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Travel Information on Jamaica
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Jamaica (JM)
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| Continent: |
North America |
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| Area: |
10.991 km² |
| Population: |
2.758.124 |
| Capital city: |
Kingston |
ISO code: |
JM |
| National language: |
English |
International dialling code: |
+1876 |
| Currency: |
Jamaican Dollar |
License plate number: |
JA |
| Flight routes from Jamaica: |
195 |
Flight routes to Jamaica: |
342 |
| Popular airports: |
Kingston (KIN),
Montego Bay (MBJ)
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| Large cities: |
Kingston,
New Kingston,
Spanish Town,
Portmore,
Montego Bay,
Mandeville,
May Pen,
Old Harbour,
Linstead,
Half Way Tree,
Bog Walk,
Constant Spring,
Ewarton,
Hayes,
Ocho Rios
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| Airlines based in Jamaica: |
Air Jamaica
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Travelguide Jamaica (North America)
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Jamaica is an island state in the Caribbean, its name is derived from the Arawak word Xaymaca, meaning wood and water land. It is the third largest island in the Antilles and is located 150 km south of Cuba.
Geography: the island state can be divided up into three main areas. In the east are the Blue Mountains, a mountain chain 100 km in length, next to this are the central highlands and the coastal plains. The narrow sandy beaches are mainly to be found on the western tip and in the north west of the island.
Mountains and rivers: the highest mountain in Jamaica is the Blue Mountain Peak with an altitude of 2,255 m (7,398 ft) in the Blue Mountains John Crow National park; the longest river is the Black River with a length of about 70 km (43 miles).
Climate and best time to travel: the climate on Jamaica is tropical, humid and warm throughout the year, with only slight fluctuations in temperature. There is a rainy season between the months of July and October, with different amounts of rain falling according to altitude. A trip to Jamaica should take into consideration that Jamaica is often affected by dangerous hurricanes between the months of June and November that cause repeated and serious devastation in some areas.
Language and communication: the official language is English, Patois being the national language.
Health and vaccinations: vaccination against hepatitis A, typhoid, diphtheria, polio and tetanus is recommended. Long clothing should be worn to provide protection against mosquitoes and other insects, and a locally purchased insect repellent should also be used. Malaria currently only exists in the slum regions of the capital. Please seek advice from your GP on effective anti-malaria medication. Medical care is of a sufficient standard in Kingston and in the tourist resorts. Visitors are advised to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance covering repatriation costs. A first aid kit should also be packed and fruit and vegetables peeled or boiled before being eaten
Entry requirements: British nationals do not need a visa to enter Jamaica. However, those overstaying their visit may be fined or even detained. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. Please contact the Jamaican Representation in London for advice if planning to travel with children. Importing meat and dairy produce from the UK is forbidden.
Arrival and onward journey: British Airways (BA) provide a convenient service from London to Kingston (KIN). Air Jamaica (JM) also flies from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kingston as well as to Montego Bay (MBJ) usually with a stop over. Condor (DE) flies from London City airport (LCY) and from London Heathrow (LHR) via Frankfurt (FRA). The national airline TimAir provides a good domestic service from Kingston to the airports of Montego Bay, Ochos Rios (OCJ) and Port Antonio (POT).
Capital city: Kingston Town and the surrounding metropolitan area is in the south east of the island. Kingston is the capital of Jamaica and counts about 700,000 inhabitants, which makes up about 25 % of the entire population. The administration, universities and the most important airport are all to be found here. Sightseeing should include the British colonial architecture dating from the 18th century along with the largest natural harbour in the Caribbean. The Bob Marley Museum in Uptown Kingston is a popular tourist destination. The city of Portmore is only a few miles from Kingston and is home to the only horseracing track in Jamaica.
Places of interest and beaches: the island has a large number of natural attractions to offer the visitor. The most beautiful city and the main tourist attraction on the island is Montego Bay. Located in the northwest of the island, the city is one of the most modern cities in the whole of the Caribbean. It is also the location of the second most important airport of the island. The bay of the same name on the mouth of the river Montego, and its three beaches and coral reefs is one of the most famous holiday destinations in the world. Its beautiful beaches, the golf courses and the marina attract well-off Americans in particular during the winter sport season. The beaches at Doctor’s Cave und White Sands are also very beautiful and popular.
Cavers should head for the Green Grotto Cave and the Runaway Caves. The Green Grotto Cave is situated 40 m under the earth and houses a small lake, which is populated by blind fish living in complete darkness. The Runaway Caves are easily accessible and a guided tour will take visitors through part of the 10 km (6 mile) long cave corridors. Many of the Stalagmites and Stalactites are reminiscent of animal or human figures.
Hill walkers should explore the Blue Mountains. Not only is this the place where the best coffee of the world grows, but the hills are also a Garden of Eden for nature lovers. The paths are in part extremely steep, but all efforts are rewarded by crystal clear streams, waterfalls, wild mango trees, coffee plantations and the wonderful views of the green summits of the tropical mountain world.
The Blue Lagoon is a particular tip, and is one of Jamaicans the best-known tourist attractions. The round lagoon shines in different tones of blue and turquoise in direct sunlight. Animal lovers should visit the Rockland Feeding Station; here they may watch rare species of birds such as the Jamaican Mango and the Doctor Bird.
Divers and snorkellers should embrace an excursion to the small Sunny Island. The island consists of limestone from shells and is surrounded by a coral reef.
Highlight: the main attraction in Jamaica are the Dunns River Falls in Ochos Rios, the spectacular 200 metre high waterfall falls in numerous cascades into a bay and is popular with local day trippers.
Religion: the majority of the inhabitants are Christian there are also a few African natural religions and the Christian Rastafarian community.
Major Cities and accommodation: Kingston Metropolitan Area, Spanish Town, Portmore, Montego Bay, Mandeville, May Pen and Old Harbour.
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Favorite flights and cheap flights from and to Jamaica / JM
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