Travel Advice for Jamaica

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers .

In the past, violence has erupted in Kingston with little or no warning. In 2010, a state of emergency was imposed in areas of Kingston for a limited period due to high levels of lawlessness and gang violence. In Kingston, you should be vigilant, take precautions to ensure your safety and comply with instructions from relevant security authorities.

You should avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent, possibly involving the use of firearms. Demonstrations and protests may occur at any time across the country. You should monitor local news reports. Authorities may impose curfews.

Impromptu demonstrations, often with roadblocks, occur along the roads leading to Norman Manley International Airport.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Jamaica because of high levels of serious crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Violent crime, including armed robbery, kidnapping and murder, is common, particularly in the Old Kingston area. There is also a high incidence of crime in West Kingston, Grant's Pen, Tivoli Gardens, August Town, Harbour View, Denham Town, Hannah Town, Mountain View, Trench Town and Arnett Gardens in Kingston, Flankers and Mount Salem in Montego Bay (excluding resort areas) and Spanish Town. Violent crime is often gang-related and perpetrators may be armed. An increase in gang violence along Mountain View Avenue has seen motorists shot in the crossfire. Avoid using this route when travelling to Norman Manley International Airport. The risk of robbery when travelling to and from Norman Manley International Airport increases at night.

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs, particularly in Old Kingston.

Credit card and ATM fraud is increasing in Jamaica. Take care when using credit cards at supermarkets and other retail outlets and be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs. You should attempt to keep your credit card in sight when making purchases.

Walking after dark, including on beaches, can be dangerous due to the increased risk of robbery and assault. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas on the north coast during the day due to the risk of robbery.

Due to the high levels of serious crime in Jamaica, we recommend you ensure your accommodation has adequate security, such as guards or security fences, particularly if you are staying in villa-style accommodation.

Crime, including sexual assault and robbery, has occurred after travellers have accepted 'spiked' food or drink.

Travellers using unofficial taxis have been robbed and assaulted. We recommend you use taxis authorised by the Jamaican United Travellers' Association (JUTA), which can be ordered from the hotel or by a uniformed attendant at the airport.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority .

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You should be careful to avoid the loss or theft of your passport. Travellers are likely to experience significant delays and expense arranging the replacement of travel documents in Jamaica where there is no resident Australian Embassy or High Commission.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

Jamaica is subject to hurricanes. The hurricane season is June to November when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services may occur, particularly in mountainous areas. Monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.

If you are travelling to Jamaica during hurricane season, you should contact your tour operator to check whether tourist services at your planned destination have been affected.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. Information on hurricane or severe weather conditions can be obtained from the U.S. National Hurricane and Tropical Prediction Center , the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency and the Humanitarian Early Warning Service .

In the event of an approaching hurricane, you should identify your local shelter. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline for the latest flight information. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. passport, photo IDs, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather ? Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons .

Jamaica is located in an active earthquake zone.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, including the Caribbean. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure for more information on tsunamis.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service . If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page , Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council .