jamaica tourist board location

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Jamaican Tourist Board   Functions & Interesting Facts

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Jamaican Tourist Board by Kesha Stewart, Associate Writer

In Jamaica there is an organization responsible for taking systematic steps to ensure that Jamaica remains the preferred Caribbean destination and we call it… the Jamaican Tourist Board (JTB).

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However, before the JTB was created, there was a Jamaica Tourist Association formed in 1910. Very forward thinking don’t you think?

It had the mandate to enhance the claims of the colony as a health and pleasure resort, sounds familiar?  It was tasked to share information with prospective and present visitors of the day (familiar?). 

The JTB, like its predecessor, has been mandated to market Jamaica’s tourism product. The whole idea is that the world must know or come to see Jamaica offers the best vacation available and is the most complete, inimitable and diverse warm weather destination in the world.

I have to agree with the JTB here. Jamaica is really "The Home of Alright. "

Are you wondering just when the Jamaican Tourist Board was founded? Well if you are thinking prior to independence you are correct; the JTB was formed in 1955.  

By 1922 the government decided to directly intervene in the promotion of the tourist industry. They, at the time, saw to the enactment of laws which led to the formation of the Tourist Trade Development Board. 

Interestingly an amalgamation of these entities took place in 1926. The then British Colonial Government sent funds to the entity which used the money to promote the destination in overseas markets.

In a quest for a more effective organization with a broader mandate, the Tourist Trade Development Board was abolished. The JTB then came into being in on April 1, 1955. The entity was governed by the Tourist Board Act and financed by the Government of Jamaica.

Prior to 1993 the JTB had the dual responsibility of promoting Jamaica’s tourism product and seeing to its development.

However the responsibility of product development was handed to the Tourism Development Company (TPDCo) in that year.

Responsibilities Of The Jamaica Tourist Board

Some of JTB’s responsibilities include:

•  Identify new customer groups
• Identify emerging customer groups
• Cultivating new relationships with travel partner
• Dissemination of timely and useful marketing information to its offices and travel partners across the world.

But who ensures all these happen? Let me tell you a little about the JTB’s Governance structure. The JTB falls under the Ministry of Tourism. It is a government entity and is governed by a nine member board of directors. Theses directors are appointed by the Minister of Tourism (Hon. Edmund Bartlett).

The administrative head of the JTB is given the title Director of Tourism, this individual is also appointed by the Minister of Tourism. Our present director of tourism is Mr. Donovan White.

Did You Know?

There have been at least fourteen 14 directors of tourism since 1963?

• Carole Gruntley Brady (1984-1990) was the first female director of tourism? 
• Fay Pickersgill (1994 – 2003) served as ambassador to the Peoples’ Republic of China in 2015? She has the longest tenure of all directors, serving for 9 years.
• There have only been two female Directors of tourism?
• You can connect with the JTB on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and at JTBonline.org?
• That JTB has local  offices in Kingston (Head Office) (876) 929-9200 – 19, and Montego Bay, Jamaica ((876) 952-4425) ?
• There are JTB offices in Miami, Toronto and London?
• That JTB has representative offices in Berlin (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Rome (Italy), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Mumbai (India) and even Tokyo (Japan)?

For more information about the Jamaican tourist board, visit their website at this link:  http://www.jtbonline.org/ .

For recommendations on Jamaican attractions, Jamaican hotels, things to do etc, they proved an extensive travel guide at:  http://www.visitjamaica.com/ .

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Jamaica Tourist Information

Jamaica Tourist Board

The official site for the Jamaica Tourist Board is VisitJamaica.com .

The Jamaica Tourist Board has two primary offices on the island:

Montego Bay: Jamaica Tourist Board Cornwall Beach 876-952-4425 This office is 8:30 - 4:30 on weekdays and Saturdays from 9-1. In Montego Bay, you'll also find an office at Sangster International Airport (in the immigration hall); it has a limited number of brochures and maps and can also assist you if you arrive in Jamaica without accommodations. The airport booth is open from 6am-10pm every day. Kingston: The Jamaica Tourist Board has a major office in New Kingston: Jamaica Tourist Board 64 Knutsford Blvd 876-929-9200 You'll also find a desk at the Norman Manley International Airport; the Airport Hospitality Centre can assist with accommodations and questions. Port Antonio: The Jamaica Tourist Board also has an office in Port Antonio; it is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m. City Centre Plaza 876-993-3051 Ocho Rios: in Ocho Rios, you'll find a Tourism Product Development Company office with a JTB representative on duty to assist with your questions. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 - 5:00 and Friday from 8:30 - 4:00. The office is within walking distance of the cruise pier and downtown hotels such as Sunset Jamaica Grande; it is located at Ocean Villa Plaza on Main Street.

