Jamaica Destination Guide

Arriving in Jamaica

1) A week or two before your trip, go to https://enterjamaica.gov.jm/ and fill out your Jamaican Immigration and Customs Declaration (C5) form. You will be asked to enter an email address for verification before continuing on to the application. Each passenger should complete and submit an individual form, including children.

2) If you purchased arrival service from Club MoBay, you will be met by your escort after deplaning and before entering the Immigration area. If you have not, proceed to step 3.

3) After deplaning, you will enter the Immigration line. You may be asked to either use one of the kiosks or proceed to an officer. Have your passport in hand, and answer any questions from the officer. Be sure to inform them that you have completed the Jamaican Immigration and Customs Declaration form online if asked.

4) Go to the luggage carousel and claim all of your checked bags. If you don’t see your luggage on the carousel itself, check the floor area nearby. Airport personnel often clear the belt to make room for more bags.

5) Take all of your belongings to the “Nothing to Declare” Customs line. Your bags may be x-rayed or selected for additional inspection.

Finding Your Hotel Transfer

After clearing Customs, you’ll enter the transportation hall. Personnel at this entrance will help to direct you. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS to find your transportation company or your resort’s departure lounge.

Club Mobay

Ask me how to upgrade to the VIP services offered by Club MoBay, which can help make your airport experience faster and more comfortable. Arrival service includes a personal escort to expedite the immigration and customs process. Departure service includes fast-track privileges through airport security and access to a departure lounge with refreshments and Wi-Fi.

Timeshare/Vacation Club

Offers of discounted tours, promotional items, or other “freebies” are most likely connected with a timeshare or vacation club company. Their presentations often take up considerable time and can be high-pressure sales pitches. Firmly say no if you do not wish to be approached about this. If you do attend, USE EXTREME CAUTION before entering into a contractual agreement in a foreign country.

Currency

US dollars are widely accepted for purchases in tourist areas and at most resorts. If required, you can obtain Jamaican dollars from an ATM or exchange bureau. Always verify which currency a vendor is using for a transaction, and know the exchange rate. Use caution when carrying or storing any amount of cash, and a credit card is often the safest bet.

Culture

LANGUAGE – English is the official language in Jamaica, so communication is easy. You will also hear locals speaking a local dialect called Patois (Patwah) or Jamaican Creole.

ISLAND TIME – Jamaicans tend to have a casual view of time. Lines, service, and the pace of life in general may move more slowly than you are used to. Sit back, relax, and be patient … You’re on vacation!  

SHOPPING – Bartering is a common practice in many shopping areas. Some vendors, especially those in open-air markets, may even be aggressive. If you are not interested in a purchase, avoid making eye contact, do not pick up or linger over items, say a firm “no” and walk away if necessary.

LGBT TRAVELERS – Negative attitudes towards LGBT individuals are more common in Jamaica, and public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention. Local laws prohibit certain activities between same-sex couples. See the US Department of State website for more information: Travel.State.gov.

Dress Code

RESORT – Your resort may have a dress code for restaurants. Most will require a bathing suit cover-up or shirt for midday meals. Dinner dress codes vary by resort and restaurant. Some may require collared shirts or closed-toed shoes for men, and flip-flops, shorts, or tank tops may be prohibited. Ask your Travel Specialist if you have questions about your resort’s policies.

CAMOUFLAGE CLOTHING – Out of respect for military and law enforcement personnel, clothing with camouflage print is prohibited in Jamaica. Violations could result in confiscation of the item, fines, or imprisonment.

Staying Healthy

WATER – Jamaica uses modern systems to purify and filter drinking water. Tap water is considered safe for consuming everywhere except for very remote rural areas.

SUN – Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen in a higher SPF than normal, even on cloudy days. The sun in the tropics is more intense and can be reflected by the water and sand.



BUGS – Insects are common in the tropics. Consider using bug spray to ward off mosquitoes and no-see-ums, and bring along some anti-itch cream. Keep your balcony door closed and do not leave food in your hotel room.

Return Transfer to the Airport

Your transfer company will confirm your pick-up time a day or two before your departure, via a phone call to your room. mobile phone, or by requesting you to stop at their lobby desk. Once you receive your scheduled pick-up time, compare it to your flight’s departure time. Make sure to have adequate time for the drive to the airport, airline check in, and security screening. (Lines often move slowly, especially at peak travel times!) If you are not comfortable with the time scheduled, contact your transfer company.

If you will need assistance with your luggage, contact the bell staff to schedule assistance the night before checkout.

Arrive in the hotel lobby at least 20 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time to complete your checkout.

Returning to the U.S.

1) You may be given immigration forms to fill out during your flight. Keep a pen, your passports, travel documents, and receipts from anything you purchased during your trip easily accessible from your seat.

2) After deplaning, you will enter the Immigration line. Have your passport and completed forms in hand, answer any questions from the officer. NOTE: Some airports now offer automated kiosks to enter your passport information, have your photo taken, and print a receipt to present to the Customs officer.

3) Go to the luggage carousel and claim all of your checked bags.

4) Take all of your luggage to the Customs line. You may be asked questions about what you are bringing back into the country, and your belongings may be subject to search.

5) For connecting flights or to reach the final airport exit, you may need to pass your checked luggage back to the airline. This is usually done at a counter outside of the Customs area.

6) DUTY FREE REMINDER: If you have to pass another security checkpoint before proceeding to the next gate or to the airport exit, you will not be able to carry your liquid duty free purchases with you. These need to be placed in your checked bags before handing them over to the airline.