbean

Email: ahc.portofspain@dfat.gov.au

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia