North and Central America and Caribbean

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see terrorism abroad.

Political Situation

Jamaica country profile

Crime

In view of the high levels of crime and violence, you should follow these common sense guidelines:

Be particularly alert for thieves but do not offer resistance in the event of an attempted robbery.

Don’t walk or use buses at night. Only hire taxis authorised by the Jamaica Tourist Board usually operated by the Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA) or taxis ordered from hotels for your sole use (i.e. unshared).

Do not give lifts to strangers and keep car doors and windows locked.

Avoid large crowds and public demonstrations. Criminals use the confusion of such events to engage in acts such as robbery.

Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear eye-catching jewellery. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to store valuables, money and passports.

Try to vary which restaurants you use. Frequenting the same place too often might make you a target for thieves.

Unless you are fully acquainted with the route and are driving in daylight hours, you should not self-drive a car to or from Kingston International Airport. Instead, take an official 'JUTA' taxi, or taxi recommended by your hotel or airport’s official taxi despatcher for your journey to or from the airport. There have been outbreaks of violence in the Mountain View area on one route from the airport to the city. You should therefore avoid this route and use the alternative Humming Bird route via South Camp Road.

Gang violence and shootings are usually concentrated in inner city neighbourhoods, including West Kingston, Grant's Pen, August Town, Harbour View, Spanish Town and certain parts of Montego Bay (not the resort areas). Public order incidents and demonstrations, sometimes violent, can occur in Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay.

The motive for most attacks on tourists is robbery. Although the Jamaican government has a system of mobile police patrols, there is a risk in walking alone in isolated areas or on deserted beaches even in daylight hours.

Most hotels and resorts are well guarded. Longer-term visitors and residents should ensure proper door locks and window grilles are fitted and consider employing a guard and/or fitting a house alarm. Gated/guarded compounds represent the safest accommodation in the Kingston area.

You should still maintain vigilance even when staying with family or friends.

Criminals have targeted visiting British nationals and those returning to resettle permanently in Jamaica. There have been some violent incidents, including cases of armed robber, murder and rape. Before returning, seek advice from the Jamaican High Commission in London and/or the local Jamaican Information Service.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

In the event of an emergency in Jamaica, call 119 for police and 110 for an ambulance.

Local travel

Road Travel

You can drive in Jamaica on a UK driving licence for up to six months. If you are unfamiliar with Kingston, you should not drive a vehicle in the city. If you get lost, you may risk putting yourself and your passengers in personal danger.

Tourists are advised to use Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) approved taxis or minibuses for excursions, airport transfers and sightseeing. Do not hail taxis in the street. Most hotels and resorts have assigned JTB drivers who carry photo ID and display a prominent blue JTB sticker on the front windscreen.

Road traffic accidents and fatalities are common in Jamaica. Much of the road network is badly maintained with poor signage, while roads in rural areas are narrow, winding and poorly lit at night, if at all. Speeding and drink-driving are commonplace. Drive defensively, and apply caution on the roads whether in a vehicle or as a pedestrian. Drivers and front seat passengers must wear seat belts at all times. Motorcycle riders must wear helmets. When driving, it is recommended that you keep the windows up and doors locked.

Tropical storms and/or roadworks can render some roads temporarily impassable. Check your route in advance.

For more general information see driving abroad.