Capital: Kingston
Population: 2.93 million
Official language: English
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time
Emergency #: 110
Vaccinations required: Yes
Risk of malaria: No
Jamaica is known for its natural landscapes and culture. Travellers can hike the Blue Mountains, relax on popular beaches, such as Montego Bay, and enjoy local music at the annual Reggae Sumfest.
The standards for patient care and medical services in Jamaica may differ from your home country. Jamaica has public and private healthcare options. The quality of private medical care in Kingston and Montego Bay meets international standards but care throughout the rest of the country is considered inadequate. Specialized and complex care may be unavailable outside of hospitals in these two cities. Public facilities are reported to have long wait times as well as shortages of staff, equipment, medication, and other essential supplies.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals and private practitioners in Jamaica typically require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Evacuation – possibly to the United States – will be required for medical emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Jamaica.
There are a number of pharmacies available but most are concentrated in urban areas. People in rural regions may need to travel long distances to access a pharmacy. Ensure you pack a sufficient supply of essential medication for the duration of your trip.
If you are travelling with medication, check with Jamaica’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.
Road quality in Jamaica varies. Many roads are paved but may not be well maintained. Large potholes are common and streets are not always well marked. Pedestrians on the streets are common due to a lack of sidewalks and walkways, which can make driving hazardous. Drivers and passengers of vehicles must wear a seat belt at all times. Helmets must be worn by motorcycle drivers and passengers of at all times. In Jamaica, traffic drives on the left.