Emergency Help Abroad – Jamaica

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Jamaica — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs leads to arrest, fines and possible imprisonment.

• Carrying weapons, including knives or sprays, without lawful reason is prohibited.

• Drink-driving is illegal and strictly enforced.

• Smoking cannabis is only partially decriminalised — tourists can still face penalties.

• Importing illegal substances into the country results in immediate arrest.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Respectful behaviour is expected in churches, cultural sites and local communities.

• Littering in public areas, beaches or parks can lead to fines.

• Public nudity outside designated areas is illegal.

• Vandalism or damaging cultural monuments is a criminal offence.

• Dress modestly when visiting local villages or religious settings.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a copy.

• Crime, including robbery and bag-snatching, can occur in busy or isolated areas.

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially outside resort zones.

• Demonstrations may occur — foreigners should avoid involvement.

• Attempting to bribe officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Use licensed taxis or reputable transfer services — avoid unmarked vehicles.

• Speeding, dangerous driving and ignoring signals are common risks — follow road rules strictly.

• Public transport requires proper fare payment.

• Overstaying your entry period can lead to fines or difficulties departing.

• Only authorised tour operators should be used for excursions.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Avoid photographing police stations, military sites or sensitive buildings.

• Drone usage requires authorisation and may be restricted in resort and airport zones.

• Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in local markets.

• Some cultural or religious areas restrict photography — follow signage.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing shells, sand or coral is prohibited.

• Swimming in unpatrolled areas or strong currents can be dangerous — heed warning flags.

• Lighting fires or barbecues on public beaches may require permission.

• Feeding wildlife or disturbing protected marine areas is illegal.

• Hiking off marked trails may be unsafe and discouraged.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging historical buildings, caves or archaeological sites is a criminal offence.

• Removing fossils, minerals or cultural items is illegal.

• Entering restricted areas in protected parks is prohibited.

• Buying souvenirs made from endangered species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels everyday or familiar in the UK may follow different norms and expectations in Jamaica.

• Don’t wander alone in unfamiliar neighbourhoods, especially at night or far from tourist zones.

• Don’t display valuables openly, including phones or jewellery.

• Don’t swim at beaches where safety flags warn of strong currents, particularly on the north coast.

• Don’t buy or carry illegal drugs, including cannabis, despite its local association — laws remain strict.

• Don’t take unregistered taxis, and use licensed “red plate” cabs or hotel-arranged transport only.

• Don’t leave drinks unattended in bars or nightlife areas, for safety reasons.

• Don’t photograph locals without asking, especially in rural communities.

• Don’t insult or make jokes about Rastafarian culture, which is deeply meaningful.

• Don’t touch coral or stand on reefs, which are protected and fragile.

• Don’t ignore sun protection, as UV levels are strong year-round.

• Don’t participate in aggressive haggling, particularly at craft markets.

• Don’t swim in rivers or waterfalls without checking depth and current, especially after rain.

• Don’t walk on isolated beaches early morning or late evening, where few people are around.

• Don’t carry large amounts of cash, and use safes for valuables.

• Don’t underestimate how quickly weather can change, especially in mountainous regions.

• Don’t buy wildlife products or shells, which harm local ecosystems.

• Don’t disrespect church services, which are important community events.

• Don’t enter private yards or farmland, especially in rural parishes.

• Don’t trust extremely cheap tours, which may lack safety standards.

• Don’t forget insect precautions, as mosquitoes can be active, especially after rain.