Central America

Jamaica

Location

Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba.

Street crime is common and violence is on the increase against tourists. Large sections of the population are in a poverty trap. Kingston has the worst reputation for muggings. Do not wander around the capital at night on your own. Vehicle security, personal security, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building / office security, drugs, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs, communications, emergency shelters. Shanty towns of the southwest of the capital are to be avoided. Be prepared to bargain as prices rocket up for tourists.

Water is safe in main cities and resorts. Use bottled water everywhere else. If a drought is in force do not use local water.

Mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain.

Tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior.

Hurricanes (especially June to November).

Standard medical care is dubious and medicines are expensive. Insurance is recommended. Take your own medical supplies. Hepatitis A, HIV/AIDS, leptospirosis, polio, typhoid, viales disease, yellow fever.
Hospital: University of West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7. Tel: 927 1620

Heavy rates of deforestation; coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions.

Use only approved taxis, and do not hail taxis in the street. Road traffic accidents and fatalities are common in Jamaica. Most of the road network is badly maintained. Speeding and drink-driving are commonplace. Drive defensively, and apply caution on the roads.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.