Jamaica

Map

Weather Overview:

Tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year although evenings are cooler as are the more hilly regions. Rainy months are May and Oct, but showers may occur at any time. Hurricanes are sometimes experienced between Jun-Nov

Weather Chart:

Currency:

Jamaican Dollar

Average Flight Time:

8.5 Hours

For Further Information Contact:

Jamaica Toursit Board contact High Commission for Jamaica tel: +44 20 7225 9090 fax: +44 20 7224 0551 e-mail: mail@visitjamaica.uk.com website: www.visitjamaica.com

Time Difference:

GMT -12

Language:

The official language is English, but Patois is the conversational dialect most Jamaicans use on a day-to-day basis.

Electricity Supply:

Electrical outlets on Jamaica do not follow a standard. Expect 110 volts or 220 volts AC (50 Cycle), 60Hz, single phase with American two-pin plugs or 220 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase, from three-pin sockets.

Driving Information:

Driving is on the left. Local licence required and can be obtained at the Police Station or at the Licensing Authority in Kingstown on presentation of National licence or International Driving Permit valid for 6 months (fee XCD 50)

Tipping & Bargaining:

10-15% service charge is normally added to the bill but additional tips around 10% are expected. Tips for taxis around 10%

Opening Times:

Bank: 0830-1500 Mon-Thu 0830-1600 Fri
Office: 0830-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0900-1700 Mon-Sat (some open on Sun)

Major Airport Gateway:

Norman Manley International Airport

Religion:

Jamaica has the most churches per capita of any country in the world. Protestant majority (Anglican, Baptist, Church of God and Methodist) with Roman Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Bahai communities. Rastafarianism, a religion based on belief in the divinity of the late Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie (Ras Tafari), is also widely practiced. Jamaica also has a number of small spiritualist cults.

Holidays:

1 Jan New Year's Day, 25 Feb Ash Wednesday, 10 Apr Good Friday, 13 Apr Easter Monday, 23 May Labour Day, 1 Aug Emancipation Day, 6 Aug Independence Day, 20 Oct National Heroes' Day, 25-26 Dec Christmas.

Vaccinations & Health

Compulsory vaccinations: Yellow fever certificate if arriving from infected areas. Exempt infants under 1 year.

Recommended immunisations: Diphtheria*, hepatitis A, hepatitis B*, tetanus
* recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.

Risks: Malaria, very limited risk in Kingston St Andrew Parish

Print FriendlyPrint FriendlyBack to TopBack Top

Visa & Passport Information:

You will need a 10-year passport with a minimum of 6-months valididty from the date of your return. Please also note that children must now travel on their own passports. Should you need to renew or apply for a passport we suggest that you do this well in advance of travel. No visa is required for entry into Antigua for UK passport holders. All other nationalities should refer to the Antiguan immigration authorities prior to travel.