Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Jamaica
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Thu, 3 Jun 1993 15:06:35 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Jamaica
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Jamaica - Consular Information Sheet
 May 27, 1993

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 serious problem, particularly in the 
Kingston area.  Purse snatching and pickpocketing occur, especially 
on public transportation, and other crimes can rapidly turn violent. 
 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 may check with local authorities or 
the U.S. Embassy for details.  Valuables left unattended on beaches 
are subject to theft.

The government of Jamaica has 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.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported to 
the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate.  A birth 
certificate and/or driver's license generally cannot be replaced 
outside of the United States.  U.S. citizens can refer to the 
Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which provides 
useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal 
security while traveling abroad.  Both this pamphlet and "Tips for 
Travelers to the Caribbean" are available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the 
country in which they are traveling.  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.

Other Information:  Traffic moves on the left in Jamaica.

Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens may register with the 
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica.  The U.S. Embassy 
is located in Kingston on the third floor of Jamaica Mutual Life 
Center, 2 Oxford Road; telephone (809) 929-4850 through 929-4859; 
fax (809) 926-6743.  The Consular Section is located at the Life of 
Jamaica Building, 16 Oxford Road; telephone (809) 929-4850 through 
929-4859; consular annex fax (809) 926-5833.

There is also a Consular Agency in Montego Bay at St. James Place, 
2nd floor, Gloucester Avenue; telephone (809) 952-0160/5050; fax 
(809) 952-5050; office hours M-F 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.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.  U.S. citizens may obtain 
updated information from the U.S. Embassy on travel and security in 
Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

No. 93-144

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 22, 1993 
to add information on reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. 
passport.