Money & Banking

The official rate of exchange fluctuates daily depending on foreign exchange markets. The variable rate (at time of printing): US$1.00 - JA$65.00. Foreign currency may be exchanged for Jamaican dollars at banks or licensed exchange bureaus in airports and hotels. Purchases may be made in any currency recognized by the Jamaican government. Jamaican dollars may be reconverted to foreign currency at Airport Bureau of Exchange upon departure by presenting a foreign exchange receipt.

Foreign currency or Jamaican dollars may be taken into or out of Jamaica. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 (or its equivalent in any other foreign currency) or JA$150,000 must be declared to Jamaican Customs.

Click Here To Convert Any Currency Into Jamaican Dollars

Immigration

Proof of citizenship and a ticket for onward destination is required for a visit not exceeding six months. Some countries require visas; check with the Consulate of Jamaica nearest you.

Proof of Citizenship

  • U.S.A. - Valid passport or passport that has expired not longer than one year; or an original birth certificate with raised seal, along with photo I.D. (both bearing the same name). Those visiting as tourists may remain for a period not exceeding six months.
  • Canada - Same documentation as above. Naturalized citizens may use certificate of citizenship along with photo I.D.(both bearing the same name).
  • U.K. - Commonwealth citizens require only valid passport.
  • Japan - Valid passport. Visa for stays of over 30 days. Alien registration card holders - Please check with Consulate of Jamaica nearest you. Children require birth certificate along with photo I.D. (both bearing the same name).

Air Jamaica - 1 800 523-5585

  • Gateways To Montego Bay & Kingston: Atlanta, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Newark, New York, Orlando, London,Manchester,Toronto

  • Gateways to Montego Bay Only: Baltimore, Los Angeles, Philadelphia

Air Canada - 416 925-2311 or 1 800 776-3000

  • Gateways To Montego Bay & Kingston: Toronto

  • Gateways to Montego Bay Only: Halifax, Montreal, Winnipeg ALM 800 327-7230 or 305 477-0955

  • Gateways To Montego Bay/Kingston: Curacao

American Airlines - 1 800 433-7300

  • Gateways To Montego Bay/Kingston: New York Gateways To Montego Bay and Kingston: Miami American Trans Air 800 225-2995

  • Gateways To Montego Bay Only: Indianapolis/Ft. Lauderdale (Winter), Indianapolis/Orlando (Summer) British Airways 800 247-9297 or 0181 897-4000

  • Gateways To Montego Bay/Kingston: London BWIA 800 327-7401

  • Gateways To Kingston Only: Antigua, Barbados, Port of Spain, St. Maarten

St. Lucia Cayman Airways - 1 800 422-9626

  • Gateway To Kingston: Grand Cayman Condor 800 542-6975

  • Gateways To Montego Bay: Frankfurt, Germany Copa 800 359-2672/305 477-7333

  • Gateways To Montego Bay/Kingston: Panama City, Panama; Bogota, Columbia, Peru & Ecuador Cubana 876 978-3406/3410/3411

  • Gateway To Montego Bay: Cuba, Santiago & Havana LTU 800 888-0200

  • Gateway To Montego Bay: Dusseldorf, Germany

Northwest Airlines - 1 800 225-2525

  • Gateway To Montego Bay: Minneapolis, Tampa

Air Jamaica Express - 1 876 923-8680 or 1 800 523-5585

  • Gateway To Montego Bay/Kingston: Santo Domingo, Grand Cayman, Belize Trans World Airlines 800 892-4141

  • Gateway To Montego Bay: St. Louis

US Air - 1 800 428-4322

  • Gateway To Montego Bay: Philadelphia/Charlotte

Incoming duty-free items:

  • 1/2 pound of tobacco, one quart of spirits (including liqueurs, cordials and wine), six fluid ounces of  perfumed spirits and twelve fluid ounces of toilet water.

Incoming restricted items:

  • Fresh flowers, plants, honey, fruits, meats and vegetables (except canned), coffee (in any form), firearms,explosives, and dangerous drugs, including marijuana.
  • Persons who use only Kosher foods must have for all carcasses being imported:
    • (a) meat inspection certificates from the U.S.D.A./Official Government Vet. Ministry of Agriculture & Veterinarian Division in Canada certifying ante and post mortem inspection;
    • (b) stamp of approval on all carcasses;
    • (c) an import license from the Ministry ofAgriculture in Jamaica. The Jamaica Tourist Board will make arrangements to obtain the license, if given two weeks notice.

