Travel Vaccines and Advice for Jamaica
Jamaica is a popular travel destination due to its lush mountains, rainforests, and sandy beaches. The Caribbean island has dozens of tourist spots and luxury resorts. It is the perfect spot for young-adults and families alike.
Jamaica also has a rich history of British colonization and in music- it is the birthplace of reggae. The Bob Marley Museum is located in their capital of Kingston.
Do I Need Vaccines for Jamaica?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Jamaica. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Jamaica: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Jamaica |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Jamaica |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Dengue and Zika are two common mosquito-borne diseases found in Jamaica. Make sure you bring mosquito repellents or netting and avoid being outside at dawn or dusk. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to the region as Zika can cause birth defects.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Jamaica
“The nurse was very knowledgeable and was very helpful in answering our many questions regarding the immunizations required and other health precautions in Jamaica.”
“Yesterday I went to Passport Health on Sherbrooke in Montreal, and the service was amazing! Our nurse was so kind, helpful and knowledgeable. She answered all of our questions about Jamaica, travel vaccinations and did a great job at administering them. I am someone that is really afraid of needles, but i was very comfortable in her care!”
“The staff is very experienced, knowledgeable and patient. Would recommend them to any of our friends.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport to Enter Jamaica?
A passport which is valid for the duration of your intended stay is required to enter the country. A tourist visa is not required for stays up to 6 months but a business visa is required.
Jamaica Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Jamaica? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
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Sources: Embassy of Jamaica and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Passports must be valid at the time of entry and you must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. Some countries are very strict about passport condition. If your passport has been damaged in any way, consider receiving a new one.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate in Jamaica?
Jamaica has a tropical climate which varies in temperature from warm too hot. Central areas with a higher elevation tend to have cooler temperatures. In winter, travellers can expect cooler temperatures in the morning and evening. But, it is still hot.
May through November are wetter months where short showers occur often. June through September is the hurricane. While hurricanes rarely make landfall in Jamaica, it is best to be prepared.
December through April is the best times to visit due to the lack of extreme weather conditions.
How Safe is Jamaica?
Areas such as Kingston and Montego Bay tend to experience high crime rates. Avoid travelling outside of resorts unless it is an official outing or excursion. Exercise caution at all times.
Be careful when travelling at night. Never travel alone and be sure to travel in groups, even during the day.
Before booking, make sure your resort has met the Jamaica Tourist Board’s safety standards.
Petty theft and scams are common, especially in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Visit Beautiful Rose Hall
Rose Hall is a beautiful colonial estate. It was restored in the 1960’s and has since been a popular destination for interested tourists.
Take a tour of the estate and its gardens to learn about its rich European history and the legend of the White Witch, Annee Palmer.
Tours usually last around 90 minutes and include a sampling of the houses “Witches Brew.”
What Should I Pack for Jamaica?
Jamaica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But, it’s important to make sure you pack some of these items to make sure your trip is a success:
- Insect repellent to protect against mosquitos which could carry disease.
- A beach bag for carrying sunscreen, towels, and other beach essentials.
- Water shoes for any rocky shores and excursions so your feet don’t become cut.
- Waterproof bags to protect electronics while at the beach.
- Light-colored, thin clothing to protect against the sun and help remain cool.
- Warm clothes for cooler temperatures at night.
Canadian Embassy in Jamaica
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Jamaica, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
High Commission of Canada in Kingston
3 West Kings House Road,
Kingston 10, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 926-1500
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Jamaica?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport to Enter Jamaica?
What is the Climate in Jamaica?
How Safe is Jamaica?
Visit Beautiful Rose Hall
What Should I Pack for Jamaica?
Canadian Embassy in Jamaica
