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Jamaica Tips: What to Know Before You Go!


Escape to Jamaica!

Where Blue Waters Meet Beauty Jamaica is 4,240 sq. miles of Reggae, romance and everything all right. The third-largest island in the Caribbean has everything between the white-sand beaches and the Blue Mountains, from magnificent sunsets and waterfalls to golf, fine dining and easy-paced relaxation.

Jamaica: Home of Alright Explore Jamaica and discover the culture tucked within its natural paradise. Along the way, travelers can take in the colonial architecture of centuries past and the laughter of the Jamaican people today. With the memories that Jamaica gives, travelers can take away claims to Jamaica's fame, including Red Stripe beer, Blue Mountain coffee and the handmade crafts from local artists.

Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States. Passport validity date must be at least 6 months from visitor's departure date from Jamaica. $20 Jamaica arrival tax must be paid on arrival in Montego Bay. Size / Population: Jamaica is 4,442 square miles with a population of 2.5 million. Political Status: Independent parliamentary democracy. Language: English is the primary language along with the local Patois. Currency: The Jamaican Dollar is the official currency and banks and ATMs are available and accessible. U.S. dollars are accepted in many places. Hint: Keep all of your exchange receipts and present them upon departure when you reconvert unspent Jamaican dollars. Electricity: 110 volts, same as U.S. Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time; Daylight Saving Time is not observed. Communication: To dial Jamaica from the U.S direct dial 1 + 876 + the 7-digit local number. Internet service is widely available in resorts and internet cafes. Check with your cell phone provider for international coverage. Drinking Water: Jamaica’s tap water is safe to drink. If you are concerned, bottled water is widely available. Transportation: There are numerous transportation options in Jamaica. Taxis are prevalent as well as local mini buses or public buses. There are several private transportation companies that cater to tourists and operate buses, cars and vans on a regular basis. Your resort can help you find transportation throughout the island. Visitors can also rent cars. Drivers must be at least 25 years old (varies by rental company) and must be in possession of a valid driver’s license and major credit card. Local Customs: The legal drinking age is 18. Driving is on the left. Tipping: generally 15-20% in restaurants; bellmen: $1 per bag; housecleaning staff: $1-$2 per day. Many all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica include all gratuities in the package price; ask if you're unsure.

Getting Married: U.S. citizens can legally get married in Jamaica. The Ministry of Justice in Jamaica requires that all wedding documents must be on island at least 10 business days prior to wedding date. Many resorts in Jamaica offer a basic complimentary wedding package for resort guests (government administrative fees are not included). Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees. Wedding Requirements The information below is a general list of requirements to perform a legal wedding ceremony in Jamaica. Please check with the Jamaica tourism department or wedding coordinator at your resort for additional information on legal requirements and fees for weddings in Jamaica. All information below is subject to change without notice. Documentation: The bride/groom must bring original copies of the following documents: • Original and copy of official birth certificate • A valid, non-expired passport • Written authorization from the parents/ guardians if the bride or groom is under 18 years of age • Divorce or death certificate if applicable • Original and copies of the official identification of one witness

Divorced/Widowed Travelers: Divorced or widowed parties must provide official copies of the divorce decree (Decree Absolute) or a certified death certificate Waiting Period/Residency Requirement: The bride/groom must be in the destination for at least 24 hours prior to the wedding and must apply for a marriage license at least 48 hours prior to the wedding. All wedding documents must be sent to the resort performing the wedding ceremony at least 10 business days prior to the wedding date. Witnesses: You must have one witness over the age 18 with official identification credentials. Fees: The license and stamp cost is US$60 to US$65. Marriage officers charge from US$50 to US$250.

Dunn's Rivera Falls, Jamaica

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