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NOS DESTINATIONS EN JAMAÏQUE

• Montego Bay, Negril et Ocho Rios

Jamaïque : où commencer

Réservez un forfait vacances tout-inclus dans un hôtel en bordure de l’une des plus belles plages du pays. Après avoir fait le plein de soleil les pieds dans le sable, partez à l’aventure! Faites une excursion dans les Blue Mountains, baignez-vous dans les chutes de la rivière Dunn ou plongez dans les eaux cristallines d’un trou bleu à Ocho Rios. Visitez le musée de Bob Marley à Kingston ou allez à Montego Bay et Negril pour profiter d’une foule d’activités qui mettent en valeur la culture jamaïcaine. Partagez cette aventure avec vos amis grâce à nos avantages pour  les voyages en groupe ! 

Consultez les offres de dernière minute pour vous y rendre à moindre coût.

JAMAÏQUE : GUIDE DE VOYAGE

Créole jamaïcain et anglais

Quoi manger

Du poulet, du porc ou du poisson grillé à la jerk (mélange d’épices pour mariner), et du ackee accompagné de poisson salé (le plat national de la Jamaïque).

Quoi rapporter

Du café Blue Mountain, de la sauce de Pickapeppa (un condiment très populaire en Jamaïque), des épices jerk, des albums de reggae et du rhum jamaïcain.

Fait intéressant

La Jamaïque doit sa renommée à plusieurs choses, mais véritable emblème de la culture jamaïcaine, le reggae remporte la palme. Il a émergé sur la scène musicale dans les années 60 alors que les musiciens de l’époque prenaient plaisir à ralentir le tempo du ska. Le mot « reggae » est apparu pour la première fois dans la chanson Do the Reggay de The Maytals et désignait une danse populaire de ce temps. Il a toutefois fini par être associé au genre musical joué par le groupe.

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Jamaïque : planifiez votre voyage.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Jamaica travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 15, 2024 13:01 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, jamaica - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Jamaica due to the high level of violent crime.

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Violent crime

Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, despite the presence of police to counter criminal activity. The availability of firearms is widespread, and most violent drug- and gang-related crimes, especially murder, involve firearms. There is a risk of becoming the victim of crossfire in these areas. Tourists are also at risk of crimes of opportunity, especially theft and robberies.

Crimes tend to be concentrated within what the police refer to as “traditional hot spots” or “high-risk communities”, but can take place anywhere and at any time.

The following areas have a significant gang population and high incidences of violent crime:

Greater Kingston

• Arnett Gardens
• August Town
• Cassava Piece
• Delacree Park
• Denham Town
• Felstead Pen
• Grant’s Pen
• Greenwich Town
• Hannah Town
• Harbour View
• Lower Cockburn Gardens
• Mountain View
• Olympic Gardens
• Rennock Lodge
• Riverton City
• Seaview Gardens
• Tavares Gardens
• Tivoli Gardens
• Trench Town
• Waltham Gardens
• West Kingston
• Whitfield Town

St. Catherine

• Central Village
• Ravensworth
• Spanish Town

Montego Bay

• Hart Street
• Mount Salem
• Norwood Gardens
• Rose Heights
• St. Clavers Avenue

South Coast

If you decide to travel to these areas:

• maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times
• avoid visiting or travelling at night
• follow the advice of local authorities
• avoid walking alone, even during the day
• go out in groups with people that you know
• avoid visiting isolated areas and beaches

If you’re threatened by robbers, don’t resist, and hand over your cash and valuables. Resistance may provoke the use of violence.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, are common in major tourist areas and crowded places.

• Ensure that your belongings and travel documents are secure at all times
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash
• Don’t show signs of affluence
• Use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• Protect your cell phone, which is a popular item for theft
• Use the hotel safe to secure your valuables
• Don’t leave valuables in plain view, even while you are in your hotel room
• Enquire with reception upon check-in on security precautions related to theft from hotel rooms 

State of emergency

Local authorities periodically  declare a state of emergency in various parishes  to fight against gang-related crime.

When a state of emergency is in effect, security forces have increased rights to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest.

If you are travelling in an area where a state of emergency is in effect:

• be aware that you may be subject to searches by security forces
• always cooperate with military and police officers
• carry valid ID at all times and be prepared for various checkpoints
• allow extra time to reach your destination
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

2SLGBTQI+ travellers have experienced harassment and verbal or physical abuse.

Avoid public displays of affection.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Women's safety and sexual assault

There have been reports of sexual assaults at tourist resorts carried out by resort staff and, in some cases, by other tourists. Women travelling alone are often harassed.

Be particularly vigilant if you are staying at a smaller or isolated establishment with less security. Compounds that are gated and guarded are considered the safest accommodation option in Jamaica.

• Be wary of strangers who seem friendly
• Refrain from excessive drinking, especially at all-inclusive resorts
• Ensure that your hotel room doors and windows are locked

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Romance scams

Internet romance scams via dating apps, websites or social media have occurred. Criminals especially target apps and websites popular among 2SLGBTQI+ travellers.

Assaults and incidents of robbery have occurred as a result of encounters set up through dating apps.

• Be wary of people who profess friendship or romantic interest over the internet
• Keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam if you are travelling to Jamaica to meet an online contact
• Plan to meet in a known, secure location
• Be wary of inviting new acquaintances into your accommodation

Lottery scams

Tourists have been targets of lottery scams. Scammers convince targets that they have won a prize or lottery, but must pay a fee to claim their winnings.

• Never send money to someone in Jamaica who says you’ve won a lottery or prize
• Never travel to Jamaica to claim a “prize” or money

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Criminals often use these events to pickpocket demonstrators.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common.

Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.

• Exercise caution when swimming
• Don’t swim alone, after hours or outside marked areas
• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas

Water sports

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards.

If you participate in water sports:

• choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance
• ensure that safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets, are available and in good condition
• ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose

If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.

Water safety abroad

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Coastal roads are in fair condition but driving in inland can be dangerous due to:

• narrow, winding roads
• insufficient road maintenance
• poor lighting
• inadequate signage
• poor lane markings
• damage to roads during the hurricane season

Speeding, as well as driving under the influence of marijuana or alcohol, are common.

When driving between Norman Manley International Airport and Kingston, take the South Camp Road – also known as the Hummingbird Route – rather than Mountain View Avenue, where several robbery incidents have been reported.

Roadside assistance is available island-wide.

• Stay on main roads as much as possible
• Drive defensively
• Keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked
• Keep valuables out of sight

Public transportation

Public transportation is generally not safe due to high levels of crime and overcrowding.

Knutsford Express offers safe, reliable and comfortable bus transportation between major towns.

Avoid travelling on local city buses.

Taxis and ridesharing services

Avoid taking unmarked taxis due to the risk of robbery and sexual assault.

Use only taxis ordered from hotels and authorized by the Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA). These are identified by red-and-white “PP” licence plates and a lime-green JUTA sticker on the window.

• Agree on the fare with the driver before departure, since taxis aren’t metered
• Don’t share a taxi with strangers

Ridesharing services are also available and generally safe. If you use a trusted ridesharing app, confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Jamaican authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Jamaica.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required Work visa: not required Business visa: not required  Student visa: not required

Immigration officers will generally grant visitors to Jamaica visitor landed status for 90 days. You must seek an extension if you are planning to stay up to an additional 90 days. You may request an extension at any immigration office. For stays beyond 90 days, you will require a visa.

Overstaying a visa or entry stamp is a criminal offence and can lead to prison time, heavy fines and deportation.

Persons found working illegally may be held in a local prison until arrangements for their return to Canada are made at their own cost.

Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency – Government of Jamaica

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. 

You must provide certain information to immigration officials. You can do this online before arriving in Jamaica, or complete and sign a Jamaican immigration landing card, usually given to travellers upon arrival at the airport or during the flight. If you complete the immigration landing card:

• present it to an immigration official at the airport
• retain the card and present it to immigration officials upon departure from Jamaica

Immigration/Customs C5 card – Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables.

Practice safe food and water precautions . This includes only eating food that is properly cooked and still hot when served.

Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, those over 60 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Most people recover on their own without medical treatment and from proper rehydration (drinking lots of fluids).

• Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Travellers with severe symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Good to excellent medical facilities exist in all tourist areas and in Kingston.

Medical care and hospital facilities in remote areas are limited. Ambulance services are limited in both urban and rural areas.

