Please find up to date travel information at the Department of State website at https://Travel.State.gov 

Business Customs 

Jamaica is a former British colony, and U.S. visitors will notice some British influences on business practices, traditions, and customs. Dress for men typically includes a lightweight suit or tailored trousers with a button-down shirt, possibly with a tie depending on the context. Women can wear tailored skirts or dresses, or pantsuits, prioritizing professionalism and modesty, especially in more conservative industries like finance. Dress tends to be less formal in resort areas such as Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Travel Advisory

Embassy notices to U.S. citizens in Jamaica can be accessed at the Department of State Travel Advisory website.

Visa Requirements 

All U.S. citizens traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to exit or enter the United States. U.S. citizens traveling by sea must present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document such as a passport or a passport card for entry to the United States. Passport cards are an acceptable travel document for entry into Jamaica for sea travelers only. 

Visitors to Jamaica must have a return ticket and be able to show sufficient funds for their visit. U.S. citizens traveling to Jamaica for work or extended stays greater than 30 days are required to have a current U.S. passport and a visa issued by the Jamaican Embassy or a Jamaican Consulate. There is a departure tax for travelers, which is generally included in the airfare. 

Foreign nationals who are conducting business on short-term basis will not require a business visa if they will be in Jamaica for a period not exceeding thirty days. However, foreign nationals will need a business visa to enter Jamaica if they are conducting business for periods exceeding thirty days. Foreign nationals who need visas for entry to Jamaica will require a business visa to conduct business. Affidavits will not be accepted by the immigration office.
Effective September 1, 2023, each passenger must complete the Jamaican customs declaration (C5) form electronically prior to arrival. Visitors should go to the following link: EnterJamaica.gov.jm. There is no fee to fill out the C5 form online.

Currency

The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) holds sole authority to issue notes and coins in the country. In June 2023, it released a new series of Jamaican banknotes including a new $2,000 note. Jamaican banknotes are available in denominations of $50, $100, $500, $1,000, $2,000, and $5,000. While the Jamaican dollar is the official legal tender, the U.S. dollar is also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, where prices are often quoted in both currencies.

In August 2021, the central bank minted its first batch of Jamaica’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), known as JAM-DEX. A phased rollout began in 2022 alongside amendments to the Bank of Jamaica Act, which formally recognized CBDC as legal tender and reaffirmed the central bank as its sole issuer. Despite these efforts, adoption has been limited. The central bank continues to promote it as a safe, efficient, and convenient method of payment. Two major banks, National Commercial Bank (NCB) through its LYNK digital wallet and Jamaica National (JN) Bank through the JN Pay Wallet, offer JAM-DEX.

Jamaica’s broader payments ecosystem is built on a strong financial sector comprising commercial banks, building societies, and credit unions. A cornerstone of this system is MultiLink, which enables full interoperability across banks and provides customers with instant access to their funds. Complementing this is the Automated Clearing House (ACH), operated by J.E.T.S. Limited, which processes interbank transactions under JMD $1 million.
The central bank also serves as the regulator of payment systems, maintaining a comprehensive oversight framework while driving ongoing modernization efforts. These initiatives are aimed at improving efficiency, security, and innovation across the financial system.

Debit card usage far exceeds credit card adoption. This shift is supported by a rapidly expanding point-of-sale (POS) network, making electronic payments increasingly convenient and accessible. At the end of 2024, there were 3.82 million debit cards in circulation (up 4.3 percent from 2023) and 430,900 credit cards (up 5.4 percent). U.S. dollar credit cards saw modest growth (0.8 percent), while dual-currency cards recorded stronger gains (7.6 percent). At the same time, mobile wallets have expanded rapidly, led by the LYNK platform, which reached 282,274 registered users and 4,417 merchants by year-end 2024. Traveler’s checks are accepted at banks, most hotels, and larger businesses.

Telecommunications/Electronics 

There are two primary mobile providers, FLOW and Digicel. In 2021, a third provider, Rock Mobile, received a license and is now slated to launch operations in the fourth quarter of 2025. Digicel is the largest provider of cellular telecommunications in Jamaica and the Caribbean. FLOW also operates a fixed line system. While Jamaica continues to lag in broadband mobile and fixed internet penetration, Wi-Fi technology is prevalent in hotels and some public spaces. Jamaica has submarine communications cables with the United States, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. The Jamaican country codes are 1-876 and 1-658. Electrical equipment in Jamaica operates on 110-120 volts at 50 Hertz (Hz), while in the United States the standard is 60 Hz. However, most small electrical appliances, such as mobile phones, battery chargers and hairdryers will work. Jamaica, like the United States, uses types A and B receptacles.

