Jamaica travel guide

Jamaica Tourism | Jamaica Guide

You're Going to Love Jamaica

Famous for turquoise waters, a laidback vibe, and the reggae music of Bob Marley, Jamaica is the quintessential Caribbean Island everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

What to do in Jamaica

1. Visit the Bob Marley Museum

Tour the reggae artist's former home and get to know his life and his music up close.

2. Tour the Waterfalls

While Dunns River Falls is the most famous waterfall in Jamaica, there are plenty more to choose from. Some are more crowded than others, but the rule of thumb is to visit during the early morning on weekdays.

3. Attend a Live Reggae Concert

In the land of reggae, finding a spot with live music isn't hard. Whether you're staying at a resort or prefer local beaches, ask around to find out when the next concert is scheduled.

4. Take a Rum Tour

Known as the best rum in the world, Appleton Rum offers guided tours and rum samples.

5. Explore the Blue Mountains National Park

Home of the famous Blue Mountain Coffee and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, hiking in Blue Mountain National Park is a wonderful opportunity to explore Jamaica's outdoors beyond the beach.

1. Visit the Bob Marley Museum

Tour the reggae artist's former home and get to know his life and his music up close.

2. Tour the Waterfalls

While Dunns River Falls is the most famous waterfall in Jamaica, there are plenty more to choose from. Some are more crowded than others, but the rule of thumb is to visit during the early morning on weekdays.

3. Attend a Live Reggae Concert

In the land of reggae, finding a spot with live music isn't hard. Whether you're staying at a resort or prefer local beaches, ask around to find out when the next concert is scheduled.

4. Take a Rum Tour

Known as the best rum in the world, Appleton Rum offers guided tours and rum samples.

5. Explore the Blue Mountains National Park

Home of the famous Blue Mountain Coffee and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, hiking in Blue Mountain National Park is a wonderful opportunity to explore Jamaica's outdoors beyond the beach.

When to visit Jamaica

If you're planning your trip to Jamaica around top events, the Jamaica Carnival happens in February and the Reggae Sumfest takes place in July.

Weather-wise, April and May are milder months with fewer tourists and more affordable accommodation.

How to Get to Jamaica

Entry Requirements

Passengers from most countries can enter Jamaica without a visa. For those who need one, you can get a visa on arrival.

You must travel with a passport that's valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Allowed duration of stay ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on your nationality.

Plane

Jamaica is served by two international airports, one in Kingston (Norman Manley International Airport) and one in Montego Bay (Donald Sangster International Airport).

International flights to Jamaica from North America and Europe are frequent.

Boat

Jamaica is a famous stop on most cruise lines and a known destination for those who own private yachts.

Passengers arriving in Jamaica on private boats must go through customs and immigration at their chosen port of arrival.

Entry Requirements

Passengers from most countries can enter Jamaica without a visa. For those who need one, you can get a visa on arrival.

You must travel with a passport that's valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Allowed duration of stay ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on your nationality.

Plane

Jamaica is served by two international airports, one in Kingston (Norman Manley International Airport) and one in Montego Bay (Donald Sangster International Airport).

International flights to Jamaica from North America and Europe are frequent.

Boat

Jamaica is a famous stop on most cruise lines and a known destination for those who own private yachts.

Passengers arriving in Jamaica on private boats must go through customs and immigration at their chosen port of arrival.

Popular airlines serving Jamaica

Lufthansa
Good (7,104 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,347 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,640 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,820 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,615 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,104 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,798 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,511 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,655 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,337 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,304 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (8,129 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,299 reviews)
Frontier
Good (3,489 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (167 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,890 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,732 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,871 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (667 reviews)
Sun Country Air
Good (404 reviews)
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Where to stay in Jamaica

Accommodation in Jamaica is a mix of locally owned guesthouses and all-inclusive resorts in touristic locations including Negril, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay.

Where to stay in popular areas of Jamaica

Most booked hotels in Jamaica

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
S$ 453+
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
S$ 435+
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Adults Only
5 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
S$ 501+
Breathless Montego Bay - Adults Only
5 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
S$ 754+
Secrets St. James Montego Bay - Adults Only Unlimited Luxury
5 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
S$ 694+
Moon Palace Jamaica
5 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
S$ 546+

How to Get Around Jamaica

Public Transportation

The capital Kingston is served by a reliable network of local buses, with one ticket costing approximately J$100 ($0.74) per kilometer (0.62 mi) per person.

Alternatively, you can take a licensed taxi (with a red license plate).

Bus

Most towns and villages in Jamaica are well connected by a network of local buses. In most cases, there aren't fixed bus stops, so you can signal the driver to stop wherever you are on the road.

Private minibuses are also available, usually identified as PPV or JUTA, but keep in mind that these vehicles don't depart until they're full.

Car

To rent a car in Jamaica, you must be at least 21 years old and have an International Driving Permit. Most car rentals accept a driver's license issued by your home country, valid for at least six months.

Remember to drive on the left and always carry the car papers and identity card with you. Seat belts are mandatory for all car occupants.

Motorcycle

Especially geared to tourists, some companies rent scooters and motorcycles in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril. They don't require a driver's license, but always wear a helmet when driving around Jamaica.

Public Transportation

The capital Kingston is served by a reliable network of local buses, with one ticket costing approximately J$100 ($0.74) per kilometer (0.62 mi) per person.

Alternatively, you can take a licensed taxi (with a red license plate).

Bus

Most towns and villages in Jamaica are well connected by a network of local buses. In most cases, there aren't fixed bus stops, so you can signal the driver to stop wherever you are on the road.

Private minibuses are also available, usually identified as PPV or JUTA, but keep in mind that these vehicles don't depart until they're full.

Car

To rent a car in Jamaica, you must be at least 21 years old and have an International Driving Permit. Most car rentals accept a driver's license issued by your home country, valid for at least six months.

Remember to drive on the left and always carry the car papers and identity card with you. Seat belts are mandatory for all car occupants.

Motorcycle

Especially geared to tourists, some companies rent scooters and motorcycles in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril. They don't require a driver's license, but always wear a helmet when driving around Jamaica.

The Cost of Living in Jamaica

Both the local currency (Jamaican Dollars) and US Dollars are accepted in Jamaica, with some prices usually mentioned in both currencies. ATMs are widely available and payments in cash are preferred, except for large businesses in touristic areas where you can use your credit card. In hotels and bigger restaurants, it is also acceptable to use credit cards. Expect to pay around J$3,000-3,500 ($22-25) for one week of groceries.