Worldwide Caution: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Location Information > Jamaica International Parental Child Abduction Information

International Parental Child Abduction

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Location Information > Jamaica International Parental Child Abduction Information

Jamaica

Jamaica
Jamaica
Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and health risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

There was no change to the advisory level.  The “natural disaster” indicator was removed.  The advisory summary was updated.

Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and health risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

  • St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town due to risk of crime.
  • St. Catherine’s Parish - Central Village, Waterford, March Pen, and Grange Lane due to risk of crime.
  • Clarendon Parish - York Town and Western Park due to risk of crime.
  • St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Crawford District and New Town due to risk of crime.
  • Hanover Parish - The Green Island Area due to risk of crime.
  • St. James Parish - Salt Spring, Flankers, Rose Heights, the Hart Street area, Norwood, and Mount Salem due to risk of crime.
  • Kingston and St. Andrew Parish - August Town, Brooke Valley, Mountain View, Nannyville Gardens, Swallowfield area, New Haven, the Sherlock Crescent area, Denham Town, Parade Gardens, and Greenwich Town due to risk of crime.
  • Manchester Parish - Old England, New Hall, and Grey Ground due to risk of crime.
  • St. Thomas Parish - The Seaforth area (Blacksmith Lane and Navarre Lane) due to risk of crime.
  • Westmoreland Parish - Grange Hill and Savanna-la-Mar due to risk of crime.

Advisory Summary

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to use public buses or drive between cities at night due to road conditions and safety risks. They are also not allowed to travel to areas with increased safety risks without prior authorization.

  • U.S. citizens in Jamaica should take the same precautions.

Crime

  • Violent crime is a risk throughout Jamaica. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country.
  • Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common.
  • The U.S. embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts.
  • U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents.
  • When arrests are made, cases are often not prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence.

Health

Basic and specialized medical care may not be available in many parts of Jamaica. This includes slower emergency service response times and less availability of care for illness or injury. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

  • Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients. They may not be able to provide specialized care.
  • Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs. They are not always readily available, especially in rural areas.
  • U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication. Common medications, such as insulin, can be difficult to obtain. Be sure to bring enough of your medications (including prescription and over-the-counter) to last the full duration of your trip.
  • U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not apply abroad.
  • Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
  • Air ambulance service to the United States costs approximately 30,000 USD as a minimum price.
  • We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance and confirm your coverage. Travel insurance should include medical insurance, evacuation assistance, and other trip coverage.
  • If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims.
  • The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

Risks in specific areas

Level 3 - Reconsider Travel

St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town

Reconsider travel to St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town due to risk of crime.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

St. Catherine’s Parish - Central Village, Waterford, March Pen, and Grange Lane

Reconsider travel to St. Catherine’s Parish - Central Village, Waterford, March Pen, and Grange Lane due to risk of crime.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to St. Catherine’s Parish - Central Village, Waterford, March Pen, and Grange Lane without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

Clarendon Parish - York Town and Western Park

Reconsider travel to Clarendon Parish - York Town and Western Park due to risk of crime.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to Clarendon Parish - York Town and Western Park without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Crawford District and New Town

Reconsider travel to St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Crawford District and New Town due to risk of crime.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Crawford District and New Town without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

Hanover Parish - The Green Island Area

Reconsider travel to Hanover Parish - The Green Island Area due to risk of crime.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to Hanover Parish - The Green Island Area without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

St. James Parish - Salt Spring, Flankers, Rose Heights, the Hart Street area, Norwood, and Mount Salem

Reconsider travel to St. James Parish - Salt Spring, Flankers, Rose Heights, the Hart Street area, Norwood, and Mount Salem due to risk of crime.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to St. James Parish - Salt Spring, Flankers, Rose Heights, the Hart Street area, Norwood, and Mount Salem without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish – August Town, Brooke Valley, Mountain View, Nannyville Gardens, Swallowfield area, New Haven, the Sherlock Crescent Area, Denham Town, Parade Gardens, and Greenwich Town

Reconsider travel to Kingston and St. Andrew Parish - August Town, Brooke Valley, Mountain View, Nannyville Gardens, Swallowfield area, New Haven, the Sherlock Crescent Area, Denham Town, Parade Gardens, and Greenwich Town due to risk of crime.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to Kingston and St. Andrew Parish – August Town, Brooke Valley, Mountain View, Nannyville Gardens, Swallowfield area, New Haven, the Sherlock Crescent Area, Denham Town, Parade Gardens, and Greenwich Town without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