Medical expenses can be very high. Clinics may require payment upfront or credit card information as a guarantee of payment before providing medical care.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Jamaican law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Other related offences include being in a same-sex marriage and the "promotion of homosexuality." Those convicted can face sentences of up to 10 years in prison, though authorities rarely enforce the law.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

Though violence against 2SLGBTQI+ persons and their allies has declined significantly over the past decade, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers should:

• carefully consider the risks of travelling to Jamaica
• be cautious and avoid public displays of affection with someone of the same sex

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences.

Departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drug possession. Many Canadians are serving prison sentences for drug crimes, in some cases committed unwittingly. When leaving Ocho Rios and Montego Bay by cruise ship, you may be searched for drugs by local authorities. You should have a witness accompany you if you undergo such procedures.

• Pack all luggage yourself
• Don’t carry anything through customs for anyone else

Jamaica decriminalized the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis, which will be punishable by a fine and will not result in a criminal record. Smoking cannabis in public places, however, remains prohibited. Jamaican authorities continue to enforce strict laws against the possession and trafficking of narcotics, in accordance with international agreements to combat drug trafficking.

Don’t attempt to depart Jamaica and cross international borders with any amount of cannabis.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Illegal activities

It’s illegal to:

• wear, buy or sell army or police camouflage clothing
• nudist bathing in non-designated areas 
• use of indecent language

Imports and exports

There are strict import and export regulations on:

• fruits and vegetables
• animals, including pets
• animal products

Entering the country with a firearm or even a single round of ammunition is considered a serious crime.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Jamaica.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Jamaica, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Jamaica.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Jamaica by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Jamaica to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Traffic drives on the left.

You can drive in Jamaica with a valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to six months. After 6 months, you must obtain a Jamaican driver’s licence.

It is mandatory to wear a helmet on mopeds, motor scooters and motorcycles, and to wear a seatbelt in cars and taxis. There are heavy fines for non-compliance.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Investments

If you plan on buying property or making other investments in Jamaica, seek legal advice in Canada and in Jamaica. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar (JMD).

Hotels and businesses catering to tourists accept major credit cards.

There is limited ATM availability outside Kingston and Montego Bay. Make sure you have enough cash to cover your expenses if travelling outside these areas.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings  - United States’ National Hurricane Center

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Jamaica is located in an active seismic zone. It is subject to earthquakes and is at risk of tsunamis.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

In the event of an earthquake:

• monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• Earthquakes – What to Do?
• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey
• Tsunami warning system  - U.S. National Weather Service

Local services

• police: 119
• medical assistance: 911
• firefighters: 911

Tourist information

Jamaica Tourist Board offices are located throughout the island. They have direct radio links with local police and information on safe public beaches.

Jamaica Tourist Board

Consular assistance

Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Jamaica, in Kingston, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Revenez vers l'atmosphère de la Jamaïque

Évadez-vous en Jamaïque, plongez dans la musique reggae rythmique et succombez aux saveurs alléchantes de la cuisine de l'île. Cette oasis tropicale vous invitera à découvrir votre esprit d'aventure. Le temps est venu de revenir vers l'atmosphère qui prend vie en Jamaïque.

FAITS SAILLANTS

Anglais, créole jamaïcain

Dollar jamaïcain (J$), mais le dollar américain est aussi accepté.

À 4 heures de Toronto et 5 heures de Montréal

La cuisine jamaïcaine est un incontournable. Du poulet jerk au gâteau à la noix de coco ; des saveurs distinguées et un vrai délice vous attendent!

Le romantisme, l’aventure, la gastronomie et le bien-être

Un goût de la Jamaïque

Stimulez vos papilles gustatives en savourant le succulent goût sucré des  fruits fraîchement cueillis. Vous pourrez goûter l'essence de notre  magnifique île dans chaque bouchée juteuse!

Ressentez l'élan

Profitez d'une aventure exaltante en rafting à  travers les rivières immaculées de la Jamaïque. Ressentez  la brise apaisante vous caresser les joues  et les doux rayons du soleil sur votre peau.

Détendez-vous dans la nature

Éveillez votre esprit au charme et à la beauté naturels de la Jamaïque au cours d'un cheminement de paix intérieure et d'harmonie qui vous transformera.

Une merveilleuse romance

Vivez une romance ardente sans pareille en Jamaïque. Les rythmes de reggae  suaves et les couchers de soleil enchanteurs créent la toile de fond parfaite  pour votre amour éternel.

PARCOUREZ LES COMPLEXES DE LA JAMAÏQUE

• 1.1 History
• 1.3 Climate
• 1.6 Protected areas
• 1.7 Holidays
• 1.9 Visitor information
• 3 Cities and towns
• 4 Other destinations
• 5.1 By plane
• 5.2 By boat
• 6.1 By train
• 6.3 By boat
• 6.5 By taxi
• 6.6 By plane
• 8.1 Beaches
• 9.1 Marriage
• 10.2 Shopping
• 10.3 Credit cards
• 15.2 LGBT travellers
• 16 Stay healthy
• 18.1 By phone
• 18.2 By Internet

Jamaica is an island nation in the Caribbean that attracts sunseekers for its laid-back beach culture, and music fans on the trail of Jamaica's most famous son, reggae legend Bob Marley. Tourists flock to the island's northern coast, including the communities of Montego Bay , Ocho Rios , and Port Antonio , and in Negril on the island's western tip.

Understand [ edit ]

With 2.8 million people, Jamaica is the third most populous Anglophone country in the Americas, after the United States and Canada. Like Canada , New Zealand and Australia , Jamaica is a Commonwealth realm (the British monarch is the head of state), but it is an independent sovereign nation.

Jamaica exports coffee, papaya, bauxite, gypsum, limestone and sugar cane.

Its motto and nickname for the country is "Out of Many, One People".

History [ edit ]

The Arawak and Taino indigenous people originating from South America settled on the island between 4000 and 1000 BC.

Christopher Columbus claimed Jamaica for Spain after landing there in 1494. Columbus' probable landing point was Dry Harbour, now called Discovery Bay. St. Ann's Bay was the "Saint Gloria" of Columbus who first sighted Jamaica at this point. The Spanish were forcibly evicted by the British at Ocho Rios in St. Ann and in 1655 the British took over the last Spanish fort in Jamaica. The Spanish colonists fled leaving a large number of African slaves. Rather than be re-enslaved by the English, they escaped into the hilly, mountainous regions of the island, joining those who had previously escaped from the Spanish to live with the Taínos. These runaway slaves, who became known as the Jamaican Maroons, fought the British during the 18th century. During the long years of slavery Maroons established free communities in the mountainous interior of Jamaica, maintaining their freedom and independence for generations.

During its first 200 years of British rule, Jamaica became one of the world's leading sugar-exporting, slave-dependent nations. After the abolition of the slave trade in 1807, the British imported Indian and Chinese workers as indentured servants to supplement the labour pool. Descendants of indentured servants of Indian and Chinese origin continue to reside in Jamaica.

By the beginning of the 19th century, Jamaica's heavy reliance on slavery resulted in black people outnumbering white people by a ratio of almost 20 to 1. Even though the United Kingdom had outlawed the importation of slaves, some were still smuggled into the colonies.

In the 1800s, the British established a number of botanical gardens. These included the Castleton Garden, set up in 1862 to replace the Bath Garden (created in 1779) which was subject to flooding. Bath Garden was the site for planting breadfruit brought to Jamaica from the Pacific by Captain William Bligh. Other gardens were the Cinchona Plantation founded in 1868 and the Hope Garden founded in 1874. In 1872, Kingston became the island's capital.

Jamaica slowly gained increasing independence from the United Kingdom and in 1958, it became a province in the Federation of the West Indies before attaining full independence by leaving the federation in 1962. However, the British monarch, King Charles III, remains the nominal head of state, with an appointed Governor-General representing the King in Jamaica in his absence. Since fellow Caribbean nation Barbados forwent the British monarch as their head of state and became a republic in 2021, there is talk of Jamaica following in their footsteps. While both major parties in principle agree on transitioning to republicanism, disagreements remain as to whether Jamaica should become a parliamentary republic or a presidential republic.

People [ edit ]

The majority of Jamaicans are descended at least partially from the many Africans who were enslaved and transported to the island. Jamaica also has sizeable numbers of Whites, people of Syrian/Lebanese descent, and a large population of Chinese and East Indians, many of whom have intermixed throughout the generations. Mixed-race Jamaicans are the second largest racial group after Black Jamaicans.

