Jamaica Vacation Packages

Kingston

Parliamentary Democracy

“Out of Many, One People”

Jamaica 2020 population is estimated at 2,961,167 people at mid year according to UN data.

876

Officially, we speak English but we like to mix it up with our own island version of patois. It takes a little getting used to, but you’re sure to have lots of fun trying out a few of our expressions. Look at our Patois page to learn some words and phrases before getting here.

• New Year’s Day – January 1
• Ash Wednesday
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Labour Day – May 23
• Emancipation Day – August 1
• Independence Day – August 6
• National Heroes Day
• Christmas Day – December 25
• Boxing Day – December 26 

All residents of the United States of America (USA), Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico or Panama who are 12 years of age or over, are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result to check in for a flight. NOTE: Residents of all other countries are NOT REQUIRED to present a test result.

Tests must be done by a medical laboratory that has a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) registration or ISO 15189 certification.

The date of the sample collection must be less than 10 days from the travel date to Jamaica. Example: For a travel date of October 20, the earliest the test sample may be collected is October 11. Use the Test Date Calculator.

Samples collected using home test kits (ex. Pixel by LabCorp), along with antibody tests will not be accepted.

See the full COVID-19 test requirements here.

U.S. Citizens traveling to and from Jamaica must present a valid passport when leaving and or re-entering the United States.  Residents must present their Alien Resident Card (Green Card) together with passport of country for which they hold citizenship. All visitors are required to travel with a return ticket or onward ticket for entry into Jamaica. For more information, go to: http://www.congenjamaica-ny.org/visas/requirements-2/

Canadian Citizens: Valid passport or a government-issued identification with photograph, along with an official birth certificate. Canadian residents must present a Canadian Permanent Resident Card and a passport showing country of citizenship.

Visitors traveling via airlines can go to www.iatatravelcentre.com to review travel document requirements.

More information on Jamaica is available on:

Jamaica Embassies and High Commissions

Consulates and Consulates-General

Norman Manley International Airport

Located in Kingston, use this airport if you’re visiting the capital city, Port Antonio or heading to the beautiful Blue Mountains. Efficient transport can be arranged to take you to the domestic airport in Kingston, Tinson Pen, where flights are available to other parts of the island. Car rentals, taxi services and tour operators are located in the Arrivals Ground Transportation Hall to help you get to your destination, safely and happily.

Donald Sangster International Airport

Located in Montego Bay, most tourists land here. It’s the better port of entrance if you’re headed to Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril. In addition to international terminals, this airport has a domestic terminal with local flights that depart regularly to Kingston, Negril, Port Antonio and Ocho Rios. Taxis, hotel shuttles and car rental companies are available to help you get to your final destination.

Ian Fleming International Airport

Our newest international airport, the Ian Fleming International Airport, is located in the Ocho Rios resort area. It is a convenient entry point to Jamaica’s north coast for small aircraft. Many of Jamaica’s renowned villas and resorts are only minutes away. For your convenience, car rentals, taxi services and shuttles are easily arranged.

VIP Airport Services

Start your dream holiday in style with fast track and personalized VIP Meet & Greet services at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston (KIN) and the Sangster International (MBJ) in Montego Bay. With complimentary WiFi service, refreshments and free telephone calls to the USA, Canada and UK landlines, you’ll already feel Jamaica’s warm hospitality. A suite of services is available to arriving and departing passengers. For more information visit http://www.vipattractions.

An airport departure tax of US$35 is payable when departing Jamaica. In most cases this tax is included in the cost of the airline ticket (paid in advance).

Jamaica enjoys a hot and humid tropical climate all year round, which is exactly what you want for a relaxing vacation. Temperatures range from 19 degrees Celsius (66 Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit). Even though Jamaica is known for sunshine, the island have two rainy seasons a year, from May to June, and September to November. Hurricanes may pass over the island during the months of June to November, so keep an eye on the news.

