Jamaica

It's easy to wax lyrical about Jamaica, the famous island in the north Caribbean. From the the glorious glow of its sunsets, to the unique and engaging ways of its people, its alluring white sandy beaches, lush green mountains and sparkling waterfalls - all of these stunning features can inspire the poet in anyone. The beauty of this island paradise has drawn visitors for centuries.

At first, it was the wealthy few who were privileged to enjoy the unspoilt tropical delights of Jamaica, but today the northern and western coastlines of the island bristle with tourist resorts and 'all-inclusive' hotels. Natural attractions have been commercialised to cope with the crowds, yet somehow, this commercialisation has not spoiled Jamaica. It still presents a magnificent kaleidoscope of colour and beauty that makes holidaymakers sad to leave, and vow to return.

The name Jamaica originates from the pre-colonial native inhabitants of the area, the Arawak Indians, to whom Xaymacameant 'land of wood and water'. There is little left of the Indian culture: after being discovered by Columbus in 1494, Jamaica was ruled by the Spanish for 150 years and then by the British for the next 300 years. Independence came in 1962 to the Jamaican people, who are now a warm blend of different cultures and nationalities, though significantly African-based due to the number of imported slaves who endeavoured to keep their home traditions alive while being forced to labour on the plantations.

There is, however, a little trouble in this island paradise: the Jamaican people on the whole are poor, and very reliant on tourism for their living. Some visitors object to being harassed by vendors, unlicenced taxi drivers, hair-braiders and the like. Petty crime is also a problem. These minor irritations, however, should not keep anyone away from savouring the spirit of Jamaica, which is as rich as the lilt of the local patois and the rhythms of the reggae music for which the island is famous.

Climate

Jamaica's climate is tropical with constant warm to hot temperatures all year round, though cooler in the higher, central areas. The wettest months are between May and November, when short sharp showers can be expected. The heaviest rains occur in September and October and the hurricane season runs from June to November; however, despite the powerful Hurricane Ivan of September 2004, relatively few hurricanes touch Jamaica.

Money

The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is divided into 100 cents. The island is well supplied with ATMs, banks and bureaux de change. Banking hours are usually Monday to Thursday from 9am to 2pm, and Friday from 9am to 4pm. Cambio exchange offices are found throughout the country, open later than banks and often offering better exchange rates. Retain receipts as proof of legal currency exchange. Exchange bureaux at the airports and hotels also offer better rates than banks. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Both cash and travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars.

Passport Visa

All foreign visitors to Jamaica must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, return/onward tickets to their country of permanent residence, and the necessary travel documentation for this next documentation. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Jamaica, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport (expired up to one year is acceptable) to enter Jamaica. No visa is required, for touristic stays of up to six months; and for business-related stays of up to 30 days.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required for British passport holders, except for holders of passports endorsed British Overseas Territory Citizen issued to residents of the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, who may obtain a tourist visa on arrival for a fee of USD 20.
• Canadian citizens require a passport. Expired passports of up to one year are accepted. A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, is also accepted if the reason for travel is tourism. No visa is required.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required, for stays of up to 90 days.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required.

Health

Dengue fever and Leptospirosis are travel health risks in Jamaica, so visitors should use mosquito nets and insect repellant and avoid rivers and dams. There is a small malaria risk, and visitors are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites, though prophylaxis is not considered necessary. Although generally safe, the tap water can cause stomach upsets and visitors are advised to drink bottled water if on short trips. Private medical facilities are of a reasonable standard but can vary throughout the island, and facilities are limited outside Kingston and Montego Bay. Medical treatment can be expensive so insurance is advised. No vaccination certificates are needed for entry into Jamaica, but yellow fever certificates are required for travellers coming from an infected area.

Embassy Consulates

• Jamaican Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 452 0660.
• Jamaica High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7823 9911.
• Jamaican High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 9311.
• Jamaican Embassy, Sydney +61 (2) 9787 4948.
• Jamaican High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 366 8500.
• Jamaican Embassy, Brussels, Belgium (also responsible for Ireland): +32 (0)2 230 1170.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Kingston: +1 876 702 6000.
• British High Commission, Kingston: +1 876 510 0700.
• Canadian High Commission, Kingston: +1 876 926 1500.
• Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Jamaica): +1 868 822 5450.
• South African High Commission, Kingston: + 1 876 620 4840.
• Irish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Jamaica): +1 613 233 6281.
• New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Jamaica): +1 613 238 5991.