Christianity is the majority religion on the island, and the Rasta community, which Jamaica is known for internationally, has also featured prominently in its history. As in other Caribbean areas, West African religion and folk beliefs (locally called Obeah among other terms) are sometimes practised by some while being completely taboo for others. There are communities of Muslims and Hindus, together with a small but quite ancient Jewish community.

Climate [ edit ]

The climate in Jamaica is tropical, with hot and humid weather, although higher inland regions are more temperate. Some regions on the south coast are relatively dry rain-shadow areas. Jamaica lies in the hurricane belt of the Atlantic Ocean; as a result, the island sometimes experiences significant storm damage.

Flora [ edit ]

Jamaica supports diverse ecosystems with a wealth of plants and animals.

Jamaica's plant life has changed considerably over the centuries. When the Spanish came here in 1494, except for small agricultural clearings, the country was deeply forested, but the European settlers cut down the great timber trees for building purposes and cleared the plains, savannahs, and mountain slopes for cultivation. Many new plants were introduced including sugar cane, bananas and citrus trees.

In the areas of heavy rainfall are stands of bamboo, ferns, ebony, mahogany, and rosewood. Cactus and similar dry-area plants are found along the south and southwest coastal area. Parts of the west and southwest consist of large grasslands, with scattered stands of trees.

Fauna [ edit ]

Jamaican animal life is diverse and includes many endemic species found nowhere else on earth. As with other islands, non-human land mammals are made up almost entirely of bats. The only non-bat native mammal extant in Jamaica is the Jamaican hutia, locally known as the coney. Introduced mammals such as wild boar and the small Asian mongoose are also common. Jamaica is also home to many reptiles, the largest of which is the American crocodile (although it is found only in the Black River and a few other areas). Lizards from the colourful Anolis genus, iguanas and snakes such as racers and the Jamaica boa (the largest snake on the island) are common. None of Jamaica's native snakes is dangerously venomous. Beautiful and exotic birds such as the Jamaican tody and the doctor bird (the national bird) can be found, among a large number of others. Insects and other invertebrates are abundant, including the world's largest centipede, the Amazonian giant centipede and the homerus swallowtail, the Western Hemisphere's largest butterfly.

Jamaican waters contain considerable resources of fresh- and saltwater fish. The chief varieties of saltwater fish are kingfish, jack, mackerel, whiting, bonito, and tuna. Fish that occasionally enter freshwater include snook, jewfish, grey and black snapper, and mullet. Fish that spend the majority of their lives in Jamaica's fresh waters include many species of live-bearers, killifish, freshwater gobies, the mountain mullet, and the American eel. Tilapia have been introduced from Africa for aquaculture, and are very common.

There are coral reefs offshore in some areas.

Protected areas [ edit ]

The authorities have designated some of the more fertile areas as 'protected', including the Cockpit Country, Hellshire Hills, and Litchfield forest reserves. In 1992, Jamaica's first marine park, covering nearly 6 square miles (about 1 km²), was established in Montego Bay. The following year Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park was created on roughly 300 square miles (780 km²) of wilderness that supports thousands of tree and fern species and rare animals.

Holidays [ edit ]

• 1 January: New Year's Day
• Easter (moveable)
• 23 May: Labour Day
• 6 August: Independence Day
• 17 October: Heroes Day
• 25 December: Christmas
• 26 December: Boxing Day

Read [ edit ]

Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn. A dark novel about social issues in contemporary Jamaica, including a grim look at the exploitation and displacement – and opportunities – brought about by the resort industry.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Jamaica website

Regions [ edit ]

Cities and towns [ edit ]

• 17.971389 -76.793056 1 Kingston — the capital and largest city in Jamaica.
• 18.466667 -77.916667 2 Montego Bay — filled with historical sites and monuments, Montego Bay is the second city of Jamaica.
• 18.273056 -78.345833 3 Negril — white sandy beaches, countless resorts; Negril is a town located in Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica.
• 17.966667 -76.866667 4 Portmore
• 18.399444 -77.103056 5 Ocho Rios
• 18.166667 -76.45 6 Port Antonio
• 17.881389 -76.409167 7 Morant Bay
• 18.493611 -77.655833 8 Falmouth

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 18.1 -76.666667 2 Blue Mountains
• 18.17999 -77.70379 4 Nassau Valley
• 18.05 -77.533333 5 Manchester
• 17.866667 -77.05 6 Great Goat Island

Get in [ edit ]

Except for Canada, citizens of Commonwealth countries require a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket, and sufficient funds. Canadian citizens require a passport or a birth certificate and ID card. No visa is required except for citizens of Sri Lanka , Nigeria , Pakistan , and Sierra Leone .

Citizens of the USA , including those visiting by cruise ship, require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to six months. Passports can have expired, as long as they expired less than a year ago.

German citizens can stay for 90 days without a visa. Similar terms probably apply to other countries in the Schengen area.

Japanese citizens can stay for 30 days without a visa.

Since 27 May 2014, Chinese citizens (including Macau ) can also stay for 30 days without a visa. However, it's for tourist purposes only ; to travel to Jamaica for any other reason, they still need a visa.

Most other nationalities need visas.

By plane [ edit ]

• Norman Manley International Airport ( KIN  IATA ) in Kingston .
• Donald Sangster International Airport ( MBJ  IATA ) in Montego Bay .

Both airports receive vast numbers of international flights daily. There are smaller airports in Negril and Ocho Rios as well as another smaller one in Kingston, which can be accessed by smaller, private aircraft.

By boat [ edit ]

There are cruises to Jamaica from the United States and other locations in the Caribbean.

Get around [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

Jamaica has about 250 route miles of railways, of which 77 are in service to Windalco to handle privately operated bauxite (aluminium ore) trains. Passenger and public freight service ceased in 1992, but increasing road congestion and poor highway conditions have caused the government to re-examine the commercial feasibility of rail operations. A passenger train was designed for citizens (mostly for children on the Government's Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education Progamme) in 2022.

• Clarendon Express . A tourist railway in Clarendon, on Windalco railway tracks using Jamaica Railway corporation coaches, with American-built diesel-electric locomotives for motive power.

By car [ edit ]

Driving as a tourist in Jamaica is an adventure in and of itself.

Jamaican roads are not renowned for their upkeep nor are their drivers renowned for their caution. Roads in and around major cities and towns are generally congested, and rural roads tend to be narrow and somewhat dangerous, especially in inclement weather. Alert and courteous driving is advised at all times. There are very few north-south routes as well, so travel from the north to the south can involve treks on mountain roads. These trips can induce nausea in the more weak of stomach, so it is advisable that if you suffer from motion sickness to bring Dramamine or similar medication. Roads can be very narrow, and be especially alert when going around bends. Jamaican drivers do not slow down because of these twists and turns, so beware.

Jamaica, as a former British colony, drives on the left . Make note of this when driving, especially when turning, crossing the street, and yielding right of way.

There are relatively few traffic lights outside of urban centres; they are generally found in major city centres, such as Montego Bay, Falmouth, Kingston, Mandeville, Spanish Town and Ocho Rios. For towns where traffic lights are not installed, roundabouts are used.

Renting a car is easily done, and it is advised to go through an established major car rental company such as Island Car Rental, Hertz or Avis. Do your research before renting and driving.

Avis rents GPS units for J$12 per day with a J$200 deposit.

It is not advised to travel by boat unless the service is operated by a hotel or tourism company. It is not a quick way to get around unless you want to tour the coastline. Many fishermen may offer this service to willing tourists but they may overcharge.

By bus [ edit ]

Don't be afraid to take Jamaican local buses—they're cheap and they'll save you the headache of negotiating with tourist taxis. Be prepared to offer a tip to the luggage handlers that load your luggage into the bus. The ride is very different from what you are probably used to. Many resorts offer excursions by bus. Check with the resort's office that is in charge of planning day trips for more information. Excursions by bus from Ocho Rios to Kingston and Blue mountain, can turn into a long bus ride without many stops. A visit to Kingston might consist of a stop at a shopping centre for lunch, a visit to Bob Marley's home and a 2 minute stop in the Beverly Hills of Jamaica. The guided tour at the Blue Mountain coffee factory can be interesting and informative.

By taxi [ edit ]

Local taxis (called "route taxis") are an interesting way to get around and far cheaper than tourist taxis. For instance, it may cost J$50 to travel 20 miles (32 km). It will just look like a local's car, which is precisely what it is. The licensed ones usually have the taxi signs spray painted on their front fenders, although there seems to be little enforcement of things like business licenses in Jamaica. Seldom you will find one with a taxi sign on the top, because not many do this. The colour of the license plate will tell you. A red plate will tell you that it is for transportation, while a white plate will tell you it is a private vehicle. The yellow plate indicates a government vehicle (like a police car or ambulance) and the list continues. Although the route taxis generally run from the centre of one town to the centre of the next town, you can flag a taxi anywhere along the highway. Walk or stand on the side of the road and wave at passing cars and you'll be surprised how quickly you get one.

