This page gives you the basics to arrive with less stress. You will see what documents you need, how to choose your airport, what to expect at immigration and customs, and what to do first after you land. Everything is written in plain language so you can move quickly.
Bring a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, and proof of where you will stay. Some travelers need a visa based on nationality and length of stay. Check the official guidance for your country before you buy tickets. Your passport should be valid for the full trip. Keep your airline itinerary and hotel or host details handy for the border officer.
If you travel with medication, carry it in the original container and bring a simple doctor’s note if possible. Keep receipts for electronics or high value items you plan to take back home. This helps if a customs officer asks questions on return.
Most visitors fly into Montego Bay (MBJ) or Kingston (KIN). Choose Montego Bay if you plan to stay in the north or west, including Negril, Ocho Rios, and the north coast. Choose Kingston if you plan to spend time in the capital, the Blue Mountains, Port Antonio, or the southeast. You can connect between both sides by private transfer or coach service if your plans change.
When comparing flights, look at total travel time, layovers, and arrival time. Arriving in daylight can make ground transfer easier, especially if you are new to the island or picking up a rental car.
Search from your closest major airport and compare nearby airports if the price is high. Check both nonstops and one-stop routes. Prices move with school holidays and long weekends. If your dates are flexible, run a month view to spot cheaper days. Book the fare class that matches your baggage needs to avoid extra fees at the airport.
If you travel as a family or group, split the search into smaller groups to find more seats at the lowest fare, then book the same flight for the rest. Add your frequent flyer number to earn miles or points.
When you land, follow the signs to immigration. Keep your passport, return ticket, and stay details ready. After the officer clears you, collect your bag from the carousel and proceed to customs. Answer questions clearly and keep receipts for goods you plan to declare. Once outside, you will find ATMs, SIM card desks, and transport options. Confirm the price of any taxi before you get in. Use licensed airport taxis or prebooked transfers only.
The local currency is the Jamaican dollar. You can pay by card in many places, but small shops and rural spots may be cash only. Use an ATM inside the airport or a bank branch. If you need mobile data, buy a local SIM or eSIM. Keep a printed or offline copy of your hotel address and contact in case your phone battery dies or data is not active yet.
For the north coast, prebook a shared shuttle or private transfer from Montego Bay. For Kingston and the southeast, use a licensed airport taxi, a prebooked driver, or a rental car. If you plan intercity travel, look at the coach service that runs between Kingston, Montego Bay, and other towns. Always confirm pickup location, price, and payment method before you leave the terminal.
Driving is on the left. Rent from a known company and record the car’s condition with quick photos before you drive off. Add the driver who will actually drive. Use a simple route plan for the first day and avoid long night drives if you are tired from a flight. Save emergency contacts and roadside numbers in your phone.
Rules change over time, so check the official customs page for current allowances. Pack food in sealed, labeled containers. Do not carry prohibited items. If you are unsure, declare the item and ask the officer for guidance. Keep receipts for high value items and gifts. This saves time during screening.
Peak arrival times can mean longer lines. If you can, choose a flight that arrives earlier in the day or later in the evening when lines may be shorter. Give yourself extra time if you have a tight connection to an island hop or a same day tour.
If your flight is delayed or canceled, contact your airline through the app or website first. Ask for meal and hotel vouchers if you are stranded overnight. Keep all receipts for insurance claims. Message your hotel or host to update your arrival time and keep your transfer company in the loop if one is booked.
Now that you know how to get here, read our where to stay guide, our notes on getting around, and our picks for the best time to visit. For ideas on what to do, see the beaches and attractions page.