U.S. Citizens: A valid passport is mandatory when leaving and re-entering the United States. U.S. tourists must also have a return or onward ticket for entry into Jamaica.

Canadian Citizens: Canadians are also required to present a valid passport indicating their country of citizenship.

It is crucial for both U.S. and Canadian tourists to stay informed about any travel advisories by regularly checking the Jamaica's Tourism Board's official website: https://www.visitjamaica.com/plan-your-adventure/travel-tips/entry-requirements/

Resorts widely accept U.S. and Canadian Dollars. If you take a guided tour off the resort, you may want to have some Jamaican Dollars (JMD) on hand as well. Jamaica has a multitude of banks in all resort areas, making currency exchange relatively straightforward for U.S. and Canadian tourists. The daily fluctuation in exchange rates makes it wise to shop around for the best rates before converting your cash. Most ATMs in Jamaica accept international bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, and Plus logos.

Our favorite time to visit Jamaica is from November to mid-December when the weather is ideal and the room rates are most reasonable. The peak tourist season is from mid-December to April; while the island is bustling with activities and events, the prices for accommodations are usually higher during this period.

Jamaica boasts a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humid conditions prevalent year-round. For those visiting from colder climates like Canada or the Northern U.S., this climate provides a warm, welcome escape. However, the island experiences two rainy seasons from May to June and September to November. But even if it does rain, these are usually short, tropical showers providing a refreshing break from the warmth of the afternoon sun. Remember to check the weather conditions during your planned travel dates and pack accordingly.

The hurricane season in Jamaica typically runs from June to November, with the highest likelihood of hurricanes occurring between August and October. However, the occurrence of hurricanes is usually rare, and visitors can still enjoy their stay during this period, keeping an eye on weather advisories.

Jamaican cuisine is flavorful and often spicy, featuring dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and ackee and saltfish. Jamaica's tropical climate yields an array of fruits like mangoes and pineapples that are incorporated into the meals. At many all inclusive resorts, guests have the opportunity to indulge in a wide array of dining options, from international fare to local Jamaican dishes. These resorts often feature multiple restaurants, each specializing in different cuisines, ensuring that there is something to satisfy every palate.

Jamaica is generally safe for tourists, especially within resort areas. Exercise usual cautions like avoiding isolated areas and not displaying valuables openly. Most resorts have robust security measures in place to ensure guests' safety. If you do venture away from the resort area, consider doing it as part of a guided tour arranged by the resort.

Tap water in Jamaica is generally safe to drink due to stringent testing protocols imposed by the government, but if you have a sensitive stomach, it's advisable to stick to bottled or purified water, widely available at resorts and stores.

The official language of Jamaica is English, locally spoken with a distinctive Jamaican accent and cadence. English is used in government, commerce, education, and is universally spoken and understood across the island, especially at all the major tourist destinations and resorts. However, while English is widely spoken, tourists will also have the delightful opportunity to hear and experience Jamaican Patois (or Creole), a colorful and expressive linguistic variant of English interspersed with words and phrases from various languages, reflecting the island's diverse heritage. Patois is predominantly spoken in informal settings and is a significant aspect of Jamaican cultural identity. It embodies the vibrant and dynamic spirit of the Jamaican people.

Taxis, buses, and car rentals are available. However, many all inclusive resorts offer shuttle services and/or guided tours to popular destinations and attractions. If you use another provider outside of the resort, always use an authorized taxi services and check for the official 'JUTA' (Jamaica Union of Travelers Association) license.

Many resorts, such as Sandals, offer complimentary airport transfers to and from their properties as part of their all inclusive package. These transfers are usually done in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a safe and relaxing ride for guests.

Jamaica is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET) and observes Daylight Saving Time.

No special vaccinations are required for travel to Jamaica, but it is always wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella, and seasonal flu. Jamaica does not currently have any COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or mask requirements. You can check this link for the latest: https://www.visitjamaica.com/canada/covid-19-travel-resources/

Numerous airlines offer non-stop flight service to Jamaica, including American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and Air Canada, among others, connecting major cities in the U.S. and Canada directly to the Montego Bay and Kingston airports. Depending on your departure city, you can be in Jamaica in as little as two hours! Jamaica is among the most accessible island destinations from the U.S. and Canada, typically not requiring a long-haul flight.

Yes, all inclusive resorts in Jamaica typically include all meals, snacks, and beverages, including a variety of alcoholic drinks. Many resorts even include complimentary in-room mini bars. Some resorts may offer premium dining and beverage options that require an additional charge, so it's always good to confirm the details with the resort beforehand.

Absolutely! Paying for an all inclusive resort can offer excellent value, particularly if you plan to take full advantage of the amenities, food, and beverages available. It allows for a worry-free vacation where almost everything is taken care of, enabling you to relax and enjoy without concerning yourself with individual expenses. Many resorts, such as Sandals, even include most tips and gratuities in their all inclusive package pricing.

Adults-only all inclusive resorts in Jamaica offer a serene and mature environment, ideal for couples or small groups of friends. Expect a sophisticated atmosphere with upscale amenities, gourmet dining, and premium beverages. Many adults-only resorts focus on creating a romantic or tranquil ambiance, offering amenities like spa treatments, candlelit dinners on the beach, and rooms with private pools or Jacuzzis.

While tipping is included in many Jamaica all inclusive resorts, it is generally appreciated when guests leave additional tips for outstanding service. It's a personal choice, but small gratuities can go a long way in expressing appreciation to the staff, who often go above and beyond to ensure guests have an exceptional stay.

For example, Sandals Resorts includes tips in their package prices, meaning guests don't need to tip for most services. However, there are exceptions where tipping is appropriate and recommended, such as for airport transportation providers, butlers, golf caddies, and spa attendants. Spa attendants typically receive around 20%, considering a 12.5% gratuity is already included in the bill. Butlers can be tipped as seen fit, usually at the end of the stay, with amounts ranging from $20-30 per day per butler, and overwater bungalow butlers receiving $50-100 per shift. Cabana butlers, who provide personalized care, usually receive between $20-50. Many guests choose to convey their gratitude in thank-you cards, enclosing the tip before leaving.

In an a typical all inclusive vacation package, there are a few notable services and amenities that are not included, requiring additional fees for guests who opt for them.

Spa treatments are not part of the all inclusive offerings, so guests seeking these wellness services will need to pay separately for them. Many off-resort tours, even those provided by the resort, may not be covered in the all inclusive price. For golf enthusiasts, while greens fees might be included, golf caddies (mandatory) are not included, representing an extra charge. Medical assistance, possibly for unexpected illness or injury during the stay, is also not included and may incur additional costs.