Tourist Board Resources Outside of Jamaica

USA: 1-800-233-4JTB Canada: 800-465-2624 London: 44-207-225-9090 Rome: 39-06 4890 1255 Spain: (34) 93-4140210 Germany: 49 (0) 2104 832974 Netherlands: (31) 34-843-0829 Tokyo: (81) 3-3400-2974 India: 91-11-23352550

Other Resources

PortAntonioTravel.com This official site includes information on attractions, accommodations, and activities specifically in the Port Antonio region.  

• AIRPORT LOUNGES / AIRPORT SERVICES

• Montego Bay
• Port Antonio
• South Coast
• Treasure Beach
• Where To Stay
• Things To Do
• WHERE TO EAT
• AIRPORT LOUNGES
• Airlines that fly to jamaica
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• Jamaica Diaspora

Jamaica Tourist Board

Kingston st andrew jamaica.

• 876 929 9200
• www.visitjamaica.com
• Phone Number
• Social Media

The Jamaica Tourist Board is charged with a mission of marketing the tourism product so that Jamaica remains the premier Caribbean tourism destination. To this end, we are positioning Jamaica as the most complete, unique and diverse warm weather destination in the world, which offers the best vacation value available.

© 2019 Jamaica Experiences All Rights Reserved

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory January 23, 2024

Jamaica - level 3: reconsider travel.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to crime and health information

Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to  crime and medical services . U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission (COM) security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Country Summary:  Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.

Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently 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. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. U.S. government personnel under COM security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to the areas listed below, from using public buses, and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night.

Emergency services and hospital care vary throughout the island, and response times and quality of care may vary from U.S. standards. Public hospitals are under-resourced and cannot always provide high level or specialized care. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always readily available, especially in rural areas, and are not always staffed by trained personnel.

We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica. The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. U.S. citizens with medical emergencies can face bills in the tens of thousands of dollars, with air ambulance service to the United States in the range of $30,000-50,000.  Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Jamaica.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

• Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition.  This includes stray rounds, shells or empty casings . The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.
• 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.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Jamaica.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Violence and shootings occur regularly in many neighborhoods, communities, and parishes in Jamaica. 

U.S. government personnel under COM security responsibility are prohibited from traveling to the following areas of Jamaica due to crime:

St. Ann’s Parish—Do Not Travel - Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios

St. Catherine’s Parish—Do Not Travel

• Spanish Town
• Central Village
• Areas within Portmore, including: Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford

All of Clarendon Parish—Do Not Travel

All of Clarendon Parish, except passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish—Do Not Travel

Vineyard District Community, between the communities of Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna, St. Elizabeth

Hanover Parish—Do Not Travel

Logwood and Orange Bay

St. James Parish/Montego Bay—Do Not Travel

All of Montego Bay on the inland side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish—Do Not Travel

• Cassava Piece
• Downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens.
• Duhaney Park
• Swallowfield
• Elleston Flats
• August Town

Manchester Parish—Do Not Travel

Green Vale, Gray Ground, Red Ground, and Vineyard neighborhoods of Mandeville

St. Thomas Parish—Do Not Travel

• Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth
• Grands Penn
• Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs
• Town of Yallahs, except when driving through on the main highway

Trelawny Parish—Do Not Travel

• Clarks Town

Westmoreland Parish—Do Not Travel

• Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (The Southeastern quadrant of Savannah la Mar east of Darling Street and south of the A2 highway/Barracks Road)
• Kings Valley
• The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril

If you do decide to travel to the above-listed Do Not Travel areas, please visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at the time of entry and exit

One page required

Only for a stay over 90 days

Yellow fever vaccine required if traveling from a country with yellow fever risk

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy kingston.

142 Old Hope Road Kingston 6 Jamaica, West Indies Telephone: +(876) 702-6000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(876) 702-6000 Fax: +(876) 702-6018 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agent - Montego Bay Whitter Village, Ironshore Unit EU-1 (across from Burger King) Montego Bay, Jamaica Telephone: +(876) 953-0620 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica: +(876) 702-6000 Fax: +(876) 953-3898 Appointments are made by phone or email Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Jamaica for information on U.S.-Jamaica relations. 