Route taxis are often packed with people, but they are friendly folk and glad to have you with them. Route taxis are the primary mode of transportation for Jamaicans and serve the purpose that a bus system would in a large metropolitan city. This is how people get to work, children get to school, etc.

Route taxis generally run between specific places, but if you're in the central taxi hub for a town you'll be able to find taxis going in any of the directions you need to go. Route taxis don't run very far, so if you need to get half way across the island you'll need to take it in stages. If worst comes to worst, just keep repeating your final destination to all the people who ask where you're going and they'll put you in the right car and send you on your way. You may have to wait until the taxi has enough passengers to make the trip worthwhile for the driver, and many route taxis travel with far more people in them than a Westerner would ever guess was possible. If you have luggage with you, you may have to pay an extra fare for your luggage since you're taking up space that would otherwise be sold to another passenger.

If money is no object, you can fly between the minor airports on the island on a small charter plane. There are a couple of companies that provide this service and you need to make an appointment at least a day in advance. A flight across the entire island (from Negril to Port Antonio, for instance) costs about USD600.

Talk [ edit ]

Main Article : Jamaican patois phrasebook

Jamaicans mainly speak Jamaican Creole, also known locally as Patois (pronounced "patwa"). Its pronunciation and vocabulary are significantly different from English, despite it being based on English. Despite not being official, much of the population uses slang such as "Everyting is irie" to mean "Everything is all right."

Although most Jamaicans can also speak standard English , which is also the official language, they often have a very thick accent and foreigners may have trouble understanding them because of this.

You will usually hear Jamaicans say "Waah gwaan?", "Waah appn'?", or "What a gwaan?", the Creole variation of "What's up?" or "What's going on?" More formal greetings are usually "Good morning" or "Good evening."

See [ edit ]

• Nine Mile - where Bob Marley was born and now buried. The journey up into the mountains lets you experience the heart of the country.

Spend a day at Negril 7-Mile Beach and finish off at Rick's Cafe for a spectacular sunset and watch even more fantastic cliff diving.

Beaches [ edit ]

There are more than 50 beaches around Jamaica.

Sites [ edit ]

• Dunn's River Falls
• Rose Hall Great House
• Turtle River Park
• Devon House
• Blue Mountains

Do [ edit ]

Hiking, camping, snorkelling, zip-lining, horse back riding, backpacking, swimming, jet skiing, sleeping, scuba diving, kite surfing, visiting the Giddy house, drinking and swimming with dolphins.

Dunn’s River Falls is a must see and do if visiting Jamaica. It is located in Ocho Rios. The 600 ft (180 m) cascading falls are gorgeous. You can actually climb right up the falls. It’s an amazing experience! Give it a try if you're up for a breathtaking challenge.

Mystic Mountain has a bob-sledding ride combined with options for ziplining, a water slide and an aerial tram. The aerial tram is slower method to learn about the rainforest canopy.

Going zip-lining in the Jamaican jungle is incredibly exhilarating. Most touring companies as well as cruise liners will have companies that they work with regularly.

Marriage [ edit ]

Over the past several decades, with the rapid growth of the tourism industry, "hotel marriages" have become a significant contributor to the total number of marriages occurring in the island.

The following is what you need to know or provide for your marriage in Jamaica:

• Proof of citizenship – certified copy of Birth Certificate, which includes father’s name.
• Parental consent (written) if under 18 years of age.
• Proof of divorce (if applicable) – original Certificate of Divorce.
• Certified copy of Death Certificate for widow or widower.
• French Canadians need a notarised, translated English copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents. The same may be true of most people with documents in other languages than English.
• Italian nationals celebrating their marriage in Jamaica must notify their embassy for legalization and translation.

Sports [ edit ]

The most popular spectator sports in Jamaica are football (soccer) and cricket . Jamaica is also one of the top performers in the sprint events in athletics at the Olympics. Netball is the most popular women's sport, and Jamaica is one of powerhouses in international netball.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar, denoted by the symbol " $ " (or J$, JA$) (ISO code: JMD ). It comes in notes of J$50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000. Coins in circulation are J$20, 10, and 5 (with smaller coins being almost worthless). Two series of banknotes are in circulation in Jamaica, the paper issues and the new polymer issues that includes the $2000 note.

Jamaica's economy has not been well run and the Jamaican dollar has steadily depreciated from the rate of USD1 = J$0.77 in 1968.

The US dollar is widely accepted in places most tourists visit. Indeed, all hotels, most restaurants, most shops, and almost all attractions in major cities will accept the US dollar. However, be aware that some places accept US dollars at a reduced rate (although it still may be a better rate than exchanging money beforehand). While it is possible for someone visiting only touristy places or for a few hours to not see the Jamaican currency at all, US dollars won't be accepted at a lot of local shops on the outskirts of cities and in rural areas.

Always stay up-to-date on the exchange rate and carry a calculator. Some places might try to make you pay ten times as much if you pay in US dollars. The cost of living in Jamaica is comparable to the United States.

US dollars, Canadian dollars, UK pounds, and euros are easily converted to Jamaican dollars at forex cambios and commercial banks island wide.

Shopping [ edit ]

Buy products made on the island as they are cheap and you are supporting the local economy.

Prices are usually higher in tourist areas like Negril and Ocho Rios. Shops in "tourist traps" usually have higher prices than native ones, and you'll see the same items on offer in them.

Credit cards [ edit ]

Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and to a lesser extent American Express and Discover are accepted in many business establishments, such as supermarkets, pharmacies and restaurants in Kingston, Montego Bay, Portmore, Ocho Rios and Negril and most other major towns. A curious exception is petrol stations which mostly require cash. There are a few petrol stations in uptown Kingston that will accept a credit card, but most will not

Cash advances from your MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express credit card will be quickly available at commercial banks, credit unions or building societies during normal banking hours. For cash advances on a non-Jamaican bank issued MasterCard or Visa cards or any American Express or Discover card, be prepared to show your foreign issued passport or overseas drivers license.

A bit of advice if you are paying for "fully inclusive" when you arrive or any other big ticket item such as tours, when you are there, take travellers cheques in US dollars. There is something like a 4% additional charge on a Visa or MasterCard transaction. Hotels and resorts usually charge the highest exchange rates.

ATMs [ edit ]

ATMs are called ABMs in Jamaica and are widely available in every parish and almost all ABMs in Jamaica are linked to at least one overseas network such as Cirrus or Plus and sometimes both. Indeed, the safest way for a visitor to transact business in Jamaica is to use an ABM to withdraw your daily cash requirement directly from your overseas account in local currency, as flashing foreign currency, foreign credit cards or large quantities of cash might draw unwanted attention, and will almost certainly be disadvantageous when bargaining for the best price.

Don't be alarmed if you go to an ATM and you find an armed guard as he is there to protect you.

Eat [ edit ]

Jamaican food is a mixture of Caribbean dishes with local dishes. Although Jamaican food gets a reputation for being spicy, local trends lean towards more versatile food variety. Some of the Caribbean dishes that you'll see in other countries around the region are rice and peas (which is cooked with coconut milk) and patties (which are called empanadas in Spanish speaking countries). The national dish is Ackee and saltfish , and must be tried by anyone visiting the island. It is made with the local fruit called Ackee, which looks like scrambled eggs, but has a unique taste of its own and dried codfish mixed with onions and tomatoes. You probably won't get a chance to try this food anywhere else, and if you really want to say that you did something uniquely Jamaican, then this is your chance. Freshly picked and prepared ackee is 100 times better than tinned ackee, but must be harvested only when the ackee fruits have ripened and their pods opened naturally on the large evergreen tree on which they grow: unripe ackee contains a potent toxin (hypoglycin A) which causes vomiting and hypoglycemia. Don't worry, locals are expert at preparing ackee and will know how to pick it safely.

