Travel Vaccines and Advice for Jamaica
Jamaica is a popular travel destination due to its lush mountains, rainforests, and sandy seasides. The Caribbean island has dozens of tourist spots and luxury resorts. It is the perfect spot for young-adults and families alike.
Jamaica also has a rich history of British colonization and in music- it is the birthplace of reggae. The Bob Marley Museum is located in their capital of Kingston.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Jamaica?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport to Enter Jamaica?
What is the Climate in Jamaica?
How Safe is Jamaica?
Visit Beautiful Rose Hall
What Should I Pack for Jamaica?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Jamaica
Do I Need Vaccines for Jamaica?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Jamaica. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Jamaica: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Jamaica |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Dengue and Zika are two common mosquito-borne diseases found in Jamaica. Ensure you bring mosquito repellents or netting and avoid being outside at dawn or dusk. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to the region as Zika can cause birth defects.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport to Enter Jamaica?
A visa is not needed for stays in Jamaica under 90 days. Passports must be valid for the duration of a traveller’s stay. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
A Departure tax of USD $35 is required for air passengers only.
Jamaica Entry Requirements |
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Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Jamaica? | |
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Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Jamaica and GOV.UK
What is the Climate in Jamaica?
Jamaica has a tropical climate which varies in temperature from warm too hot. Central areas with a higher elevation tend to have cooler temperatures. In winter, travellers can expect cooler temperatures in the morning and evening. But, it is still hot.
May through November are wetter months where short showers occur often. June through September is the hurricane. While hurricanes rarely make landfall in Jamaica, it is best to be prepared.
December through April is the best times to visit due to the lack of extreme weather conditions.
How Safe is Jamaica?
Areas such as Kingston and Montego Bay tend to experience high crime rates. Avoid travelling outside of resorts unless it is an official outing or excursion. Exercise caution at all times.
Be careful when travelling at night. Never travel alone and be sure to travel in groups, even during the day.
Before booking, ensure your resort has met the Jamaica Tourist Board’s safety standards.
Petty theft and scams are common, especially in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Visit Beautiful Rose Hall
Rose Hall is a beautiful colonial estate. It was restored in the 1960’s and has since been a popular destination for interested tourists.
Take a tour of the estate and its gardens to learn about its rich European history and the legend of the White Witch, Annee Palmer.
Tours usually last around 90 minutes and include a sampling of the houses “Witches Brew.”
What Should I Pack for Jamaica?
Jamaica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But, it’s important to ensure you pack some of these items to ensure your trip is a success:
- Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes which could carry disease.
- A seaside bag for carrying sun cream, towels, and other seaside essentials.
- Water shoes for any rocky shores and excursions so your feet don’t become cut.
- Waterproof bags to protect electronics whilst at the seaside.
- Light-colored, thin clothing to protect against the sun and help remain cool.
- Warm clothes for cooler temperatures at night.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Jamaica
If you are in Jamaica and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British High Commission Kingston
P O Box 575
28 Trafalgar Road
Kingston 10
Kingston
Jamaica
Telephone: +1 (876) 936 0700
Emergency Phone: +1 876 936 0700
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Ring or book online now and start travelling safely today!