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Jamaica, as well as proof of anticipated departure from Jamaica. If you are traveling to Jamaica on a cruise, you may use another  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  (WHTI) compliant document. However, we strongly recommend you obtain a passport before travel in case an emergency requires you to disembark and return by air. You do not need a visa for tourist travel up to 90 days. All other travelers will need a visa and/or work permit.

Visit the  Passport, Immigration, & Citizenship Agency of Jamaica  or the  Embassy of Jamaica in Washington D.C.  websites for the most current visa information.

Exit Information: Your departure tax is regularly included in the airfare. You won’t be charged an exit tax on your way out.

HIV/AIDS restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Jamaica.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Crime:  Violent crime, including sexual assault, is a serious problem throughout Jamaica, 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 infrequently 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 are not immune to violent crime.

Recommendations:

• Review the  Crime and Safety Report  for Jamaica.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Jamaica. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.  Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers

The most notorious Jamaican scam is the Lotto Scam, a kind of advance-fee fraud. The victim is led to believe that a Jamaican lottery prize will be released after the payment of “fees.”

• You did NOT win a lottery. The person on the telephone is lying. Just hang up.
• Never send money to someone who calls to say you have won the lottery in Jamaica.
• Do not travel to Jamaica to collect a “prize.” Victims have been killed, kidnapped, extorted, or robbed.
• Be very cautious about sending money to help a traveler claiming to be in trouble. When in doubt, contact your local police department for advice and assistance.
• Be wary of promises to protect a loved one from harm or to help the loved one out of trouble, in exchange for money. That is extortion – contact your local police department.
• Scam artists often fake romantic interest to get money from a would-be lover, especially on the internet. When in doubt, contact your local police department.
• If you are being targeted for financial scams, you will need to file a report with your local police department.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 119 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +1 (876) 702-6000.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

Sexual Assault:   Rape and sexual assault are serious problems throughout Jamaica, including at resorts and hotels. Date rape drugs may be used at private parties and resorts.

If you are victim of a sexual assault, contact the police and the U.S. Embassy in Kingston as soon as possible. In a hotel, management should assist you with these communications.

Victims of sexual assault in Jamaica should not expect the same assistance routinely offered in the United States. Rape kits are not always available, and victims must often ask for medication to avoid STD transmission and reduce the chances of pregnancy. Counseling is unlikely to be offered. Law enforcement shortcomings exist in collection of evidence. Prosecution of rape cases moves very slowly, and victims may need to return to Jamaica during the legal process.

• Avoid secluded places or situations, including at resorts. Try to always be accompanied by someone you know, including when going to the restroom.
• Security outside of resort areas is unpredictable, especially at night. Do not leave resort property with someone you have just met.
• Many guests drink heavily in all-inclusive resorts, which can lead to unpredictable behavior and increased vulnerability. 
• Shout for help immediately if you feel threatened or encounter individuals who make you feel uncomfortable. 
• Report any suspicious or inappropriate activity, including inappropriate comments or behavior by hotel employees or other guests, to hotel management, the U.S. Embassy, and local police as appropriate.R esort employees are generally prohibited from engaging in romantic or sexual relations with guests.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation   and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.  

Futhermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Firearms:  Jamaica strictly forbids importing or possessing firearms in Jamaica without prior authorization of the Firearms Licensing Authority of Jamaica. A U.S. concealed carry permit does  not  allow you to bring a firearm or ammunition into Jamaica. On November 1, 2022, the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act 2022 went into effect.  This new law includes mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years for possession of even a single cartridge.

If you bring an unauthorized firearm, firearm components, firearm parts, or ammunition to Jamaica, you will be arrested and prosecuted. This will result in a large fine and/or incarceration for an unspecified amount of time. Bringing mace, pepper spray, or knives into Jamaica without authorization will also lead to arrest.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report   – see country reports
• Human Rights Report   – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Jamaican law contains specific prohibitions on “acts of gross indecency” – generally interpreted as any kind of physical intimacy – between persons of the same sex, in public or in private, and provides punishment of up to 10 years in prison. There is also a law that specifically prohibits even consensual same-sex sexual conduct between men.

