IMMIGRATION

Proof of citizenship and a ticket for onward destination is required for a visit not exceeding six months. Some countries require visas; check with the Consulate of Jamaica nearest you.

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP

U.S.A. - Valid passport. Or passport that has expired not longer than one year; or an original birth certificate with raised seal, along with photo I.D. (both bearing the same name). Those visiting as tourists may remain for a period not exceeding six months.

CANADA - Same documentation as above. Naturalized citizens may use certificate of citizenship along with photo I.D.(both bearing the same name).

U.K. - Commonwealth citizens require only valid passport.

JAPAN - Valid passport. Visa for stays of over 30 days.

ALIEN registration card holders - Please check with Consulate of Jamaica nearest you.

CHILDREN require birth certificate along with photo I.D. (both bearing the same name).

CUSTOMS

Incoming duty-free items - 1/2 pound of tobacco, one quart of spirits (including liqueurs, cordials and wine), six fluid ounces of perfumed spirits and twelve fluid ounces of toilet water.

Incoming restricted items - Fresh flowers, plants, honey, fruits, meats and vegetables (except canned), coffee (in any form), firearms, explosives, and dangerous drugs, including marijuana.

Persons who use only Kosher foods must have for all carcasses being imported: (a) meat inspection certificates from the U.S.D.A./Official Government Vet. Ministry of Agriculture & Veterinarian Division in Canada certifying ante and post mortem inspection; (b) stamp of approval on all carcasses; (c) an import license from the Ministry of Agriculture in Jamaica. The Jamaica Tourist Board will make arrangements to obtain the license, if given two weeks notice.

OUTGOING ITEMS

U.S. - Visitors may carry US$600 in purchases after each 48 hour visit. Items manufactured in Jamaica (rum, coffee perfume, arts & crafts, etc.) are also duty-free. Visitors can mail unlimited gifts (not including perfume, cigars or liquor) worth up to $10.00 back to the U.S. All in-bond purchases must be made in foreign currency.

U.K. - Visitors are allowed 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs (no one under 17 is entitled to tobacco or drink allowance), all other goods including gifts and souvenirs £36 sterling value.

CANADA - Residents, temporary residents, and former residents of Canada returning to live in Canada may claim goods free of duties under one of the following exemptions: 7 day absence from Canada $500.00 yearly; 48 hour absence $200.00 any time; 24 hour absence $50.00, not including alcohol or tobacco products. Only one of the above exemptions may be claimed and visitors cannot pool their exemption with other passengers.

JAPAN - Duty free allowance up to YEN200,000 (approximately US$1700). Liquor allowance is 3 bottles (4/5 quart). Children under 20 not permitted to bring in liquor.

HEALTH - No vaccinations required unless, in the last 6 weeks, you have visited: Asia, Africa, Central & South America, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad or Tobago.

MONEY & BANKING- The official rate of exchange fluctuates daily depending on foreign exchange markets. The rate (at time of printing): US$1.00 - JA$37.22; £1.00 - JA$56.20; CA$1.00 - JA$26.42; YEN100 - JA$33.21. Foreign currency may be exchanged for Jamaican dollars at banks or licensed exchange bureaus in airports and hotels. Purchases may be made in any currency recognized by the Jamaican government.

Jamaican dollars may be reconverted to foreign currency at Airport Bureau of Exchange upon departure by presenting a foreign exchange receipt.

Foreign currency or Jamaican dollars may be taken into or out of Jamaica. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 (or its equivalent in any other foreign currency) or JA$150,000 must be declared to Jamaican Customs.

Commercial banks maintain branches throughout the island. The hours are 9am-2pm on Mondays to Thursdays; 9am-12pm and 2:30pm-5pm on Fridays. Exchange Bureaus are open in Montego Bay and Kingston airports for all international flight arrivals and departures.

TIME ZONE - Eastern Standard Time. Jamaica does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

WATER-All drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered by the most modern methods. Water temperature is approximately 78 degrees F (25 degrees C).

DEPARTURE TAX- Like most countries, Jamaica has a departure tax, payable at the airport on your departure. It's JA$500.00, or US$15.00 -- cash only, please!

ANIMAL : Animal are nor allowed to enter Jamaica.

CHURCHES : Most religious denominations are represented in Jamaica. Check with the front desk or concierge at your hotel for information on churches nearest you.

CLOTHING : Lightweight tropical clothing is best throughout the year. Swimwear is acceptable on the beaches or around the pool, but not on the streets. A light sweater is suggested for evening, especially in winter.

COMMUNICATIONS : Telex, facsimile, cable, radio, TV and telephones are throughout the island.

CREDIT CARDS : Major credit cards are accepted islandwide. Gasoline must be purchased in cash.

DRIVING REGULATIONS: North American driver's license is valid for up to three months per visit. U.K. driver's license is valid for up to 12 months per visit. Japanese driver's license is valid for up to one month from time of entry. Driving is on the left. The speed limit is 30 mph (50 km) in towns and 50 mph (80 km) on highways.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 110 volts/50 cycles standard. 220 volts used in some hotels. Clothes irons and blow dryers work without adapters. Adapters available where applicable.

GAMBLING: There are no casinos. However, slot machines are available in resort areas. There is also horse racing at the Caymanas Race Track in Kingston.