Lightweight, breathable fabrics are the way to go here on the island. Shorts, swimwear and flip flops keep you chilled on our beaches. A thin sweater will keep you cozy in the evenings. And semi-casual wear for women, and a jacket for men, will get you into all of our fine dining restaurants. Whatever you do, don’t pack too much, as you’ll want to take some of our special clothing back home with you.

Jamaica is well connected to the rest of the world. Direct international telephone service operates in all areas, 24 hours a day, and telephone operators will gladly facilitate collect, third-party or credit card calls. E-mail and Internet access is available too, usually at hotels and parish libraries, but also at local Internet.

As long as you use an unlocked GSM cell phone, it should work in Jamaica. If you are from Canada and you unlock your cell phone before you leave to Jamaica, it should work with no issues

Licensed cambio centers and commercial banks are accessible in all resort areas. The official currency exchange rates vary daily, so it’s advisable to shop around for the best rate before converting your cash. Most of our ATMs accept international bank cards, with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus logos. Banks also give credit card advances, change traveller’s checks and other financial services.

Jamaica has hundreds of natural springs and rivers, both above and underground. Over the years, we have developed extensive water treatment and supply systems island-wide, so all drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered by modern methods. Our water is safe for you to drink, clean your teeth, bath and wash clothing in. If you choose not to drink the water, rest assured – there are many brands of Jamaican spring water that meet or exceed the highest international standards, available at most shops and restaurants.

In Jamaica, the use, sale and possession of drugs such as ganja (marijuana), cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and any other controlled substance is illegal. Violators are subject to severe punishments – specifically arrest, fine and imprisonment. Don’t ruin your vacation.

Jamaica falls within the Eastern Time Zone (UTC/GMT -5 Hours) and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. At approximately 18 degrees north of the equator, the island falls within the tropics, and as such does not experience drastic seasonal changes in sunrise and sunset times. Year-round, the island averages between 11.5 and 12.5 hours of sunlight per day.

Getting married in Jamaica can be done as quickly as just 24 hours after you arrive, once you’ve taken care of all paperwork beforehand. Many wedding venues, resorts, and event planners will take care of these things for you to ensure your wedding is not only luxurious but legal too.

The required paperwork includes securing your marriage license. It’s a same-day process and will last for three months. All information on how to do this and how much it costs can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Some of the things you’ll need include: 

• Proof of citizenship – certified copy of your birth certificate, which includes father’s name
• Parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age
• Proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce)
• Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower
• Processing fee JM$4000 (less than US$40)

If your documents aren’t in English, you’ll need to have them translated by an official translator and then certified by your local Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as by your nearest Jamaican Mission or Honorary Consulate.

The most important thing to remember is that Jamaicans drive on the left-hand side of the road we drive on the left side of the road. But this is not the only thing you’ll have to get used to. On the island, quite often you’ll share the fast lane with goats, stray dogs, a whole variety of vehicles of all shapes and sizes and a generous helping of our infamous potholes. Potholes are an island style guarantee – there’s always one around the next corner. So, it’s always best to take your time, maneuver around whatever crosses your path, and enjoy the scenery.

The speed limit is 50 kmph (30 mph) in built-up areas, and 80 kmph (50 mph) on highways, and all drivers are required to carry a valid license. Jamaica recognizes valid International Driver’s Licenses, but visitors from North America may use their country’s license for up to three months per visit.

Quick Car Rental in Jamaica Tips

• There are car rental agencies in most major towns and cities. Clients must be at least 25 years old to rent a motor vehicle.
• All drivers are required to carry a valid license. Jamaica recognizes valid International Driver’s Licenses. North Americans may use their country’s license for up to three months per visit. United Kingdom residents may use theirs for up to twelve months, and Japanese visitors may only use their licenses for up to one month.
• The driver and front passenger are required to wear safety belts, and children under 3 years old must travel in infant carriers.
• Service stations are found island wide. Many are open every day.