Negative attitudes towards LGBTQI+ issues are widespread in Jamaica. There are continued reports of serious discrimination and abuse against LGBTQI+ individuals, including:

• “Corrective rape” of women accused of being lesbians
• Arbitrary detention
• Mob attacks
• Harassment of LGBTQI+ patients by hospital and prison staff
• Blackmail 

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals have been targeted through the use of dating apps, especially apps popular within the LGBTQI+ communities.  Criminals have used dating apps to lure foreign visitors into meeting in public spaces such as hotel restaurants and bars, and then later assaulting, threatening , and or robbing the victims. Police have not been responsive in making arrests or prosecuting assailants in these cases.

• Protect your identity and be careful about sharing personal information on your public profile.
• Remember that criminals both in the United States and abroad use dating apps to extort victims through threats to expose compromising pictures or other information.  Only share personal information with users who you trust, and be aware of phishing and romance scams.
• Don’t rush into things; try to verify through social media or mutual friends that the person you are communicating with is who they say they are.  Make sure you have a photo and name of the person you plan to meet through an app.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Jamaica prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, although the law is not reliably enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities and information. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. There is a significant difference in accessibility between major cities such as Kingston and Montego Bay compared to accessibility in Jamaica’s smaller communities. Qualified and certified service providers such as sign language interpreters and personal assistants and rental, repair services, and replacement parts for aids, equipment, and devices can be difficult to locate outside of the major cities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Jamaica, dial 119 .

Ambulance services are:

• not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas, especially in rural areas.
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.
• Traffic congestion and road conditions may slow response times.

We do not pay medical bills.   Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the Government of Jamaica to ensure the medication is legal in Jamaica.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals here .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Health facilities may be below U.S. standards, especially when it comes to mental health care and specialty care.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Private hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” 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 is 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

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Chikungunya
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.  Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Jamaica. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road. Here are some notes for your safety:

• Nighttime driving is extremely hazardous due to poor lighting and unpredictable pavement.
• Heavy rains can make roads impassable and dangerous.
• Many roads suffer from ill repair, 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 two highways are roughly comparable to U.S. standards. Both are toll roads and part of Highway 2000. The East-West leg (“T1”) runs from Portmore to May Pen. The North-South leg (“T3” or the Edward Seaga Highway) connects Caymanas (west of Kingston) to Ocho Rios (Mammee Bay).
• Driving habits range from aggressive speeding and sudden stops by taxis in the middle of the road to over-polite drivers who suddenly stop to allow a car to pull in front of them. All can lead to accidents.
• Official emergency response can be slow. In practice, assistance given in emergency situations is generally by fellow motorists.

Traffic Laws:

• Traffic circles (“roundabouts”) 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.

Public Transportation:

• Official public transportation vehicles have red license plates. 
• Private vehicles, NOT licensed for public transportation, have white license plates with blue letters/numbers.
• Avoid public buses, which are often overcrowded and frequently a venue for crime. There are reports of private buses, acting as public transport, driving erratically leading to injury and death for both riders and pedestrians. You should only use licensed taxicabs having red-and-white PP license plates or transportation services recommended by your hotel.
• Do not accept rides from strangers.

See our  Road Safety  page and the website of Jamaica’s  national tourist office  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Jamaica’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of air carrier operations in Jamaica. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Jamaica should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Jamaica . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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The XploreJamaica App is a Jamaican travel app developed by the Tourism Product Development Company Limited.

We are an agent of the jamaica tourist board (jtb) mandated by the government of jamaica to facilitate the maintenance, development and enhancement of the tourism product..

Why Use The XploreJa App

Explorejamaica offers the most authentic listing of tpdco-approved places to stay, eat and have fun in jamaica..

State Owned

This app was created to showcase all legitimate tourism products available in jamaica..

Comprehensive

Access the most complete list of licensed hotels, restaurants, and tours on the island..

Trustworthy

All listings are approved and compliant with the tourism regulatory body of jamaica..

The listings are updated as product owners renew their licences throughout the year with TPDCO.

App features, the xplorejamaica app offers features that help tourists and locals to curate, plan and share their favourite jamaican experiences..

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Features XploreJa

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Find places by name, location, attraction type

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Bookmark locations for planning your trip activities

Browse attractions, restaurants and hotels in resort areas

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Visit your mobile app store

Download Xplore Ja mobile app

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Frequently ask questions.

What features are included in the XploreJamaica App?

Here are a few features we’d like you to know about:.