Another local food is called bammy , which was actually invented by the Arawak (Taino) Indigenous peoples. It is a flat floury cassava pancake normally eaten during breakfast hours that kind of tastes like corn bread. There is also hard-dough bread (locally called hard dough bread), which comes in both sliced and unsliced varieties. Try toasting it, for when it is toasted, it tastes better than most bread you'll ever eat. If you are looking for dishes with more meat in them, you can try the jerk flavoured foods. The most popular is jerk chicken , although jerk pork and jerk conch are also common. The jerk seasoning is a spice that is spread on the meat on the grill like barbecue sauce. Keep in mind that most Jamaicans eat their food well done, so expect the food to be a bit drier than you are accustomed to. There are also curries such as curried chicken and curried goat which are very popular in Jamaica. The best curried goat is made with male goats and if you see a menu with curried fish, try it.

You may even want to pick up a piece of sugar cane , slice off some pieces and suck on them.

Fruit and vegetables in Jamaica are plentiful, particularly between April and September, when most local fruits are in season. The many mango varieties are a 'must have' if you are visiting during the summer months. If you have not tasted the fruit ripened on the tree, then you are missing out. Fruit picked green and exported to other countries does not compare. Try drinking 'coconut water' straight out of the coconut. This is not the same as coconut milk. Coconut water is clear and refreshing, not to mention the fact that it has numerous health benefits. Pawpaws, star apples, guineps, pineapples, jackfruit, oranges, tangerines, ugli fruit, ortaniques are just some of the wonderful varieties of fruit available here.

Locally grown fruits and vegetables are inexpensive. Visitors may well find that imported produce such as American apples, strawberries, plums, etc., tend to be more expensive than in their home country. Grapes in particular tend to be very expensive on the island.

Chinese food is available in many places from Chinese takeaway stores and has a distinct Jamaican taste.

It is recommended to sample the local fruit and vegetables. If unfamiliar with a particular fruit it can pay to ask a local about which parts can be eaten. Local and imported fruits are available from road-side vendors. If the fruit is to be eaten immediately the vendors can generally wash the fruit for you on request.

Finally, there is the category of "ital" food (pronounced and sometimes spelled "I-tal"), the domain of practising Rastafarians, who abide by strict dietary principles. Ital food is vegetarian and prepared from ingredients that are as natural as possible: no additives, preservatives, pesticides, etc. At its strictest, no preserved food is used and even rock salt is avoided (sea salt is OK), but it can still be tasty due to the creative use of other spices. Ital food is not generally on the printed menus in the upmarket tourist restaurants and can only be found by going to speciality restaurants. You may have to ask around to find an establishment that serves Ital food as it is not very common.

Drink [ edit ]

There are many drinks in Jamaica. Standards such as Pepsi and Coca-Cola can be found, but if you want to drink local soda, you can try Bigga Cola, Champagne cola or grapefruit soda called "Ting" and also Ginger beer. Also, try any soda by Desnoes & Geddes, typically labelled as "D&G." "Cola champagne" and "pineapple" are popular flavours. Since the turn of the century, the majority of soft drinks are bottled in plastic instead of glass.

You can try the local lager called Red Stripe (which is exported to many countries in the west, so there is a good chance you have already tasted it) and Dragon Stout. Many types of beers are sold in Jamaican pubs and hotels. Guinness is popular and the export 7% has a kick.

Jamaican rum , which is made from sugar cane, is common and is normally drunk with cola or fruit juice. Drink with caution! Most countries have a legal limit for the strength of liquor, usually around 40% alcohol (80 proof). In Jamaica, rum with 50 to 60% alcohol is common and 75% is not unheard of. If you are not used to it and/or misjudge the dosage, this can quickly lead to problems.

Since Jamaica was colonised by Britain, the drinking laws are 18 and over, but they don't generally enforce it as strictly as it would be in the US.

Sleep [ edit ]

When you speak about accommodation, Jamaica is the right place for great hospitality, staff and a well kept environment. There are many hotels or small inns that can accommodate our tourists and visitors.

Work [ edit ]

Employment in Jamaica varies, depending on one's level of qualification, experience and workmanship. The legal working age in Jamaica is 16 years old (provided that you are a possessor of a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN)); unfortunately, very few businesses accept applicants less than 18, with requirements varying from proof of High School tenure to qualifications gained while attending high school. Most call centres accept 18 and over, with pardon for those acquiring 18 years of age. Lengthy periods of experience and at least a Master's or Bachelor's degree are the requirements for landing a job that pays at working class standard. Menial tasks, such as factory packaging, require less tardy application requirements, and there is a high probability of 16-year-olds being employed. Jamaica's hotel industry is calling for individuals with standard requirements, notably a TRN, NIS (National Insurance Number; provided by the government for working age people acquiring 18 years old), proof of Secondary/tertiary school attendance and a little experience.

There is limited chance of volunteer work, and, in some rare cases, conditions of living may not be of standard.

Employment in Jamaica hasn't reached its prime, but is a work in progress. Also, having a sponsor in the country or having permanent residence status grants one the ability to work in Jamaica.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Beware of rapists at resorts , as advised by travel advisories. Jamaica has the 2nd highest murder rate in the world. As in any other country, should any emergency situation arise, after calling 119 for the police or 110 for the fire brigade or ambulance, you might want to contact your government's embassy or consulate. Governments usually advise travellers staying in Jamaica for an extended period of time to notify their embassy or consulate so they can be contacted in the case of emergency.

If in need of police, dial 119 , just don't expect them to show up on the spot.

Drugs and alcohol are prevalent. Armed men may pose a threat to women in some areas. Inner-city parts of the island such as Spanish Town and some neighbourhoods in Kingston (Trench Town, etc.) should be avoided even during the day. However, those who are interested in visiting the Culture Yard in Trench Town should be safe if they go during daylight hours and with a hired local guide, which should not be terribly expensive. Be sure to ask for advice from locals before going, and avoid going there around elections, when violence flares up.

September, October, and November have fewer tourists as this is hurricane season. As a result, the police are encouraged to take their vacation during this time. This reduction in the police force can cause areas like Montego Bay's hip strip to be less safe than they normally are.

Crime [ edit ]

Jamaica has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world . Reports of gang violence, sexual assault, robberies, homicide, and the like are not uncommon, especially in Kingston .

Being a tourist will, undoubtedly, make you an "easy" target for criminals. Applying a modicum of common sense can reduce your chances of being a crime victim — do not display signs of opulence, do not trust or be too be friendly to people you are not familiar with, and keep your valuables and belongings out of reach.

If you are approached by someone trying to sell you drugs or something you're not interested in, calmly, but firmly tell them that you're not interested; telling them that you're visiting Jamaica for the first time may prompt them to heckle you even more.

Although Jamaica is often stereotyped as a 'marijuana hub' in popular culture, smoking marijuana (locally known as ganja ) is actually illegal. Foreigners can be arrested and jailed for drug use. Jamaican prisons are very basic and uncomfortable.

LGBT travellers [ edit ]

Jamaica is not at all a safe destination for gay and lesbian travellers ; Jamaica's cultural and legal systems abhor homosexuality.

Violence against LGBT individuals is not uncommon and Jamaican law enforcement authorities are normally indifferent to victims of anti-LGBT violence. Corrective rape is depressingly common.

In other words, if you are LGBT, it is strongly recommended that you stay out of Jamaica. If you plan to visit, be very discreet about your sexuality.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Medical facilities on the island are not always up to par with European or American health care standards. Falling ill can sometimes result in major medical fees. Therefore, buy travel insurance , as this will ensure peace of mind in emergency situations.

The tap water is generally good and safe to drink. All piped water in Jamaica is treated to international standards, and will be of the same quality you could expect to find in North America or Europe. Water service in rural areas can sometimes go out for several hours at a time. People in rural areas have their own water tanks, which catch water when it rains, so be ready to draw from a tank instead of turning a pipe. Water from these sources should be boiled before being consumed. Bottled water such as Wata (a local brand), Aquafina and Deer Park are widely available.

Be cautious of the water quality at public swimming beaches, such as "Walter Fletcher Beach" in Montego Bay, which some locals call "dump-up beach", situated near the north gully. Large amounts of solid and human waste flush down the gully during storm events. The water flowing down Dunn's River Falls has also been said to contain high amounts of coliform bacteria, indicating faecal contamination.

The country's adult HIV/AIDS prevalence is nearly at 1.6% . This is more than 2½ times that of the USA and 16 times higher than the UK. So while Jamaica has a relatively low infection rate compared to some other developing nations, you would be wise to abstain or practice safe sex and avoid risky intravenous drug use.

A 2006 malaria outbreak in Kingston was identified and controlled and Jamaica has now returned to the malaria-free status it had for decades before this localised and isolated incident.