Outgoing Items:

  • U.S. - Visitors may carry US$600 in purchases after each 48 hour visit.Items manufactured in Jamaica (rum, coffee perfume, arts & crafts,etc.) are also duty-free. Visitors can mail unlimited gifts (not including perfume, cigars or liquor) worth up to $10.00 back to the U.S. All in-bond purchases must be made in foreign currency.U.K. - Visitors are allowed 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs (no one under 17 is entitled to tobacco or drink allowance), all other goods including gifts and souvenirs £36 sterling value.

  • Canada - Residents, temporary residents, and former residents of Canada returning to live in Canada may claim goods free of duties under one of the following exemptions: 7 day absence from Canada$500.00 yearly; 48 hour absence $200.00 any time; 24 hour absence $50.00, not including alcohol or tobacco products. Only one of the above exemptions may be claimed and visitors cannot pool their exemption with other passengers.

  • Japan - Duty free allowance up to YEN200,000 (approximately US$1700). Liquor allowance is 3 bottles (4/5 quart). Children under 20not permitted to bring in liquor.

Waiting Period A couple can be married just 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica providing they have applied for and have been granted a marriage license by the Ministry of National Security. Couples must submit proof of status (single, divorced, widowed) and establish identification.Hotel or villa owners will make arrangements for couples desiring to get married, including application for license prior to arrival on island.

Special package prices include performance of ceremony, government tax, transportation costs and expenses incurred

Documents Required

  • Proof of citizenship - certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father's name.

  • Parent's written consent, if under 18.

  • Proof of divorce (if applicable) - certified copy or original Certificate of Divorce.

  • Copy of Death Certificate for widow or widower.

Blood Test

  • None required

Arrangements

  • You may apply in person at:
    • The Ministry of National Security and Justice 12 Ocean Blvd., Kingston (876)922-0080 Office hours: 9:00am - 5pm, Mon-Thurs9:00am - 4pm, Fri.
  • Marriage arrangements can also be made through non-denominational marriage registrars for a fee.

Marriage Officers

  • Kingston:
    • Mr. Roy Jones 4 Gibson Drive - (876) 927-2522
    • Mr. Aubrey Grant 94A East Street - (876) 922-2717

  • Montego Bay:
    • Mr. Percy Thompson37 Market Street - (876) 952-3782
    • Rev. Terrence Gordon4 Churchill Ave. - (876) 953-3376

  • Negril:
    • Rev. Winston Barrett c/o United Church of Jamaica & Grand Cayman - (876) 955-2753
    • Mr. Joseph Campbellc/o Mahogany Inn Hotel Wild Things Water sports - (876) 957-5392

  • Ocho Rios:
    • Mr. Raphael Mason Exchange District, P.O. Box 274, St. Ann's Bay- (876) 974-0479

  • Port Antonio:
    • Rev. Delroy Farr25 Mount Oakley Road P.O. Box 229 - (876) 993-3369

Houses of Worship

Kingston:

  • Kingston Parish Church (Episcopal) (876) 922-6888
  • St. Andrews Church (Episcopal). (876) 926-6692
  • Bethel Baptist Church (876) 926-8272
  • St's. Peter & Paul (Catholic) (876) 927-6579
  • Bethel United Church (Pentecostal) (876) 928-2987
  • Webster Memorial (Presbyterian) (876) 926-6127
  • Jewish Synagogue (876) 922-5931
  • Mandeville Baptist Church (876) 962-3118
  • Black River Catholic Church (876) 965-2209
  • St. Mark's Parish Church (876) 962-2875

Montego Bay:

  • St. James Parish Church (Episcopal) (876) 952-2775
  • Holy Trinity (Episcopal) (876) 952-1270
  • Calvary Baptist (876) 952-4375
  • Blessed Sacrament Cathedral (Catholic) (876) 952-2481
  • Kings Chapel United Pentecostal (876)952-1248

Ocho Rios:

  • St. John's Anglican (Episcopal) (876) 972-2305
  • Methodist (876) 972-1420
  • Church of God of Prophecy (876) 974-5511

Port Antonio:

  • Christ Church (Episcopal) (876) 993-2600
  • Port Antonio Baptist. Church (876) 993-2789
  • Salvation Army (876) 993-3155

Negril:

  • St. Mary Anglican Church
  • United Church Jamaica & Grand Cayman
  • Gate of Heaven (Catholic) Church
  • Seventh Day Adventist
  • Church of God
  • Jehovah Witness