Jamaica

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 119 for police.
• Dial 110 for ambulance.
• Dial 110 for fire.
• Dial 116 for hurricane updates.

Crime

Violent crime is a risk throughout Jamaica. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay.

• Jamaica’s police force often does not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
• When arrests are made, cases are not always prosecuted to a conclusive sentence.
• Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities.
• Gated resorts can also experience violent crime.

Safety tips:

• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid public buses.
• Avoid secluded places or situations.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Jamaica. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Lotteries

Lottery scams

The most common scam from Jamaica is the “Lotto Scam.” Someone tells you that you won a lottery prize, but first, you need to pay some “fees” to get your money. This is a lie designed to steal from you.  

How to protect yourself:

• You did NOT win a lottery. The person on the telephone is lying. Just hang up.
• Never send money to someone who says you have won the lottery in Jamaica.
• Do not travel to Jamaica to collect a “prize.” People have been killed, kidnapped, extorted, or robbed.
• Be careful sending money to help a traveler claiming to be in trouble. When in doubt, contact your local police.
• Watch out for threats. If someone promises to protect a family member or help them out of trouble, but only if you pay money, that’s a crime called extorsion. Contact your local police right away.
• Report scams to police. If someone is trying to scam you out of money, file a report with your local police department.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 119.

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

Rape and sexual assault are common throughout Jamaica, including at resorts and hotels. 

• Date rape drugs may be used at private parties and resorts. 
• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• Victims of sexual assault in Jamaica should not expect the same help offered in the United States. Rape kits are not always available. Victims must often ask for medication to avoid STD transmission and reduce the chances of pregnancy.
• Counseling is unlikely to be offered.
• Police may not collect evidence properly. 
• Court cases take a very long time. If your case goes to court, it will move slowly. You may need to come back to Jamaica multiple times during the legal process.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for help.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drones

Drones are generally allowed in Jamaica but must follow Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) rules.  

• You must keep drones under 400 feet and fly them during daylight only.
• Do not fly them near airports, people, and restricted areas.
• If bringing a drone into Jamaica, or using it beyond casual recreation, coordinate with JCAA in advance to avoid customs or enforcement issues.

GPS

Using a handheld GPS or phone for navigation when driving is illegal and can result in fines. Your GPS must be mounted on the dashboard or windshield. Use only with voice prompts to avoid distraction.

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Jamaica seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Weapons

• It is illegal to bring guns, ammunition, and even spent shells or casings into Jamaica. Fines can be in millions of Jamaican dollars depending on the offense. You may also be arrested, detained, and incarcerated for long periods of time.
• It is illegal to bring mace, pepper spray, or knives into Jamaica without authorization. Doing so will lead to arrest.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate or consular agency immediately.

Detention conditions

A detention facility may not provide you with essential medications or medical care on site as standards can vary by facility.

• Prisons generally have medical practitioners on site or get regular visits from medical providers for routine and emergency medical care. However, you also may be detained at a police station that does not have medical practitioners on site. 
• If you are detained at a police station and need medical care, they may transfer you to other facilities to receive medications, medical care, and prescriptions as needed.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Jamaican law contains specific prohibitions on “acts of gross indecency.” This is viewed as any kind of physical intimacy between people of the same sex, in public or in private.

• The law provides punishment of up to 10 years in prison.
• There is also a law that specifically prohibits consensual same-sex sexual conduct between men.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.
• Negative attitudes toward gay and lesbian travelers are common in Jamaica.  There are continued reports of serious discrimination and abuse against gay and lesbian individuals, including:
  • Assault
  • “Corrective rape” of women accused of being lesbians
  • Arbitrary detention
  • Mob attacks
  • Stabbings
  • Harassment of gay and lesbian patients by hospital and prison staff
  • Blackmail

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Jamaica prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is not enforced.

• The most common type of accessibility may include ramps, curb cuts, priority seating, and accessible restrooms.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure.
• Expect a significant difference in accessibility between major cities and Jamaica’s smaller communities.
• Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

The government does not take credible steps to identify and punish officials who may have committed human rights abuses.

Significant human rights issues included credible reports of:

• arbitrary or unlawful killings, including extrajudicial killings
• cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment by the government
• harsh and life-threatening conditions in prisons and detention facilities
• arbitrary arrest or detention
• serious government corruption
• extensive gender-based violence
• substantial barriers to reproductive health services
• laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults, although the government did not enforce the law during the year
• crimes involving violence targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex people.
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Jamaica Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 119 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

• Ambulances are not present or unreliable in most areas, especially in rural areas.  
• They may not be equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Jamaica. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment up front.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities may be below U.S. standards, especially when it comes to mental health care and specialty care.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Be aware that some hotels and resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers, which may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight in non-emergency wards.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with the Jamaica Customs Agency to ensure the medication is legal in Jamaica.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Jamaica to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Jamaica with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.  Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Jamaican courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Jamaica via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.
• Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.
• In some rural areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Jamaica.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Night time driving is extremely dangerous due to poor lighting and unpredictable pavement.

• Heavy rain can make roads impassable and dangerous.
• Many roads have inadequate signage, large potholes, and poor traffic markings. There is a lack of pedestrian crosswalks.
• Pedestrians and animals share the roadways with vehicles.
• There have been reports of carjackings, including of rental cars.
• Only 2 highways are comparable to U.S. standards. Both are toll roads and part of Highway 2000.
  • T1: The East-West leg runs from Portmore (west of Kingston) to Mandeville.
  • T3: The North-South leg or the Edward Seaga Highway connects Caymanas (west of Kingston) to Ocho Rios (Mammee Bay).
• Drivers are often aggressive and speed. Be careful on the roads.  
• Taxis may stop suddenly and without signaling to pick up/drop off passengers.
• Emergency response services can be slow. In practice, other motorists are usually the ones who provide assistance in the case of an accident or breakdown.

Traffic laws 

• Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road.
• Traffic circles are often poorly marked and require traffic to move in a clockwise direction. Motorists entering a roundabout must yield to those already in it.
• Drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts.
• Motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets.

Taxis and ride-shares

• You should only use licensed taxicabs having red and white license plates or transportation services recommended by your hotel.
• U.S. embassy employees are not allowed to use local taxis.
• Uber operates in Jamaica but is mainly available in major tourist areas like Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios.

Public and commercial transportation

Use only official public transportation vehicles that have red license plates.

• Private vehicles, not licensed for public transportation, have white license plates with blue letters and numbers.
• Avoid public buses. They are often overcrowded and frequently targeted by criminals. U.S. embassy staff are not allowed to use public transportation.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Jamaica’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. The FAA website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Jamaica should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• Hurricanes –Jamaica lies in the Atlantic hurricane belt and regularly experiences impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms. The peak season is August to October. Storm systems can bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, large waves, and long power and water outages.
• Storms and rainfall – Intense rainfall can cause flash flooding in urban and low-lying areas during the rainy seasons. This occurs most frequently between May to June and September to November, but can happen at any time of the year. This sometimes leads to washed-out roads and bridges.
• Landslides – These occur mainly in hilly and mountainous areas, especially where slopes have been cleared for farming or housing. The Blue Mountains and other interior highlands are particularly susceptible. Landslides are closely linked to periods of prolonged or intense rainfall.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates