Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/jamaica.tvl

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STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Jamaica
============================================================
Jamaica - Consular Information Sheet
 August 24, 1995

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

Entry Requirements:  If traveling directly from the U.S., Puerto
Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens 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, 1520 New
Hampshire Avenue, N.W, Washington, D.C. 20036, tel:  [phone]
or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago or
New York.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care is often limited.  Doctors and
hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the U.S.  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 and Prevention's international travelers
hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  Crime is a serious problem in Kingston.
Criminal acts can rapidly turn violent.  The U.S. Embassy in
Kingston advises its staff not to use buses, which are often
overcrowded and provide a venue for crime.  Travelers who use
taxicabs should take only licensed taxicabs.

It is dangerous to walk outside in Kingston after dark.  It is also
dangerous for visitors to frequent neighborhoods known for high
crime rates.  In 1995 for example, sporadic gang violence spread
from neighborhoods west of the downtown area to the fringes of
downtown Kingston.  These areas are sometimes subject to curfew.
Tourist areas are usually not affected by curfews, but travelers
should check with local authorities or the U.S. Embassy for details.

The U.S. Embassy advises its staff to exercise caution when
traveling to and from the airport area via 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 the
Morgan's Harbour/Port Royal area.

The government of Jamaica has taken a number of steps, including
assignment of special tourist security personnel, to enhance
security in the major resort areas on the north and west coasts.
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 and at facilities which
have fewer security arrangements because of eco-tourism concerns.
Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.

There have been recent scams involving relatives of U.S. citizen
visitors and prisoners in Jamaica who have received telephone calls
from people alleging that they are Jamaican police officers or other
public officials.  The callers state that the visitor or prisoner
has had trouble and that money should be sent to the caller, who
will assist the U.S. citizen.  These calls are hoaxes.  The American
Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section can
assist in confirming the validity of the call.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported to
local police and the U.S. Embassy or Consular Agency.  A U.S. birth
certificate and/or drivers license generally cannot be replaced
outside of the U.S.  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 have recently been increased to include possible life
imprisonment.  Substantial fines plus mandatory sentences of six to
nine months are common.  Departing visitors are thoroughly screened
for drug possession.

Aviation Oversight:  As a result of an assessment conducted by the
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in November 1994, the FAA has
found the Government of Jamaica's Civil Aviation Authority to not be
in compliance with international aviation safety standards for
oversight of Jamaican air carrier operations.  While consultations
to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Jamaican air carriers are
permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to
heightened FAA surveillance.  The FAA is not providing heightened
surveillance for operations to destinations other than the U.S.  For
further information, travelers may contact the Department of
Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.

Embassy Location/Registration:  U.S. citizens may register with the
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kingston.  The U.S. Embassy
is located on the third floor of the Jamaica Mutual Life Centre, 2
Oxford Road; telephone [phone] through 9859; fax (809)
926-6743.  The Consular Section is located at the Life of Jamaica
Building, 16 Oxford Road; telephone [phone] through 4859;
Consular fax [phone].

There is also a U.S. Consular Agency in Montego Bay at St. James
Place, 2nd floor, Gloucester Avenue; telephone [phone]; fax
[phone]; office hours Monday-Friday 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.

The U.S. Embassy in Kingston also has consular responsibility for
the Cayman Islands.  A Consular Agency will reopen soon in George
Town, Grand Cayman.  U.S. citizens may obtain updated information
from the U.S. Embassy on travel and security in Jamaica and the
Cayman Islands.

 No. 95-099

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 28, 1995,
to include Aviation Oversight Information and additional Crime
Information


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories

------------------------------------------------------------------------------


STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Jamaica
============================================================
Jamaica - Consular Information Sheet
 August 24, 1995

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

Entry Requirements:  If traveling directly from the U.S., Puerto
Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens 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, 1520 New
Hampshire Avenue, N.W, Washington, D.C. 20036, tel:  [phone]
or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago or
New York.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care is often limited.  Doctors and
hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the U.S.  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 and Prevention's international travelers
hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  Crime is a serious problem in Kingston.
Criminal acts can rapidly turn violent.  The U.S. Embassy in
Kingston advises its staff not to use buses, which are often
overcrowded and provide a venue for crime.  Travelers who use
taxicabs should take only licensed taxicabs.

It is dangerous to walk outside in Kingston after dark.  It is also
dangerous for visitors to frequent neighborhoods known for high
crime rates.  In 1995 for example, sporadic gang violence spread
from neighborhoods west of the downtown area to the fringes of
downtown Kingston.  These areas are sometimes subject to curfew.
Tourist areas are usually not affected by curfews, but travelers
should check with local authorities or the U.S. Embassy for details.

The U.S. Embassy advises its staff to exercise caution when
traveling to and from the airport area via 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 the
Morgan's Harbour/Port Royal area.

The government of Jamaica has taken a number of steps, including
assignment of special tourist security personnel, to enhance
security in the major resort areas on the north and west coasts.
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 and at facilities which
have fewer security arrangements because of eco-tourism concerns.
Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.

There have been recent scams involving relatives of U.S. citizen
visitors and prisoners in Jamaica who have received telephone calls
from people alleging that they are Jamaican police officers or other
public officials.  The callers state that the visitor or prisoner
has had trouble and that money should be sent to the caller, who
will assist the U.S. citizen.  These calls are hoaxes.  The American
Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section can
assist in confirming the validity of the call.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported to
local police and the U.S. Embassy or Consular Agency.  A U.S. birth
certificate and/or drivers license generally cannot be replaced
outside of the U.S.  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 have recently been increased to include possible life
imprisonment.  Substantial fines plus mandatory sentences of six to
nine months are common.  Departing visitors are thoroughly screened
for drug possession.

Aviation Oversight:  As a result of an assessment conducted by the
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in November 1994, the FAA has
found the Government of Jamaica's Civil Aviation Authority to not be
in compliance with international aviation safety standards for
oversight of Jamaican air carrier operations.  While consultations
to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Jamaican air carriers are
permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to
heightened FAA surveillance.  The FAA is not providing heightened
surveillance for operations to destinations other than the U.S.  For
further information, travelers may contact the Department of
Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.

Embassy Location/Registration:  U.S. citizens may register with the
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kingston.  The U.S. Embassy
is located on the third floor of the Jamaica Mutual Life Centre, 2
Oxford Road; telephone [phone] through 9859; fax (809)
926-6743.  The Consular Section is located at the Life of Jamaica
Building, 16 Oxford Road; telephone [phone] through 4859;
Consular fax [phone].

There is also a U.S. Consular Agency in Montego Bay at St. James
Place, 2nd floor, Gloucester Avenue; telephone [phone]; fax
[phone]; office hours Monday-Friday 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.

The U.S. Embassy in Kingston also has consular responsibility for
the Cayman Islands.  A Consular Agency will reopen soon in George
Town, Grand Cayman.  U.S. citizens may obtain updated information
from the U.S. Embassy on travel and security in Jamaica and the
Cayman Islands.

 No. 95-099

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 28, 1995,
to include Aviation Oversight Information and additional Crime
Information


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories
.