• Find places
• Save for later
• View reviews
• Popular spots
• Browse attractions, restaurants and hotels.
• Get important notifications.

Is XploreJamaica available in different languages?

Xplorejamaica is available in 9 languages, including english, spanish, arabic, french, german, italian, russian, mandarin and japanese., you can change your preferred language through the mobile application:, click on profile, under general settings select language., is offline mode supported, yes, if you go offline, you will be able to view places in the resort areas., is there a cost to using the app, no. the xplorejamaica app is free., do i have to signup to use the app, yes, you do need to create an account to yes the xplorejamaica app. you create an account  by using your google account or facebook account., can the app track my location, how do i get my property onto the app, send enquires to [email protected] for more details..

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Come back to Jamaica

Jtb kicks off winter tourist season with a bang.

Jamaica’s official start to the 2022-23 winter tourist season got off with a bang, in the form of the launch of the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) new advertising campaign, ‘Jamaica Come Back’, inside the AC Hotel Kingston by Marriott on Wednesday, December 14, a day before the official season began.

The concept by Accenture Song, the agency that crafted and executed the campaign, was inspired by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hotel and travel industries. “There are countless things we’ve all lost over the past few years as a result of not travelling. The ability to connect with people in meaningful ways, to be spontaneously romantic, or inspired by new cultures, to be the things we like most about ourselves. Our sense of self may be out of practice, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone,” Accenture Song said.

In his address, Donovan White, director of tourism, said, among other things, “We know that destination Jamaica is second to none. However, the impact of the pandemic resulted in us losing something after being locked down for so long. It is now time to get back what we lost. And what better way to do so than in Jamaica …? We are inviting the world to come back to feeling their best selves again in Jamaica.”

Under the tag line ‘Come back to the vibe that comes alive in Jamaica’, the JTB is inviting people to come back to “adventure”, “loving”, “relaxed”, “chill”, “curious” and “excited”, “not just to all the wonderful places you can go in Jamaica, but to the long-lost places our guests can discover within themselves”. “The fact is, Jamaica is, and has always been, the destination that has helped its visitors live up to their most valuable human potential,” Accenture Song also said.

Accenture Song was represented by Managing Director Wendy Glass, who explained the concept and what inspired it, and Executive Creative Director Keith Ross, who walked the audience through different elements of the campaign, after which there was a screening of the clips, from which feel-good Jamaican music complemented the mood in the room.

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The agency collaborated with Jon Baker of Portland’s Geejam Studios to create an original soundtrack to support the visuals. Accenture said, “Music producers Troy Baker and Dale Virgo put a modern twist on classic music influences, including ska, dub, reggae and dancehall to capture the essence of Jamaica.” Another original element is the hand-painted display font called ‘Curious’, designed to “uniquely complement our photography with the personality and charm of Jamaica”.

Three main categories of visitors are targetted: the experience seekers who are “exploring Jamaica, discovering romance and adventure, while making a connection to Jamaican culture”; the young family, “who is experiencing their long-anticipated family vacation”; and the seasoned travellers, “an older target whose experiences have unlocked their appetite for adventure, their curiosity about the local culture, and their lasting love for each other”.

The campaign was filmed in 31 scenes, using over 35 local crew members in 12 locations from St Ann to Portland in five days. Ten principal actors and 23 local extras were the talents. “Our goal was to capture the island’s natural attractions and its lovely people working in concert to help visitors live their best lives. Working with Jamaica’s incredible production talent was imperative to bring that vision to life,” Accenture Song explained.

The people factor was crucial to the message of the campaign, which Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett spoke of to the gathering of tourism stakeholders, partners and associates. The people are a major part of the uniqueness of our tourism products and, “it is that uniqueness of the experience that we are calling our customer value proposition. And Jamaica intends to create a customer value proposition that is superior … that is inimitable, that no one else can replicate”.

“And that is why we are not looking to be competitive in the traditional sense, but to be comparative, and being comparative means that we can get a value response that nobody else, and we are seeing a bit of it in terms of the recovery and how our product has been seen in the marketplace … in relation to other products that are around,” the tourism minister said. He also said revenue up to December is “going to pretty much equate” the revenue of 2019, year to date, “but, in terms of the fiscal year, we are going to be $500 million more than we were in 2019.”

