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| General
Information |
Area: 10,991 sq km (4244 sq miles).
Population: 2,554,000 (1997).
Population Density: 232.4 per sq km.
Capital: Kingston. Population: 643,801 (1991).
Geography: Jamaica is the third-largest island in the West Indies, a narrow outcrop of a submerged mountain range.
The island is crossed by a range of mountains reaching 2256m (7402ft) at the Blue Mountain Peak in the east and
descending towards the west with a series of spurs and forested gullies running north and south. Most of the best
beaches are on the north and west coasts. The island's luxuriant tropical and subtropical vegetation is probably
unsurpassed anywhere in the Caribbean.
Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1962. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth
II, represented locally by Governor General Sir Howard Cooke since 1991. Head of Government: Prime Minister P J
Patterson since 1992.
Language: The official language is English. Local patois is also spoken.
Religion: Protestant majority (Church of God, Anglican, Baptist and Methodist) with Roman Catholic, Jewish, Muslim,
Hindu and Bahai communities. Rastafarianism, a religion based on belief in the divinity of the late Emperor of
Ethiopia, Haile Selassie (Ras Tafari), is also widely practised.
Time: GMT - 5.
Electricity: 110 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase. American 2-pin plugs are standard, but many hotels offer, in addition,
220 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase, from 3-pin sockets.
Communications:
Telephone: Full IDD is available. Country code: 1 876. There are no area codes. Outgoing international code: 011.
Mobile telephone: As of April 2001, GSM 900 network. TDMA network, non-GSM compatible. Handsets can be hired from
Cable & Wireless (tel: (888) 344 4825 (toll free; Jamaica only); website: www.cwjamaica.com). A deposit is
payable (J$8000), as are an access charge (J$100 per day), a registration fee (J$740) and a hire charge (J$100
per day).
Fax: This service is available from 0700-1000 daily at the Cable & Wireless office in Kingston. Widely available
in most hotels and offices.
Internet/E-mail: There are a few free Internet kiosks at shopping centres in Kingston; more should soon be available.
Cybercafés exist mainly in the Kingston area. ISPs include Cable & Wireless (website: www.cwjamaica.com).
Telegram: Facilities are widely available.
Postal: Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1630.
Press: Daily papers are The Daily Gleaner, The Daily Star and The Jamaica Observer. |
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| Travel |
AIR: Jamaica's national airline is Air Jamaica (JM). Airlines serving
Jamaica include American Airlines, Air Canada, ALM, British Airways, BWIA, Trans World Airlines and Northwest Airlines.
APPROXIMATE FLIGHT TIMES: From Kingston or Montego Bay to London is 10 hours (direct flight), to Los Angeles is
5 hours 30 minutes and to New York is 3 hours 20 minutes.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS: Norman Manley International (KIN) (Kingston) is 17 km (11 miles) southeast of the city.
Coach, bus and taxis depart to the city (journey time - 30-60 minutes). Aiport facilities include banks/bureaux
de change (open until last flight), bars, restaurants, shops and duty-free facilites and car hire. Car hire firms
include Hertz, Budget and Avis.
Montego Bay (MBJ) (International) is 3km (2 miles) north of the city. Duty-free facilities are available.
Air Jamaica Express runs shuttle services between the airports.
DEPARTURE TAX: J$1000 (payable in cash only) for all passengers over two years of age at airports and at the seaports
of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Transit passengers are exempt.
SEA: Both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are ports of call for the following cruise lines: Celebrity, Carnival Cruise,
Costa Cruise Line, Premier Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Sun Cruises and Holland America.
Other passenger/freight lines (Geest) sail from North, South and Central American ports. Lauro Lines sail to Kingston
from the Mediterranean. |
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| Entry |
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Passport |
Visa |
Return Ticket Required |
| Australian |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| British |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Japanese |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| USA |
1 |
No |
Yes |
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PASSPORTS: Valid passport required by all except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of the USA holding a certified copy of a birth certificate and photo identification (eg driver's
licence or student ID). Taiwanese nationals also need to complete an Affidavit of Identity Form (available from
the Consulate) and submit an additional passport photo.
VISAS: Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of EU countries (nationals of the UK and Ireland for a stay not exceeding 6 months; nationals of
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain,
and Sweden for a period not exceeding 90 days;
(b) nationals of Commonwealth countries for stays not exceeding 90 days (except nationals of Pakistan, Sierra Leone,
Sri Lanka and Nigeria who do need visas);
(c) nationals of the USA (including Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico) and Canada for stays not exceeding 6 months;
(d) nationals of Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Liechtenstein, Mexico, Norway, San
Marino, Surinam, Switzerland and Turkey for stays not exceeding 90 days;
(e) nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Hong Kong (SAR), Japan and Uruguay for stays not exceeding 30 days;
(f) nationals of Venezuela for stays not exceeding 14 days.
All of the above must have evidence of sufficient funds and a return or outward-bound ticket for their next destination.