As in much of the Caribbean, dengue fever is an increasing risk. This normally manifests as a flu-like illness with severe joint and muscle pain, vomiting and a rash which may be complicated by haemorrhagic shock. It's transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite in the daytime and love densely populated areas like Kingston, though they also inhabit rural environments. No vaccine or other prophylactics are available so use insect repellent if you can not stand to be covered head to toe in the tropical humid heat.

Respect [ edit ]

Jamaicans are known for their warmth, laid-back attitude to life, and generosity. It is customary to greet people, including complete strangers, wherever you may go. A simple Hello or Good morning would do just fine.

Religion is a huge deal to many Jamaicans. A church can be found in every nook and corner of the country, and Jamaicans love to talk about it. Criticising religion, speaking about it from an agnostic point of view, or stating that you do not believe in God will most likely be met with total incomprehension.

Jamaicans tend to value their privacy and they generally do not invite people they do not know well to their homes. If you have been invited to a Jamaican home, remove your shoes before entering.

It must also be noted that any person of East Asian descent will almost always be called "Missa/Miss Chin"; this is a common stereotype based on prominent locals bearing the surname. This should not be taken seriously, as it is a form of endearment existing among locals. Caucasians will also be met by stares from numerous people in the less touristy areas. But don't worry. Just smile!

Although most (90-92%) Jamaicans are Afro-Jamaicans, Jamaica is a diverse country and there are long-established communities of Europeans, Chinese, and Indians. It is considered rude to express doubt if someone is truly Jamaican just because they are not black.

Show respect to elders and authority figures. Use the terms "sir" and "ma'am" with them and behave appropriately in front of them.

Attempting to speak the local dialect will earn you favour and high regards in any social setting.

Connect [ edit ]

By phone [ edit ].

Jamaica has two mobile network operators, Digicel and Flow (formerly Lime). Jamaican numbers are based off the North American Numbering Plan and consist of an area code followed by 7 digits. The calling code is +1 (876) then follows the numbers, e.g +1 (876) ***-****.

By Internet [ edit ]

In almost every area you go in Jamaica there are Wi-Fi hotspots to connect to the net. Data plans, which most Jamaicans call 'service', offer a certain amount of bytes which can easily be accessed on your mobile phone without worrying about Wi-Fi (this is the variation of Wi-Fi for most people in local areas).

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Forfaits Sud en Jamaïque

La jamaïque est si invitante avec ses gens chaleureux, sa musique reggae, sa cuisine savoureuse et ses plages magnifiques vous y vivrez une expérience à la hauteur de vos attentes.              , envie de chaleur et de soleil.

La Jamaïque est prête à vous recevoir! Vous pourrez vous y rendre en toute sécurité. Le monde du voyage reprend son envol!

Montego Bay  •  Negril  •  Ocho Rios

Montego bay.

Une baie magnifique, surplombée de collines majestueuses, et une ville vibrante.

Une plage de sable blanc longue de 11 km se découpant sur l’eau couleur azur.

Un incontournable: les chutes de la Dunn, tout droit sorties d’un rêve!

Voyez tout ce que la Jamaïque a à offrir! Vous trouverez une foule d’informations inspirantes dans notre page sur cette destination.  

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Voyage en Jamaïque : Démarches et préparatifs

Dernière mise à jour : 29 janv.

Vous préparez un voyage en Jamaïque, cette terre musicale au cœur de la mer des Caraïbes, où les montagnes majestueuses côtoient les plages de sable fin. Vous vibrez déjà à l'idée des rythmes entraînants du reggae et du dancehall qui résonnent dans les rues et sur les plages. En Jamaïque, vous verrez des forêts luxuriantes qui s'étendent à perte de vue, des rivières qui serpentent dans la jungle et des cascades qui déversent leur eau turquoise sur les fleurs tropicales. Cependant, avant de vous envoler pour cette destination tropicale ensorcelante, il est important de bien vous préparer et de connaître les démarches nécessaires pour un voyage en Jamaïque réussi.

Voici les différentes étapes pour préparer votre voyage en Jamaïque : visas, vaccinations, devises, langues, électricité, assurances, téléphonie ou climat… Après avoir lu cet article, vous êtes garantis de ne rien oublier d'essentiel.

Organiser le voyage

Vaccins et Santé

Monnaie et devises

Electricité

Téléphonie et Wi-fi

Quand y aller ?

Hébergements

Sac de voyage, accessoires de voyage.

La Ganja (cannabis)

Carte de la Jamaïque

La Jamaïque fait partie des îles des Antilles aux Caraïbes , elle est située au sud de Cuba et à l'ouest de la République Dominicaine. C'est la troisième plus grande île des Grandes Antilles , avec une superficie d'environ 11 000 km² pour environ 2,9 millions d'habitants .

La Jamaïque est traversée par une chaîne de montagnes appelée Blue Mountains qui s'étend sur toute la longueur de l'île. Le point culminant dépasse les 2 200 mètres d'altitude. Sur ses côtes, la Jamaïque est principalement bordée de plages de sable blanc et de criques rocheuses. Ci-dessous la carte qui vous permet de localiser le relief et les principaux sites d'intérêt en Jamaïque.

Vols pour la Jamaïque

Combien de temps dure un vol pour la jamaïque .

Un vol entre Paris et Kingston, avec une courte escale est d'environ 13 heures.

Depuis la France, il n'y a pas de vol direct pour la Jamaïque, vous devrez donc passer par une ville des Etats-Unis (et posséder un ESTA) ou bien par une ville européenne comme Londres.

Combien coûte un vol pour la Jamaïque ?

À partir de 700 € environ pour un vol aller-retour de Paris vers l'aéroport international Norman Manley de Kingston (KIN) ou l'aéroport international Sangster de Montego Bay (MBJ)

➜ Comparez les vols pour la Jamaïque

Quel itinéraire et combien de jours passer en Jamaïque ?

Je vous recommande au minimum 10 jours en Jamaïque , mais vous pouvez y passer deux mois ! Si vous souhaitez faire tout le tour de l'île, prévoyez au moins 2 semaines .

➜ Vous pouvez vous inspirer de mes itinéraires de 10 jours en Jamaïque et consulter tous mes articles sur la Jamaïque

Faut-il voyager avec une agence en Jamaïque ?

C'est une destination qui se prête bien aux voyages d'aventure sur mesure, mais si vous voyagez avec un véhicule de location ou que vous avez du temps, vous pouvez très bien faire ce voyage en backpacker en empruntant des bus publics et des taxis routes.

➜ Pour organiser un voyage selon vos envies , contactez Evaneos , vous serez entre de très bonnes mains et surtout, vous échapperez aux attrapes touristes et profiterez de toutes leurs bonnes adresses hors des sentiers battus.

Que vérifier sur votre passeport avant de partir en Jamaïque ?

Il vous faut simplement un passeport valable. Il est recommandé d'avoir un passeport en bon état pour éviter tout problème lors des contrôles aux frontières.

➜ Bien que certains pays exigent une validité de six mois après la date de retour, ce n'est pas le cas pour la France, la Belgique, le Luxembourg, la Suisse et le Canada lorsqu'il s'agit de voyager aux États-Unis ou en Jamaïque .

Quel visa pour entrer en Jamaïque ?

Les Français ont le droit d' entrer sans visa en Jamaïque pour une durée maximale de 30 jours et pour un motif touristique uniquement. Pour les séjours touristiques supérieurs à 30 jours, vous devrez demander un visa auprès de l’ ambassade de Jamaïque à Bruxelles . Idem pour les séjours avec un autre motif que le tourisme

➜ Attention : Si vous avez une escale aux Etats Unis, vous devrez posséder un ESTA qui se demande sur le site officiel du gouvernement américain.

➜ Avant votre départ, vérifiez toujours que la législation n'a pas changé auprès du site des Conseils aux voyageurs du gouvernement.

Vaccins et santé

Vaccins nécessaires en jamaïque.

Vérifiez que vous êtes à jour dans vos vaccins obligatoires (DTC, hépatite B...) Allez chez votre médecin, au moins 1 mois avant le départ, pour les vaccins spécifiques suivants

rage (uniquement en zones rurales)

fièvre jaune (si avez voyagé dans un pays à risque)

Le paludisme

Le paludisme est absent en Jamaïque, mais protégez-vous des piqûres de moustiques, porteurs d'autres maladies, avec un répulsif tropical et des manches / jambes longues en cas de zone infestée.

Peut-on boire l'eau du robinet en Jamaïque ?

Il est recommandé d' éviter de boire l'eau du robinet en Jamaïque , car elle n'est pas considérée comme propre à la consommation. Veillez donc à vous hydrater avec de l'eau en bouteille ou de l'eau filtrée, même lorsque vous vous brossez les dents.

