Risk level(s) Risk level(s) COVID-19 – Global travel advisory Effective date: March 13, 2020 Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice. This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel. More about the Global travel advisory Jamaica - Exercise a high degree of caution Exercise a high degree of caution in Jamaica due to the high level of violent crime.

Safety and security Safety and security COVID-19 – Preventative measures and restrictions Preventative measures and restrictions are in place, including a nationwide curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing

Avoid crowded areas

You must wear a face covering in public About COVID-19 – Jamaican Ministry Of Health and Wellness Crime Violent crime Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities 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. Due to high violent crime rates in Jamaica, several states of emergency are in effect in various parishes throughout the country. During a state of emergency, joint police-military forces are deployed to address organized crime and restore public peace. Security forces are also given increased rights to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest. Curfews may be imposed without notice. If you’re travelling in the affected areas: always cooperate with military and police officers

carry valid ID at all times and be prepared for various checkpoints

avoid outings outside resorts or the town core after dark

allow extra time to reach your destination

monitor local news to stay informed on the states of emergency in effect

follow the instructions of local authorities The following areas have a significant gang population and high incidences of violent crime: Greater Kingston Arnett Gardens

August Town

Cassava Piece

Central Village in Spanish Town

Denham Town

Grant’s Pen

Hannah Town

Harbour View

Mountain View

Olympic Gardens

Payneland

Portmore

Tivoli Gardens

Trench Town

West Kingston

Whitfield Town Montego Bay Canterbury

Flankers

Hart Street

Mount Salem

Norwood Gardens

Rose Heights

St. Clavers Avenue Reports of violence perpetrated against tourists are actually very low, however, but you should: maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, particularly at night

follow the advice of local authorities

monitor local media

not walk alone even during the day

go out in groups with people that you know

avoid visiting beaches and isolated areas at night

not use buses at night

not resist if you are a victim of crime, as resistance may provoke the use of violence Petty crime Crimes of opportunity, including petty theft, pickpocketing and bag-snatching, are common in major tourist areas. Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times.

Don’t carry large amounts of cash or show signs of affluence.

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. Fraud Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards: pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others

use ATMs located in well-lit 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 More about overseas fraud Assault Be wary of “friendly” strangers. There have been reports of alleged sexual assaults at tourist resorts carried out by resort staff and, in some cases, by other tourists. Women travelling alone are often harassed. Refrain from excessive drinking, especially at all-inclusive resorts. Although most hotels and resorts are well guarded, ensure that your hotel room doors and windows are secure. 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. Safe-travel guide for women 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. Water activities and beaches Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. Hotels and resorts may not have lifeguards on beaches or may lack warning systems for local water conditions. While private beaches with security guards are generally safer than public beaches, never leave your personal belongings unattended when swimming. Use only reputable and professional guides or tour operators when booking for recreational activities and ensure that sporting and aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition. Water safety abroad Demonstrations Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

Follow the instructions of local authorities

Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations More about mass gatherings (large-scale events) Road safety Coastal roads are in fair condition but driving in inland is dangerous due to narrow, winding and badly maintained roads that are also poorly lit at night. Weather conditions can damage or render some roads temporarily impassable. Stay on main roads as much as possible. Speeding and driving under the influence of marijuana or alcohol are common. Motorists should keep vehicle windows closed, doors locked and valuables hidden. Roadside assistance is available island wide. 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. Public transportation Public transportation is not safe due to high levels of crime and overcrowding. Knutsford Express offers reliable and comfortable bus transportation between major towns. 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. Since taxis are not metered, agree on the fare in advance and do not share a taxi with strangers. Air travel We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. General information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry/exit requirements Entry/exit requirements COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements In an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory. While some countries have started to ease some of these measures, most remain in place. Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any specific restrictions or requirements related to this situation. Consider even your transit points, as many destinations have implemented strict transit rules which could disrupt your travel. These could include: entry bans, particularly for non-residents

exit bans

quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost

health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance

travel authorization documents to be obtained before you travel

border closures

airport closures

flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations

suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options Additional restrictions can be imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans. Monitor the media for the latest information

Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans

Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions Foreign diplomatic offices in Canada – Global Affairs Canada 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 foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada. Passport 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 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 diplomatic mission for your destination. Useful links Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Canadian passports Visas Work visa: required

Tourist visa: not required (for stays up to six months)

Business visa: required

Student visa: required You are generally granted visitor landed status for 90 days when visiting Jamaica, at the end of which you must seek an extension if you are planning to stay longer on island. You may obtain an extension for a visa at any immigration office. Overstaying a visa or entry stamp also a criminal offence and can lead to jail 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 – Jamaican Government 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 complete and sign a Jamaican immigration landing card, usually given to travellers upon arrival at the airport or during the flight, and present it to an immigration official at the airport. On the card, you must indicate the full address of where you will stay, including the parish, and if you are staying in Kingston, the district. You must retain the card and present it to immigration officials upon departure from Jamaica. Children and travel Learn about travel with children. Yellow fever Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Laws and culture Laws & culture You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. There is no prisoner-transfer agreement between Canada and Jamaica. LGBTQ2 travellers Jamaican law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Other related offences include being in a same-sex marriage and promoting homosexuality. Those convicted can face jail sentences. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Jamaica. General safety information and advice for LGBTQ2 travellers abroad Drugs Possession of illegal drugs is a severe offence and may lead to lengthy jail terms. Departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drug possession. Many Canadians are serving prison sentences for drug crimes, in some cases unwittingly. When leaving Ocho Rios and Montego Bay by cruise ship, you may be searched for drugs by local authorities. You should be accompanied by a witness when undergoing such procedures. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else. Cannabis 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. Alcohol, drugs and travel

Cannabis and international travel Illegal activities Inappropriate conduct (specifically public nudity in non-designated areas and indecent language) can lead to arrest. It is illegal to wear, buy or sell army or police camouflage clothing. The import of animals, animal products and fresh produce is highly restricted and regulated in Jamaica. There are import and export regulations on items such as firearms, produce and pets. Entering the country with a firearm or even a single round of ammunition is considered a serious crime. Contact the High Commission of Jamaica or one of its consulates (in Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg and Victoria) for information regarding customs requirements. Jamaican High Commission 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. General information for travellers with dual citizenship Driving Traffic drives on the left. You can drive in Jamaica with a valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to six months. Residents 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. You are subject to heavy fines for non-compliance. Money The currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar.

Natural disasters and climate Natural disasters & climate 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 Useful links Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons

Large-scale emergencies abroad

Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States’ National Hurricane Center Seismic activity Jamaica is located in an active seismic zone and is subject to earthquakes. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities.