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Jamaica
Last Updated: 10 August 2000 MOST VISITS TO JAMAICA ARE TROUBLE-FEE BUT VISITORS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT VIOLENT CRIME CAN BE A PROBLEM. PARTICULARLY IN KINGSTON. SAFETY AND SECURITY Visitors should be particularly alert for thieves. Do not offer resistance in the event of an attempted robbery. Visitors are advised against walking at night or using public transport (INCLUDING TAXIS) unless authorised by the Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA) and ordered from hotels. There have been isolated incidents involving tourists in the major resort areas on the north coast. The motive for most attacks was robbery. The Jamaican government has now instituted a new system of mobile police patrols, which seems to have resolved the problem. However, visitors should avoid walking alone in isolated areas even in daylight hours. Avoid walking alone on beaches, or at night. Particular care should be taken at isolated villas and smaller establishments, which may have fewer security arrangements. Visitors staying with family or friends should take care to safeguard themselves and their valuables. Visitors may be vulnerable to house burglary, often accompanied by violence. LOCAL TRAVEL Occasional public order incidents and demonstrations, sometimes violent, can occur in various parts of Kingston. Sporadic gang violence and shootings are usually concentrated in inner city and poor neighbourhoods, including West Kingston, Grant's Pen, August Town and Harbour View, but can occur in other areas. These areas have occasionally been subject to curfew and should be avoided. Visitors should exercise caution when travelling to and from Kingston airport, especially after dark, due to the crime threat in the neighbourhoods they traverse. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment. All sentences are served in Jamaica. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for someone else. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Visitors do not require visas to enter Jamaica. However, overstaying without the proper authority is viewed as a serious matter. Visitors can be held in detention and may be fined. For further information on entry requirements, visitors are advised to check with the Jamaican High Commission in London before travelling. HEALTH Medical treatment can be expensive. Private medical facilities are of a reasonable standard but can vary throughout the island. NATURAL DISASTERS Hurricanes may occur during the rainy season which is between July and October. Jamaica also lies in the earthquake zone. Visitors should make themselves aware of weather conditions through the local media. GENERAL It is essential that travellers take out full insurance cover for medical treatment and accidents, and it is advisable to have cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cards, cash, passport or luggage. If in doubt visitors should seek advice from travel representatives, the Jamaican Tourist Board or the British High Commission. British Diplomatic Missions in Jamaica: contact details For medical and inoculations advice, contact your GP. The Department of Health's Health Advice for Travellers website provides travel health information for people travelling abroad from the UK. The site advises on health risks around the world and how to avoid them, a country-by-country immunisation checklist and how to obtain medical treatment abroad. Travel Advice notices on this website are subject to Crown Copyright protection. Capture and republication of Travel Advice notices is not permitted. Any person who captures and republishes Travel Advice notices will be liable to prosecution. |
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