Si vous n'êtes pas certain de la provenance de l'eau, il est préférable de ne pas mettre de glaçons dans vos boissons.

Assurez-vous également de vous laver les mains régulièrement pour prévenir les maladies d'origine hydrique.

Langues et lexique

Les langues parlées en jamaïque.

La langue officielle de la Jamaïque est l'anglais , cependant, la majorité de la population parle également le patois jamaïcain , un créole basé sur l'anglais. Si vous envisagez de voyager en Jamaïque, il serait utile d'acquérir quelques notions de base en patois jamaïcain afin de faciliter les échanges avec les habitants.

Lexique de base pour parler le patois jamaïcain

Voici quelques termes essentiels à connaître. Dès le début de votre voyage, n'hésitez pas à saluer les personnes que vous rencontrez et demandez-leur de vous corriger sur votre prononciation pour vous immerger davantage dans la langue.

Wah gwaan ? : Comment ça va ?

Mi deh yah : Ca roule

Big up : Félicitations, Bravo !

Respect : Bonne journée, Bonjour.

Wha dat ? : Qu'est-ce que c'est ?

Mi Irie : De bonne humeur, content

No problem : Pas de problème

Ya mon : Oui, bien sûr (aux hommes et aux femmes)

Mi nuh know : Je ne sais pas.

Mi love yuh : Je t'aime.

Pour adapter votre anglais, adaptez l'accent jamaïcain :

"The" se dit Di

"Thanks" se dit Tank

"You" se dit Ya

"Them" se dit Dem

"That" se dit Dat

"I" se dit Me (exemple pour dire I am Happy = Me Happy)

"Girl" se dit Gal

"I am going" se dit Mi a go

Avec ces expressions de base, vous pourrez communiquer plus facilement avec les Jamaïcains et vous immerger dans leur culture. N'hésitez pas à demander aux locaux de vous aider à améliorer votre vocabulaire en patois jamaïcain, ils seront ravis de vous aider !

Devises et argent

La devise utilisée en jamaïque.

La monnaie officielle de la Jamaïque est le dollar jamaïcain (JMD) . Lors de votre voyage en Jamaïque, il est recommandé d'avoir des dollars jamaïcains en espèces pour régler les petits achats ou les services.

Pour éviter les frais de change vous avez tout intérêt à commander une carte Revolut .

La carte bancaire en Jamaïque

En Jamaïque, vous pourrez régler vos principaux achats en carte Visa et faire des retraits dans des ATM.

➜ Si vous n'êtes pas encore titulaire d'un compte bancaire en ligne, je vous suggère d'en ouvrir un dédié aux voyages afin de réduire les frais bancaires associés aux achats et retraits dans des devises étrangères. Une excellente option serait d'opter pour un compte Uniq + chez Monabanq qui est la meilleure offre du moment pour les voyageurs.

➜ Je vous conseille également de vous munir, par sécurité, d'une carte gratuite N26 afin d'avoir une carte de secours sans frais de change ni commissions sur les paiements à l'étranger.

➜ Pour en savoir plus, vous pouvez lire mon article " quelle carte bancaire pour voyager ".

Le taux de change en Jamaïque

En Janvier 2024, 1€ = 168 JMD (voir le taux du jour )

Prises électriques

Faut-il un adaptateur en jamaïque .

En Jamaïque, les prises de courant sont différentes qu'en France, il vous faut donc un adaptateur électrique pour pouvoir brancher vos appareils.

➜ Il vous faudra donc un adaptateur universel électrique

Tout d'abord, permettez-moi de souligner que lors de mon voyage, je n'ai jamais ressenti le moindre inconfort ni rencontré de situations dangereuses. Peut-être est-ce dû à mon expérience en tant que voyageur, mais en Jamaïque, je me suis senti tout aussi bien accueilli qu'à Paris ou à New York.

Les seuls endroits formellement déconseillés par le ministère des Affaires étrangères sont la ville de Spanish Town, que vous n'aurez aucune raison de visiter lors de votre voyage, et Downtown Kingston, que vous pourriez éventuellement découvrir accompagné d'un guide. Pour le reste du pays, il n'y a pas plus de risques que dans d'autres pays.

Si vous êtes préoccupé par la criminalité en Jamaïque, sachez que la plupart des incidents (environ 75%) sont liés à des gangs et à des crimes multiples, qui n'ont rien à voir avec des agressions aléatoires. Une autre source de préoccupation concerne les escroqueries (notamment les arnaques à la loterie) et d'autres affaires propres à la Jamaïque.

➜ Lisez Voyager en Jamaïque : est-ce dangereux ?

Quelle assurance avoir pour voyager en Jamaïque ?

Je vous recommande de souscrire une assurance pour un voyage en Jamaïque afin de vous épargner des frais de santé exorbitants.

Je vous conseille le forfait " Cap Assistance ". Cette garantie couvre la prise en charge des frais médicaux à hauteur de 500 000 euros, le rapatriement 24h/24 et 7 jours/7 et le coût des annulations jusqu’à 8000 euros, ➜ Lisez tous mes conseils pour penser à tout avant de partir à l'étranger

Téléphonie & Wi-fi

​le wi-fi en jamaïque.

Vous trouverez du Wifi facilement un peu partout.

Utiliser votre mobile en Jamaïque

Pensez à vous procurer une carte E-sim afin de rester connecter tout le long de votre voyage

➜ Pour bénéficier d'une réduction de 5% sur une eSIM , utilisez le code promo GLOBETROTTING sur le site Holafly

Quand partir en Jamaïque ?

La Jamaïque a un climat tropical, avec des températures chaudes et humides tout au long de l'année. La meilleure période pour vous y rendre est de décembre à mai mais c'est également la haute saison touristique. J'y suis allé en plein mois de septembre et j'ai eu un temps splendide à part quelques courtes averses dans les montagnes.

➜ Je vous recommande d' aller en Jamaïque pour l'anniversaire de Bob Marley !

Les températures

La Jamaïque a la chance de bénéficier d'un climat agréable et chaud tout au long de l'année . Finalement, d'une année sur l'autre et de janvier à décembre, les températures sont en permanence aux alentours de 27 degrés en moyenne sur les côtes. Dès que vous montez en altitude, le thermomètre baisse un peu pour atteindre 20 degrés en moyenne et des températures pus fraîches la nuit. Quant à la température de la mer, elle est constamment aux alentours de 27 degrés.

La saison des pluies

La saison des pluies concerne surtout les montagnes qui sont tellement humides qu'elles peuvent être soumises à des précipitations tout au long de l'année et de façon aléatoire. Dans ses jours les plus pluvieux, la Jamaïque bénéficie toujours de plus de 7 heures d'ensoleillement, ce n'est donc pas ces averses qui vont gâcher votre voyage ! ​

La période des ouragans et des cyclones

La période des ouragans, des tempêtes tropicales et des cyclones dans les Caraïbes s'étend de juin à novembre, avec un pic de risque d'août à novembre. Cependant, le risque de ces phénomènes en Jamaïque est extrêmement faible . Les prévisions météorologiques par satellite en Jamaïque sont très avancées, ce qui permet une bonne préparation. Les rares ouragans ayant touché la Jamaïque n'ont jamais été très meurtriers, mais ils ont causé principalement des dommages matériels. Ainsi, soyez rassuré, si un ouragan ou une tempête tropicale est prévu, vous serez informé suffisamment tôt de son arrivée !

Que mange t-on en Jamaïque ?

La cuisine jamaïcaine est colorée, épicée et riche en saveurs. Elle est influencée par les traditions culinaires africaines, britanniques, espagnoles et indiennes, ainsi que par les ingrédients locaux tels que le poisson frais, les fruits exotiques et les épices.

Le plat emblématique de la Jamaïque est le jerk , qui est une technique de cuisson à feu vif utilisée pour les viandes (poulet ou porc), le poisson ou les légumes marinés dans un mélange d'épices, notamment le piment de Jamaïque, le gingembre et le thym. Le jerk est souvent servi avec du riz et des haricots, du pain de manioc ou de la banane plantain.

Un autre plat populaire en Jamaïque est le curry de chèvre et les fruits de mer sont également présents, vous pourrez vous régaler de homards grillés en bord de mer.

Enfin, les fruits exotiques sont largement utilisés dans la cuisine jamaïcaine, notamment la noix de coco, l'ananas, la papaye, la mangue et la banane plantain. Les boissons locales incluent le rhum, le jus de fruits frais et le thé à base de plantes comme le sorrel . Sans oublier l'emblématique Red Stripe, la bière locale.

