Travelling Facts

Visas: US and Canadian citizens do not need passports for visits up to six months. All other visitors must arrive with a passport, but most western travelers do not need a visa.
Health risks: None
Time: GMT minus 6 hours
Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz
Weights & measures: Imperial

When to Travel:
Jamaica is a all year-round destination thanks to its idyllic tropical maritime climate. Seasons are virtually non-existent and daytime maximum temperatures along the coast hover constantly around 80-86°F (27-30°C). Even up in the Blue Mountains temperatures are only just under 68°F (20°C) for most of the year.

If you plan on spending time on the east coast, or in the Blue Mountains, you may wish to take into account the so-called rainy season, which extends from May to November with two peaks: May/June and October/November. Although this time of year is a little more humid than others, rain usually falls for short periods (normally in the late afternoon) and it is quite possible to enjoy sunshine for most of your visit.

The peak tourist season runs from mid-December to mid-April, with Christmas and Easter the busiest weeks. During this period the resort areas of the island are flooded with foreign tourists and hotel prices are highest. You can save wads of money (40% or more at some hotels) by visiting during the less-crowded low season which lasts from May to November.

Getting there and Coming home:
Jamaica is easy to get to, enjoying one of the best air feeds in the Caribbean from both North America (usually Miami or New York) and Europe. Australasian visitors will have to travel via North America. The majority of international visitors land at the Montego Bay strip, but there is another international airport at Kingston. Jamaica is an easy yachters hop from neighboring islands and the eastern seaboard of North America as well as being a regular port of call for cruise ships. As of June 1999, there is a JA$1000 (US$30) departure tax for air travelers.
Getting Around:
Intra-island flights can be a quick way to travel between Montego Bay, Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. Helicopters can also be chartered for scenic rides or for personalized tours, but this will dig a deep hole in your rum money. Jamaicas bus system, while comprehensive, is the epitome of chaos: timetables do not really exist and buses are often full to exess. Buses and minibuses do service virtually every village in the country though, so if youre getting out and about, youre sure to use them. The upside is that they are inexpensive and a great way to meet the locals. Whether you find traveling by bus fun, frustrating, freaky or infuriating depends on your frame of mind.