Manchester Parish – Old England, New Hall, and Grey Ground

Reconsider travel to Manchester Parish – Old England, New Hall, and Grey Ground due to risk of crime.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to Manchester Parish – Old England, New Hall, and Grey Ground without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

St. Thomas Parish – The Seaforth Area (Blacksmith Lane and Navarre Lane)

Reconsider travel to St. Thomas Parish – The Seaforth Area (Blacksmith Lane and Navarre Lane) due to risk of crime.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to St. Thomas Parish – The Seaforth Area (Blacksmith Lane and Navarre Lane) without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

Westmoreland Parish – Grange Hill and Savanna-la-Mar

Reconsider travel to Westmoreland Parish – Grange Hill and Savanna-la-Mar due to risk of crime.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are not allowed to travel to Westmoreland Parish – Grange Hill and Savanna-la-Mar without prior authorization as crime rates are elevated above national averages and violent incidents occur. While violence is typically targeted in nature, U.S. citizens in Jamaica should reconsider travel.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

  • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, are severe, and can include long prison sentences.
  • Avoid walking or driving at night.
  • Avoid public buses.
  • Avoid remote places.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
  • Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Jamaica.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Jamaica.
  • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
  • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Party to the Hague Abduction Convention?
Yes
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention?
Yes
Learn why the Hague Abduction Convention Matters.

What You Can Do

Learn how to respond to abductions FROM the US
Learn how to respond to abductions TO the US
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Embassy Kingston

142 Old Hope Road
Kingston 6
Jamaica, West Indies
Telephone: +(876) 702-6000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(876) 702-6000
Fax: +(876) 702-6018
Email: 

Consulates

U.S. Consular Agent - Montego Bay
Whitter Village, Ironshore
Unit EU-1 (across from Burger King)
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Telephone: +(876) 953-0620
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica: +(876) 702-6000
Fax: +(876) 953-3898
Appointments are made by phone or email
Email: 

For information concerning travel to Jamaica, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Jamaica.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here.

 

The U.S. Department of State serves as the U.S. Central Authority (USCA) for the Hague Abduction Convention.  In this capacity, the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues facilitates the submission of applications under the Hague Abduction Convention for the return of, or access to, children located in countries that are U.S. treaty partners, including Jamaica.  Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the foreign Central Authority.

Contact information:

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children’s Issues
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20520
Telephone:  1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Fax:  202-485-6221
Website  

Jamaica - Central Authority
Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA)
Address: 48 Duke Street, Kingston
Telephone: +1876-948-2841-2, +1876-922-8857
Fax: +1876-924-9401
E-mail: jacentralauthority@cpfsa.gov.jm
Website: http://childprotection.gov.jm/#banner

To initiate a Hague case for return of, or access to, a child in Jamaica, the USCA encourages parents to review the eligibility criteria and instructions for completing the Hague application form located at the Department of State website and contact the Department of State for assistance prior to initiating the Hague process directly with the foreign Central Authority.  The USCA is available to answer questions about the Hague application process, to forward a completed application to Jamaica, and to subsequently monitor its progress through the foreign administrative and legal processes.  There are no fees for filing Hague applications with either the United States or Jamaican central authorities. 

A parent or legal guardian may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for return to the United States of a child abducted to, or wrongfully retained in, Jamaica.  The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand whether the Convention is an available civil remedy and can provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

A person may file an application under the Hague Abduction Convention for access to a child living in Jamaica.  The criteria for acceptance of a Hague access application vary from country to country.  The U.S. Department of State can assist parents living in the United States to understand country-specific criteria and provide information on the process for submitting a Hague application.

 

Neither the Office of Children’s Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Jamaica are authorized to provide legal advice.

The U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica maintains a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms.  Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

The Jamaica family court system provides government-sponsored mediation at no cost with all matters relating to divorce and child custody.  Mediation services may be available privately through the Dispute Resolution Foundation, for a fee paid for by the parties involved in the dispute. 

DISPUTE RESOLUTION FOUNDATION
Peace Centre & Corporate Head Office
5 Camp Road
Kingston 4 Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 906-2456; 908-3657
Fax: (876) 754-9769
Email: drf@drfja.org

This information is provided as a courtesy and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual or organization.  The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the mediators and/or their organizations.

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent.  Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

  • Endanger your child and others;
  • Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and
  • Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.  

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney. 

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. 

 

Last Updated: April 1, 2019

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Kingston
142 Old Hope Road
Kingston 6
Jamaica, West Indies
Telephone
+(876) 702-6000
Emergency
+(876) 702-6000
Fax
+(876) 702-6018
Email
KingstonACS@state.gov
Website
https://jm.usembassy.gov/

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