Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Jamaica
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1992 14:05:38 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Jamaica
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Jamaica - Consular Information Sheet
 October 27, 1992

Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica is located in 
Kingston on the Third Floor of Jamaica Mutual Life Center, 2 Oxford 
Road; telephone (809) 929-4850 through 929-4859.  The U.S. Consular 
Section is located at the Life of Jamaica Building, 16 Oxford Road.  
There is also a Consular Agency in Montego Bay at St. James Place, 
2nd Floor, Gloucester Avenue; telephone (809) 952-0160/5050; office 
hours M-F 9:00 - 12:00 a.m.  The U.S. Embassy in Kingston is also 
responsible for U.S. interests in the Cayman Islands. There is a 
Consular Agency in George Town, Grand Cayman; telephone (809) 
949-8440.

Country Description: Jamaica is a developing nation.  Facilities 
for tourism are widely available.

Entry Requirements: If traveling directly from the United States, 
Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, Americans can enter Jamaica 
with proof of U.S. citizenship, photo identification, return ticket, 
and sufficient funds.  A tourist card is issued on arrival for stays 
up to six months.  For further information concerning entry 
requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of Jamaica, 1850 K 
Street N.W., Suite 355, Washington, D.C. 20006, tel: (202) 452-0660 
or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, or 
New York.

Medical Facilities: Medical care is often limited.  Since January 
1990, there have been three relatively minor outbreaks of typhoid in 
western Jamaica.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash 
payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always 
valid outside the United States.  In some cases, supplementary 
medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical 
evacuation insurance, has proved useful.  For additional health 
information, the traveler may contact the Centers for Disease 
Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information: Crime is a problem, particularly in the Kingston 
area.  Purse snatchings and pickpocketing occur, especially on 
public transportation.  Persons out walking after dark or who take 
other than licensed taxicabs are at particular risk.  There is 
sporadic gang violence in inner city Kingston.  Some parts of 
Kingston are also, on occasion, subject to a curfew; travelers can 
check with local authorities or the U.S. Embassy for details.  
Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal 
security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of 
State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  It is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington D.C. 20402.

The Government of Jamaica has recently taken a number of steps to 
enhance tourist safety, including increased police patrols and 
better training for hotel security personnel.  Resorts that feature 
self-contained facilities offer a high degree of security.  The 
status of villa and hotel security features for isolated villas and 
small establishments can be verified with the Jamaica tourist board.

Drug Penalties:  Criminal penalties for possession, use, and 
dealing in illegal drugs, including marijuana, are strict, and 
convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.  
Departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drug possession.

Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for 
Travelers to the Caribbean" is also available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the 
U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security 
within the country.

 No. 92-078