Value proposition, then, Bartlett intimated, are more than sea, sun and sand, which is all over the Caribbean. It has to come from “somewhere deeper and more intrinsic”, from deep within us, “a special piece of us”, the people of Jamaica. “So, what it is saying is that the value proposition that Jamaica is offering to the market is sufficient, attractive and alluring that they are prepared to pay more,” Bartlett said.

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• The Tourist Board Act
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Statute Details

Preamble : A law to establish a Tourist Board charged with the duty of developing the tourist industry of Jamaica and promoting its efficiency and for purposes incidental to or connected with the foregoing purposes

Long Title :

Short Title : The Tourist Board Act

Operational Date : April 1, 1955

Number : of 1955

Last Amendment : January 1, 2016

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C5 Immigration Form

All travellers to Jamaica are required to complete and submit the Immigration/Customs Passenger Declaration (C-5) Form. The form is available online and is required for entry to the island. Visitors can access the form at www.enterjamaica.com

How to complete the form

There is no cost associated with the C-5 form.

You can complete and submit the form two (2) days before your entry. You will be required to enter a valid email address to complete the form. A verification code will be sent to your email. Enter the verification code to continue.

The C-5 form is straightforward and won’t require more than a few minutes to fill out. The form will ask for your name, dates of travel, flight number, and the address at which you will be staying in Jamaica. Once you complete the form online, you will receive an email confirmation that the application was successful.

Both visitors and residents of Jamaica are required to complete the C-5 form. The Jamaican immigration form does not replace a visa.

Airlift To Jamaica 

The following airlines operate flights to Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston:

The following airlines operate flights to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay:

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Mastercard exec pitches potential tourism markets for Jamaica

Uses data to map consumer income and spending patterns.

J amaican-born director at the Mastercard Economics Institute Roiana Reid said that she would readily recommend potential tourism markets that the Jamaica Tourist Board should target based on data gathered about the spending habits and the income levels of credit and debit card users across several jurisdictions across the world.

Reid made this bold statement during her recent presentation, “Unlocking Growth: Understanding the Global Consumer and Navigating Travel Trends”, at Mastercard Day Jamaica, during which Mastercard highlighted its capacity to track tourism spend across the world and go deeper into identifying the spending power of people in specific regions.

Speaking at the event, Reid pointed out that unemployment is at its lowest in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany — some of Jamaica’s largest tourism markets. Comparing the growth of wages in these jurisdictions to inflation, she then highlighted the spending power of those who travel.

“Broadly speaking, across these economies wage growth is outpacing inflation. That means that consumers have more real purchasing power, giving them opportunities to spend more on discretionary goods and services which, of course, includes travel and entertainment,” she shared.

Drilling down on Jamaica’s leading tourism market, the United States, Reid noted that states such as Montana, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas have experienced strong growth in salaries and consumer spending over the last five years. This she attributed to migration patterns that favour people moving to the warmer southern states.

“So, if I were on the Jamaica Tourist Board, I’d recommend that we market more in these states because there are real opportunities for growth to capture these consumers which are doing really, really well,” she asserted.

Texas, Reid indicated, was one of the states to watch since most sectors experienced employment and income growth higher than the US average.

Last year in the US, spending on air travel, cruises and accommodations rose by 19.8 per cent when compared to pre-COVID levels. In terms of discretionary spending, travel-related expenses ranked as third-highest in payments, just behind ticket purchases for movies and/or live events and paid sporting events.

Moreover, in a survey of consumers, 22 per cent of respondents indicated plans to take a foreign trip in the next six months.

“Before the pandemic, we never had this much share and we’re literally at 45-year highs in terms of the share of responders who plan to travel abroad within the next six months,” Reid highlighted.

What’s more, as Jamaica continues to rank among the top-five destination for American and Canadian tourists, inbound cross-border spend last year rose by 20 per cent on account of an increase in spend on experiences. The top-three payment categories among travellers from the US and UK were: accommodation, food and vehicle rentals.

Payments for hotel services alone rose 48 per cent in 2023.

While dissecting purchases using corporate cards as against consumer cards, Reid shared that she believes there is space for tourism stakeholders to boost corporate card spend through business conferences, retreats and hosting remote employees.

In Jamaica, parishes seeing the largest share of card spending were: St James, Kingston and St Andrew, St Ann, Westmoreland, Trelawny, and Hanover.

Prior to COVID, tourists spent on average six days at destinations compared to 10 days during the pandemic due to quarantines. Since 2022, travellers from Jamaica’s main tourism markets spend on average eight days.

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