Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvlmactxt/JAMAICA.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 5KB | 90 lines

Jamaica - Consular Information Sheet
July 20, 1994

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: [phone] 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:  The U.S. Embassy in Kingston advised its staff to
exercise caution when traveling to and from the airport area on Windward and
Mountain View Avenues because of the crime threat.  The U.S. Embassy
suggests that flights in and out of Kingston be scheduled for daylight hours
whenever possible and discourages after dark travel to and from Morgan's
Harbor/Port Royal.

Crime is a serious problem in Kingston.  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
security personnel.  Resorts that feature self-contained facilities offer a
higher degree of security than other facilities.  Particular care is called
for at isolated villas and smaller establishments.

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 States 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 [phone] through 929-4859; fax [phone].  The Consular
Section is located at the Life of Jamaica Building, 16 Oxford Road;
telephone [phone] through 929-4859; consular annex fax [phone].

There is also a Consular Agency in Montego Bay at St. James Place, 2nd
floor, Gloucester Avenue; telephone [phone]; fax [phone];
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 [phone].  U.S. citizens may obtain updated information from
the U.S. Embassy on travel and security in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

No. 94-124

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 27, 1993, to update
the crime information section.