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Destination Guides - North America / Jamaica
Travel Advice on Health, Climate, Local Info, Customs and Laws
| Travel Advice/Warnings |
| Jamaica experiences high levels of violent crime but this is not generally targeted at tourists. The State of Emergency was lifted on 22 July but there might still be an increased presence by the security forces. Be especially careful in the Kingston area and take precautions to safeguard your valuables and travel documents. Do not walk about alone. Vary your routine and avoid crowded areas as these are often targted by thieves. |
| Vaccinations & Health Alerts |
| HIV/AIDS is prevalent. It is recommended that you vaccinate against Hep A, Typhoid and carry proof of Yellow Fever if travelling from an infected country. Check whether Malaria is required before travel as there have been cases in recent years. |
| Seasonal Climate |
| Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Temp (c) |
30 |
30 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
33 |
33 |
33 |
33 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
| Rainfall (cm) |
3 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
10 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
19 |
7 |
4 |
|
| Tropical climate all year with a rainy season between May to October. Expect hurricanes between June to November. |
BBC - Weather Centre - Forecast for Kingston, Jamaica
| Tuesday |
Max Temp: 31°C (88°F), Min Temp: 24°C (75°F), Wind Direction: ENE, Wind Speed: 7mph, Visibility: good, Pressure: 1014mb, Humidity: 63%, Sunrise: 05:53EST, Sunset: 18:15EST |
| Wednesday |
Max Temp: 31°C (88°F), Min Temp: 27°C (81°F), Wind Direction: NNE, Wind Speed: 7mph, Visibility: good, Pressure: 1012mb, Humidity: 77%, Sunrise: 05:54EST, Sunset: 18:15EST |
| Thursday |
Max Temp: 29°C (84°F), Min Temp: 27°C (81°F), Wind Direction: NW, Wind Speed: 4mph, Visibility: good, Pressure: 1009mb, Humidity: 84%, Sunrise: 05:54EST, Sunset: 18:14EST |
(by the BBC Weather Centre in association with the Met Office) |
| Local Customs/Laws |
| There are severe penalties for drugs related offences. Possession of marijuana may lead to deportation or imprisonment. Homosexuality is illegal. Beachwear should be restricted to the pool and beach areas only. |
| Getting Around |
| The condition of the roads is generally good and car hire is easy to arrange. Drive with your wits about you, drink driving is commonplace. Do not walk or use public transport at night. Do not share taxis with strangers and keep doors and windows locked in vehicles. |
| Public Holidays/Festivals |
| New Year on 1 January, Reggae beach festivals in July and August, Carnival around Easter time which falls between 2-5 April 10 and Jonkanoo at Christmas. Also Labour Day on 23 May, Independence Day on 6 August, Emancipation Day on 1 August and National Heroes Day on 18 October. |
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| Religion |
| Mixed Christian religions |
| Visa Requirements |
| Not required. |
| British Embassy Details |
| British High Commission, PO Box 575, 28 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica. Tel: (001)(876)510 0700 |
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