Transports en commun

En Jamaïque, il y a peu de système de transport en commun régulier comme les bus ou les métros. Les transports en commun en Jamaïque sont principalement assurés par des taxis et des minibus, qui sont très répandus dans les zones urbaines et rurales.

Les " route taxis " constituent l'option la moins chère pour les trajets courts et avec peu de bagages, il s'agit de voitures qui font des trajets fixes et qui coûtent moins de 3€ pour une demi heure de trajet.

Les services de transport par autocar sont également disponibles pour les voyages interurbains entre les villes et les régions de la Jamaïque.

➜ Réservez vos trajets en bus ou taxi

Conduire en Jamaïque

Conduire en Jamaïque peut être un défi pour les voyageurs étrangers en raison de la conduite parfois désorganisée des autres conducteurs.

Conduite à gauche

En Jamaïque, on conduit du côté gauche de la route, tout comme dans d'autres anciennes colonies britanniques. Cela signifie que le volant est situé du côté droit de la voiture.

État des routes et signalisation

L'état des routes peut varier considérablement en Jamaïque, en fonction de l'endroit où vous vous trouvez. Les principales routes qui relient les grandes villes sont généralement en bon état, mais certaines routes secondaires peuvent être plus accidentées. Dans les zones rurales, vous pouvez également rencontrer des routes non goudronnées. Il est donc important de conduire prudemment, en particulier la nuit, lorsque la visibilité est plus faible. Les panneaux de signalisation sont généralement bien visibles et sont similaires à ceux que l'on trouve dans d'autres pays anglophones.

Location de véhicule

Assurez-vous de bien comprendre les termes et les conditions du contrat de location, y compris les assurances, les frais supplémentaires et les exigences en matière de carburant.

➜ Comparez les tarifs des locations de véhicules en Jamaïque

Si vous recherchez une formule qui vous garantisse une totale liberté tout en bénéficiant d'une assistance sur place et en évitant les mauvaises surprises, vous pouvez opter pour un autotour. L'autotour, également appelé self-drive, est une façon de voyager où vous conduisez vous-même selon un itinéraire que vous avez préalablement défini avec une agence de voyage. L'agence se charge de gérer vos hébergements, la location de voiture et les activités, vous laissant ainsi le loisir de simplement suivre les indications fournies. Cela vous permet de voyager à votre rythme et de découvrir la destination en toute autonomie.

➜ Réalisez votre autotour avec Latitude Jamaica

Permis de conduire

Pour conduire en Jamaïque vous aurez besoin d'un permis de conduire international, qui doit toujours être accompagné de votre permis national.

➜ Pour obtenir un permis international , il faut faire une pré-demande en ligne

Avant de conduire en Jamaïque, vérifiez que votre assurance auto couvre les accidents à l'étranger. Si ce n'est pas le cas, vous devrez souscrire une assurance temporaire.

Il est primordial de prendre des mesures de sécurité lors de la conduite en Jamaïque. Il est recommandé de limiter la conduite aux heures du jour sur les routes secondaires, car la visibilité peut être réduite la nuit en raison du manque d'éclairage public, ce qui peut entraîner des conditions de conduite dangereuses.

En Jamaïque, il y a une grande variété d'options d'hébergement, mais il faut s'attendre à des tarifs élevés . Pour des chambres doubles charmantes et confortables, le prix minimum est d'environ 100€ par nuit, en fonction de l'emplacement et de la saison. Pour les voyageurs avec un budget plus restreint, il est possible de trouver des chambres à deux lits avec salle de bain partagée à partir de 45€ par nuit pour deux personnes. Il existe également de magnifiques lodges qui valent vraiment le prix pour une expérience exceptionnelle, comme par exemple cet hôtel insolite à Port Antonio

Tâchez de planifier vos hébergements à l'avance car les bonnes adresses affichent vite complet.

➜ Réservez vos hôtels en Jamaïque

A mettre dans votre sac pour la Jamaïque

La Jamaïque est chaude et humide donc il est important de porter des vêtements légers et confortables. Le plus important sera donc des vêtements de bord de plage mais aussi de bonnes chaussures de randonnée.

➜ Consultez ma checklist pour remplir votre sac

➜ Consultez mon article sur les vêtements en voyage

Pour un voyage confortable en Jamaïque, n'oubliez surtout pas les accessoires suivants :

Une batterie externe

Des lunettes de soleil avec des verres de qualité

Une petite pharmacie de voyage avec vos indispensables

Une bonne trousse de toilette de voyage

Voyagez avec un sac à dos , pas une valise !

➜ Vérifiez que vous avez tous les accessoires de voyage indispensables

Activités et excursions

➜ Trouvez des excursions ou activités en les réservant directement auprès d'agences locales ,

➜ Je vous recommande de demander un devis à cette agence experte si vous souhaitez que votre voyage en Jamaïque soit réalisé sur mesure.

Est-il légal de fumer de l'herbe en Jamaïque ?

Si vous êtes un amateur de ganja, vous serez au paradis en Jamaïque. Destination prisée par les fumeurs de cannabis , la Jamaïque offre la garantie de fumer de l'herbe naturelle (qui pousse ici comme des champignons) et de la payer à un prix dérisoire. Le cannabis est un élément important de la culture rasta jamaïcaine, avec des pratiques religieuses qui incluent la consommation rituelle de cannabis. Le gouvernement jamaïcain a reconnu le rôle important que le cannabis joue dans la culture rasta et a adopté des lois spéciales pour protéger les droits religieux de cette communauté.

En Jamaïque, le cannabis reste illégal , mais la possession de petites quantités à des fins personnelles a été dépénalisée depuis 2015. Il est cependant essentiel de comprendre que même si une certaine tolérance est accordée à l'usage personnel, la possession ou la vente de grandes quantités de cannabis peut entraîner des poursuites pénales.

Histoire de la Jamaïque, en bref

Jamaica vient de "Xamayca" en langue arawak issue du peuple Taïno, première ethnie amérindienne à peupler l'île. Xamayca se traduit par "la terre du bois et de l'eau". Lorsque Christophe Colomb s'est rendu ici, l'île s'est alors appelée "l'Espagne" et dès 1517, des milliers de personnes africaines ont été déportées et réduites en esclavage. En 1670, l'île est devenue une colonie britannique et l'esclavage n'a fait que s'intensifier.

La Grande révolte des opprimés a eu lieu en 1831, quand près de 300 000 personnes retenues esclaves se sont rebellées en suivant Samuel Sharpe. Cette rébellion a été réprimée dans un bain de sang. Enfin, alors que l'abolition de l'esclavage se propageait peu à peu dans le Monde, l'esclavage a été totalement aboli en Jamaïque en 1838 avec l'adoption du British Emancipation Act.

Ont suivi des décennies de ségrégation raciale sévère et l''économie restait dominée par une minorité de planteurs blancs. La population noire a commencé à se soulever contre la discrimination. Au fil des années, des mouvements nationalistes ont émergé comme le Parti National du Peuple de Marcus Garvey puis de Norman Manley.

La Jamaïque est indépendante et membre du Commonwealth depuis 1962. Cela signifie que son chef d'État reste la reine Élisabeth II ! La Jamaïque est une monarchie constitutionnelle qui fonctionne donc sur les bases du parlementarisme britannique.

"Out of Many One People" est la devise du Pays, elle signifie "De plusieurs, un peuple”. Le blason est composé d'un champ d'argent dans lequel figure une croix orné de cinq Ananas d'or, porté par deux indiens Taïnos. Le tout est surmonté par un Crocodile jamaïcain.

Guide de voyage Jamaïque

Pour organiser votre voyage en Jamaïque, vous pouvez consulter les guides papier recommandés ci-dessous. Assurez-vous d'avoir la version la plus récente. Bien qu'un guide papier puisse être pratique pour se familiariser avec le voyage en avion ou le soir avant de se coucher, afin de se déconnecter des écrans, il est important de noter que la plupart des informations contenues dans ces guides sont disponibles en ligne.

Guide Jamaïque Michelin

Guide Jamaïque Petit Futé

Articles sur la Jamaïque

Voici les articles à découvrir pour préparer votre voyage en Jamaïque :

Négril en Jamaïque

Kingston en Jamaïque

Port Antonio en Jamaïque

Blue Mountains en Jamaïque

Ocho Rios en Jamaïque

Jamaïque : Itinéraires

Les Greats Huts à Port Antonio

Mots-clés :

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