Personal Safety
JAMAICA EXTENDS 2100--500 CURFEW UNTIL DECEMBER 1. OTHER INTERNAL COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS REMAIN UNCHANGED UNTIL NOVEMBER 30. ALL ARRIVING PASSENGERS WILL BE SUBJECT TO STRICT HEALTH SCREENINGS AND ASSESSMENTS; THE CURRENT MEASURES WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGH AT LEAST NOVEMBER 30. ALL NONRESIDENT FOREIGN TRAVELERS OVER THE AGE OF 12 ARRIVING FROM THE US, BRAZIL, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, AND MEXICO ARE REQUIRED TO PRESENT A NEGATIVE COVID-19 PCR OR ANTIGEN TEST UPON ARRIVAL; THE TEST MUST BE TAKEN NO MORE THAN 10 DAYS BEFORE TRAVEL FROM AN ACCREDITED LABORATORY. ALL TRAVELERS FROM THESE LOCATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO SELF-QUARANTINE FOR 14 DAYS, REGARDLESS OF A NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST RESULT. ALL TRAVELERS ASSESSED TO BE HIGH RISK MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL HEALTH TESTS AT THE AIRPORT. TRAVELERS WITH POSITIVE COVID-19 RESULT WILL BE REQUIRED TO ISOLATE AT HOME OR AN APPROVED GOVERNMENT FACILITY FOR 14 DAYS. AUTHORITIES COULD REIMPOSE, EXTEND, FURTHER EASE, OR OTHERWISE AMEND ANY RESTRICTIONS WITH LITTLE TO NO NOTICE DEPENDING ON DISEASE ACTIVITY.
Note: this page contains basic risk information. For more details, please contact the Risk Services Office at risk@berkeley.edu.
If you are traveling to Jamaica on University-related business, please sign up for the University’s travel insurance program by going here. For more information on the travel insurance program, please go here.
Because everyone’s health is unique, we suggest seeking the advice of a medical professional before traveling internationally. Members of the campus community interested in protecting their health while abroad may schedule an appointment with the University Health Services International Travel.
Crime generally poses a high threat in Jamaica. Petty crime is an ever-present threat globally, but in Jamaica, other criminal threats include scams, property theft, homicide, rape, assault, gender-based violence and discrimination, and highway robbery and banditry. Criminal activity is most prevalent in Kingston.
The trustworthiness, capabilities, and responsiveness of security services in Jamaica are generally poor. It is better to report crimes to your local embassy than local law enforcement. Police officers, especially tourist police, are typically able to speak foreign languages, including Spanish.
The prevalence of demonstrations and/or anti-foreign sentiment in Jamaica is moderate. Potentially dangerous protests or endemic civil strife are most common in Kingston and areas away from tourist destinations.
The threat of terrorism is minimal in Jamaica. No specific threats exist, and Jamaica may not currently be considered a potential target.
For most foreign nationals, the threat of kidnapping in Jamaica is generally moderate; kidnappers are more likely to target locals. Victims may be held for long periods of time without any guarantee of safe release.
Legal/Political
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Firearms: Jamaica strictly forbids importing or possessing firearms in Jamaica without prior authorization of the Firearms Licensing Authority of Jamaica. A U.S. concealed carry permit does not allow you to bring a firearm or ammunition into Jamaica.
If you bring a firearm, firearm components, firearm parts, or ammunition (even a single bullet) to Jamaica, you will be arrested and prosecuted. This will result in a large fine and/or incarceration for an unspecified amount of time. Bringing mace, pepper spray, or knives into Jamaica without authorization will also lead to arrest.
LGBTI Travelers: Jamaican law contains specific prohibitions on “acts of gross indecency” – generally interpreted as any kind of physical intimacy – between persons of the same sex, in public or in private, and provides punishment of up to 10 years in prison. There is also a law that specifically prohibits even consensual same-sex sexual conduct between men.
Negative attitudes towards LGBTI issues are widespread in Jamaica. There are continued reports of serious discrimination and abuse against LGBTI individuals, including:
- Assault
- “Corrective rape” of women accused of being lesbians
- Arbitrary detention
- Mob attacks
- Stabbings
- Harassment of LGBTI patients by hospital and prison staff
- Blackmail