Entry requirements

US and Canadian citizens must show proof of citizenship. A passport is not required but is highly recommended. Photo I.D. and birth certificate are acceptable. U.K. citizens must have a passport.

Airlines serving Jamaica from North America

American Airlines, Air Jamaica, Continental Airlines, BWIA, Northwest Airlines, Air Canada, US Airways

Airlines serving Jamaica from Europe

British Air

Service from Jamaica to Caribbean islands

Air Jamaica to: Antigua, Barbados, Bahamas, Grand Cayman, St. Lucia and Turks & Calicos.

Intra-island air service

Air Jamaica Express to various cities on the island.

Air Service Tip

There are two major international airports on the island. Kingston in the southeast and Montego Bay on the northwest coast.

Kingston

is convenient if your destination is the capital city, the Blue Mountains or Port Antonio.

Montego Bay

is the "main" tourist airport and is convenient if your destination is Negril, Montego Bay, Tryall, Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios (you can get transportation all the way to Port Antonio).

Montego Bay baggage note

NEVER leave your bags unattended or out of site in the Montego Bay baggage area.

• Porters wanting to carry your bags to the bus transfer area may inundate you. In reality this area is not far from the baggage claim.
• If you don't have a lot of luggage and you don't want to bother with tipping, then politely but firmly decline. Many times the people loading your bags onto the bus or the bus driver would appreciate a tip -- many will demand it.

Safety & Common Sense

Due to the Rastafarian religious use of ganja (marijuana) many tourists believe that its open use is legal. This is not true. IT IS ILLEGAL to purchase or use drugs in Jamaica and you risk severe punishment by doing so.

It is important to take precautions in Jamaica. Crime rates, especially in the tourist areas, are low but incidents due occur. Never display large amounts of cash in the markets. Try to bring small bills with you, keeping them easily accessible for making purchases. Use your inroom safe to store your passport along with any valuables you may have. Make sure villa rentals come with on-site security; always keep car doors locked and valuables out of site. Watch for pickpockets and use the same common sense you would when traveling in large cities.