All public hospitals now have facilities to isolate covid-19 positive people. For more information about coronavirus, see the section Health.
Safety
Most journeys to Jamaica go safely and without special problems, but travelers should be wary and take reasonable precautions.
It is recommended to dress easily and not show visible signs of prosperity when leaving the hotel area. Take special care after dark; It is recommended not to go alone. Avoid poorly lit areas. One should at all times secure his personal belongings and documents.
Violent crime is of concern. Jamaica has one of the highest murder rates in the world and especially in the capital, Kingston, gang crime is a major part of the crime rate. Although the crime is not usually targeted at foreign tourists, one should still be on guard. Resorts are considered safer than the rest of the island, although robberies are reported as burglary in hotel rooms and thefts.
The state of emergency and curfew can be introduced by local authorities in vulnerable areas as measures to maintain control. Recently, the state of emergency was declared in the St. James region of Jamaica due to. increased criminal activity in 2017. Greater activity is expected from police and security forces. It is therefore encouraged to follow local advice and keep up to date regularly.
The road standard is fairly straightforward and it runs on the left. Driving in Jamaica requires an international driver’s license. It is possible to rent a car, but it is still not recommended to drive even in Jamaica. Driving after dark is not recommended. Care should also be taken to keep windows closed and doors locked during car trips.
The terror threat is considered low in Jamaica.
The hurricane season is between June and November. Jamaica lies within a seismically active area and can therefore occasionally be hit by earthquakes.
Hurricanes: In the case of hurricanes, Norwegians staying in affected areas are encouraged to follow the advice and directions of local authorities. In addition, the National Hurricane Center as well as local media is a useful source of up-to-date information.
It is imperative to make preparations in advance of notified hurricanes. You should ensure that you have access to what you need to do in the immediate aftermath of hurricanes. During and after hurricanes, periods of weakened infrastructure, electricity outages, and telecommunications networks and damage to roads and buildings can occur. Restaurants and shops may be closed. In some cases it can be challenging to float water, food and cash. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not normally provide travel advice in connection with natural disasters.
Travel registration : Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in the Caribbean are encouraged to register on reiseregistrering.no. This will make it easier for the embassy to get hold of you in the event of a crisis or disaster situation.
You should be aware that most tour operators offering excursions, water sports, jeep, horseback riding, etc. are not insured, and you should therefore check the terms of your insurance before undertaking such activities.
Norway is represented at an honorary consulate in Kingston, Jamaica. Responsible Norwegian Embassy for Jamaica is the Norwegian Embassy in Havana, Cuba. Contact information for the consulate can be found here.
In case of crisis or emergency, the public is asked to contact the Norwegian Embassy in Havana:
The Norwegian Embassy in Havana
Calle 21 # 307 e/H e In
Vedado
Cuidad de La Habana
Cuba
Tel: +53 7 842 7100
Tel. from Norway: 23 95 23 00
E-mail: emb.havana@mfa.no
The embassy’s opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 08:30 to 16:30 and Friday from 08:30 to 14:00.
Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the UD’s 24-hour operating center can be contacted on tel: +47 23 95 00 00 or e-mail: UDops@mfa.no.
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Norwegians travel visa-free to Jamaica for shorter stays of up to 90 days. Please note that the passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after entry and that you may be asked to submit your return ticket and maintenance status.
For other types of visas, contact the Jamaica Consulate in Oslo.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): All public hospitals now have facilities to isolate covid-19 positive people, and a special unit has been established at the National Chest Hospital.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
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Dengue occurs and precautions should be taken to protect against mosquito bites.
Travelers should take common precautions to avoid being exposed to HIV/ AIDS.
Travelers should take common precautions when it comes to food and drink in the tropical area.
For official health travel advice and health professional guidance for Norwegians when traveling abroad, please refer to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
Practical information
Practical information on currency, electricity, telephone, opening hours, etc.
Currency unit and credit card: The Jamaican currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD). $ 1 = $ 116.8 JMD (as of 03/07/2016), $ 1 = $ 14.7 JMD (as of 03/07/2015)
Common credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Diners are accepted by most hotels, restaurants, shops and companies.
The power supply is at 110 volts.
There are generally good telephone connections in Jamaica. According to allcitycodes, country code for calling Jamaica is + 1-876.
Emergency number: Police 119, fire 119
Normal opening hours: The working week is Monday to Friday. Public Offices: 08: 00-16: 30. Banks: 08: 30-15: 00.
Public holidays: 1 January (New Year’s Day), Good Friday and 1 Easter Day, 1 May (Workers ‘Day), 1 August (Liberation Day), 6 August (Independence Day), 21 October (National Heroes’ Day), 1 and 2 Christmas Day
Norway is 7 hours ahead of Jamaica (GMT -5).
The climate in Jamaica is tropical, with high temperature and humidity throughout the year. There are two rainy seasons, from May to June and from September to November. The average temperature is between 19-32 degrees.
The official language of Jamaica is English. In addition, there is spoken patois, a local dialect of English and African languages.
Homosexuality is prohibited. It should be noted that wearing military and camouflage clothing is prohibited.