Note: (a) Except for persons in certain categories, a Work Permit is required for a business visit. The Consulate
(or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission) can advise. (b) Nationals of the following countries can obtain
a visa on arrival, provided holding valid onward or return tickets and evidence of sufficient funds: Albania, Andorra,
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Georgia,
Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Monaco, Poland,
Romania, Russian Federation, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and
Yugoslavia. These visas cost US$20. |
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| Misc.
Info. |
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:
Jamaican customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from
Jamaica of items such as firearms, produce, and pets. Entering Jamaica with a firearm or ammunition is a serious
crime. Fresh fruits, vegetables and uncooked meats are not permitted to be brought into or out of the country.
Pets may not be brought into Jamaica, except for dogs from the United Kingdom that have not been vaccinated for
rabies, and only after six months quarantine.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Gang violence and shootings frequently
affect Kingston's inner city areas, and briefly flared up into broader violence and fatalities within Kingston
in July, 2001. Some inner-city neighborhoods are occasionally subject to curfews and police searches. Incidents
of violence, including reprisal attacks, have been reported in inner-city areas of Montego Bay as well.
Organized as well as impromptu political demonstrations sometimes occur, during which demonstrators may construct
roadblocks. The roads leading to Norman Manley International Airport can be vulnerable to such stoppages. Americans
should take common-sense precautions, monitor news reports, and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. The
majority of American tourists visiting the north coast of Jamaica use Donald Sangster International Airport in
Montego Bay. Demonstrations and roadblocks usually do not affect tourist areas, but travelers can check with local
authorities or the U.S. Embassy for details.
CRIME:
Crime is a serious problem in Jamaica, particularly in Kingston. In several cases, robberies of Americans have
turned violent after the victim resisted handing over valuables. The U.S. Embassy advises its staff to exercise
caution when traveling to and from Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport via Mountain View and Windward
Roads, especially after dark, because of the crime threat in the neighborhoods they traverse. The U.S. Embassy
also advises its staff not to use public buses, which are often overcrowded and have proved to be a frequent venue
for crime. Visitors should not walk outside after dark and should avoid neighborhoods known for high crime rates.
Be aware of your surroundings and take the same precautions as in any large city in the United States.
Drug use is prevalent in some tourist areas. American citizens should avoid buying, selling or taking illegal drugs
under any circumstances. There is anecdotal evidence that use of so-called "date rape" drugs has become
more common at clubs and private parties. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other illegal narcotics are especially
potent in Jamaica, and their use can lead to severe or even disastrous health consequences.
To enhance security in the major resort areas on the north coast, the Government of Jamaica has taken a number
of steps, including assignment of special tourist security personnel. Particular care is called for at isolated
villas and smaller establishments that may have fewer security arrangements. Travelers should be more cautious
in unfamiliar surroundings than they are at home. In particular, valuables should not be left unattended anywhere,
including the beach.
Relatives of U.S. citizens visiting Jamaica and U.S. citizens who are prisoners in Jamaica have received telephone
calls from people alleging that they are Jamaican police officers or other public officials. The callers state
that the visitor or prisoner has had trouble and needs financial help. The caller states that money should be sent
to the caller who will assist the visitor or prisoner. Money is sent but fails to reach the U.S. citizen in need.
U.S. citizens who receive calls such as these should contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the Embassy's
Consular Section for assistance in confirming the validity of the call.
MEDICAL FACILITIES:
Medical care is limited compared to the United States. While public hospitals are located in each parish, comprehensive
emergency medical services are available only in Kingston and Montego Bay. Emergency medical and ambulance services
are not as widely available in outlying parishes, and ambulance service is limited both in the quality of emergency
care and in the availability of vehicles in remote parts of the country.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The
Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling
abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a
medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless
supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical
services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that
will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals
require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess
of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting
with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider
or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for
psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ
significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Jamaica is provided for general
reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
Driving in Jamaica is on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts,
and motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets. A number of U.S. citizens who have rented motorbikes have been
seriously injured, often because the riders were not wearing helmets. Extreme caution should be used when driving
motorbikes on unfamiliar roads. Signage is often poorly placed or missing. Driving at night is especially dangerous
in Jamaica. Several fatal accidents involving Americans have occurred after dark. It is easy to become lost while
driving in Jamaica and help may not be readily available. Travelers taking taxicabs should use only licensed taxicabs
with red-and-white "PP" license plates.
The A1, A2, and A3 highways are the primary links between most important cities and tourist destinations on the
island. These roads are not comparable to American highways, and conditions can be quite hazardous due to large
potholes in the road and wandering livestock. The "B" highways should be avoided altogether, as several
have been damaged by torrential rains and are now impassable.
Roadblocks used by residents to draw attention to particular issues and street dances that draw large crowds can
block traffic without warning, and require extreme caution by drivers.
For specific information concerning Jamaican driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance,
please contact the Embassy of Jamaica's website or the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). |
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