Jamaica - FAQ

How can I get married in Jamaica? 

Getting married in Jamaica is a beautiful and easy experience. Couples can be married just 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica, provided they have applied for a marriage license in advance. Many hotels will assist with the arrangements and offer special packages that include the ceremony, government tax and other expenses. The requirements for US citizens are birth certificate, divorce papers if applicable, notarized parental consent if under age 18 years old, and copy of death certificate for widow/widower. Additional requirements exist for Italian nationals and French Canadians. 

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Where is the best shopping in Ocho Rios? 

The Ocho Rios area has a wide variety of shopping possibilities. Main Street in the center of town is a shopping hub that includes the local craft market, and some of the duty-free delights include Taj Mahal, Soni's Plaza and Ocean Village Shopping Centre. 

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Is there any other means of transportation from Kingston to Ocho Rios besides a taxi cab? 

Yes. Ground transfers are readily available from airports and hotels in Kingston at fixed rates. A few tour companies have limos, and air shuttles are also available. 

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What time zone is Jamaica in? 

Jamaica is located in Eastern Standard Time and does not observe daylight savings time (therefore it is one hour earlier there during the summer) 

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Do I need to have a passport to travel to Jamaica? 

US Citizens: A valid passport (no visa required) or an original birth certificate with raised seal or naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship AND a state-issued photo I.D.

Canadian Citizens: A valid passport (no visa required) or a "Statement of Live Birth" certificate AND a valid government issued photo I.D.

If you have questions about these requirements or are a citizen of another country, please consult your local JTB office. 

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What is the drinking age in Jamaica? 

The drinking age in Jamaica is 18 

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Is there gambling in Jamaica? 

There are no casinos in Jamaica. A number of resorts, most notably Coral Cliff Hotel in Montego Bay, have game rooms with slot machines. The only legal betting is on the horse racing at the Caymanas Race Track in Kingston. 

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I am going to Jamaica in January. Is that a good time to go? 

Its always a good time to go to Jamaica, depending on what your interests are. There is little temperature variation on the island throughout the year, so weather is not a big factor. Check out our Calendar of Events to see what may catch your fancy. 

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How many daylight hours can I expect in December? 

You can expect approximately 12 hours of daylight in December 

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I have never been to Jamaica and would like to know what the nightlife is like. 

Jamaica is the home of reggae, and every Jamaican town has some degree of nightlife, whether it is a cluster of small bars with a jukebox or cabaret-type entertainment or high tech dance clubs or beach parties or karaoke ensembles. Fashionable street dances featuring well-known sound systems have become the rage for younger, dancehall audiences. Check with local newspapers for nightlife happenings when you get there. 

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Are ATM machines readily available and what systems do they support? 

Many of the major banks in Jamaica, including Scotia Bank and National Commercial Bank are a part of the Cirrus system, so participating cards will work on their dozens of machines across the country. Bear in mind though that the ATMs dispense Jamaican dollars, so you have to request cash in the Jamaican dollar amount. The rate of exchange is approximately J$45 to US$1. 

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During what months of the year does the Jamaican hurricane season typically fall? 

Hurricanes in Jamaica are actually rare, the last one being in 1988. The season runs from July to October. 

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