Transportation

Jamaica has two major international airports: Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport receives flights from Air Canada, American Airlines, Arajet, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Cayman Airways, Copa, Delta, Fly Jamaica, Insel Air, InterCaribbean Airways, JetBlue, Spirit Airways, and WestJet; and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is served by over 30 airlines and some charters. A third airport, Ian Fleming International Airport, located near the resort town of Ocho Rios had its first commercial flight in June 2022 and now offers scheduled service with American Airlines. There are major cruise ship terminals in Falmouth, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. A fifth terminal opened in Port Royal in 2020.

Ground transportation options include taxis, car rental, and luxury coach services. Allowance should be made for possible delays arising from traffic congestion, particularly in the capital city, Kingston. Public transportation is not recommended, as public buses can be overcrowded, off schedule and susceptible to crime. Travelers who use taxicabs should take only licensed operators or those recommended by their hotels. In June 2021, ridesharing company Uber entered Jamaica through a “vehicle-with-driver” lease agreement and now competes with other ridesharing services such as InDrive.

Jamaica’s road network is anchored by a system of new highways that connect major towns and cities across the island, making travel more efficient for locals and visitors alike. The East–West Highway toll road (Highway 2000) links Kingston with central Jamaica, while the North–South Highway connects Kingston to Ocho Rios, significantly reducing travel time between the capital and the north coast. The South Coast Highway Improvement Project is gradually expanding roadway access from Kingston through St. Thomas and Portland, improving connectivity along the eastern corridor. On the western side of the island, the Montego Bay Bypass is expected to ease congestion in the tourism capital when completed in 2025 or 2026. 

These highways complement the island’s traditional main roads, however most of these roads are not comparable to American highways, and road conditions can be hazardous due to disrepair, inadequate signage, and poor traffic control markings. The rural roads are often very narrow and frequented by large trucks, buses, pedestrians, cyclists, and open range livestock. Highways are traveled at high speeds but are not limited access. Night-time driving is especially dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. 

Language

Jamaica’s official language is English, but there is a local dialect known as patois.

Health

Jamaica has 24 public and a few private hospitals. The healthcare system is currently undergoing major modernization, with investments in hospital expansion, new facilities, and digital upgrades. Key projects include the Spanish Town Hospital redevelopment, set for completion in 2027, and the Cornwall Regional Hospital overhaul, expected to reopen by 2026 after extensive rehabilitation works. Other major projects include the new Western Children and Adolescent Hospital in Montego Bay, the redevelopment of Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), and a new outpatient department at May Pen Hospital. The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) is also undergoing extensive upgrades, while the government is rolling out 27 new operating theatres island-wide. Smaller facilities such as Green Pond Health Centre and St. Jago Park Health Centre have also received upgrades, and hospitals like Savanna-la-mar are being equipped with modern medical technology.

Despite these investments, visitors should not expect the same level of health care available in Jamaica as is available in the United States. This includes slower emergency service response times and less availability of care for illness or injury. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs and are not always readily available, especially in rural areas. Visitors should bring extra prescription medication as common medications, such as insulin, can be difficult to obtain, and it is highly recommended to buy insurance before traveling. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Alongside physical upgrades, Jamaica is embracing digital transformation in healthcare. Supported by international partners, the government is rolling out an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system across hospitals and clinics, improving efficiency and patient care.

Apart from mosquito borne diseases, hand, foot, and mouth disease and COVID-19, the Embassy is not aware of any potential health risks of which businesspersons should be notified. 

Local time, business hours, and holidays 

The normal working day for government offices and factories is 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. Government offices are generally closed on Saturday and Sunday. Select Tax Offices are open every last Saturday of the month. Commercial businesses are generally open on Saturdays, but most are closed on Sundays. Jamaica is on Eastern Standard Time (EST) year-round and does not observe daylight savings time (DST).

Table: Holidays observed in Jamaica

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings:

Those who wish to bring in items temporarily such as software, exhibit material, etc., are required to identify the items at customs, pay the required duty and General Consumption Tax (as security), and collect a refundable revenue deposit receipt. On exit from the country, the Customs authority refunds the entire amount paid as security. When importing machinery for between three and six months, the above procedure applies in addition to a completed Customs Form C25. Laptop computers can be brought in duty free.