Travel alerts & warnings
Jamaica driving guide.
Driving in Jamaica gives you access to beaches, waterfalls and mountain scenery beyond the resort areas. Main highways are generally straightforward, but rural roads can be narrow, winding and potholed, with pedestrians, animals and limited lighting.
- Advisory
- Increased caution
- Drives on
- Left
- Best season
- December to April…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased cautionin Jamaica due to crime and health risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
- 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.
Driving there
Your permit in Jamaica
- Jamaica honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Jamaica
Road rules and local hazards
Wear seat belts in every seating position and do not use a handheld phone while driving. Expect sudden stops by minibuses and taxis; avoid rural driving after dark because of potholes, pedestrians and unlit vehicles.
Speed limits
Common limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h on other roads; some toll-highway sections permit up to 110 km/h. Posted signs take precedence, and mountain roads often require much lower speeds.
Toll highways
The North–South Highway between the Kingston area and the north coast, plus sections of the East–West Highway, charge tolls. Carry Jamaican-dollar cash and use a staffed lane unless your rental has an activated electronic toll tag; confirm any rental-company toll charges beforehand.
Fuel stops
Fuel is sold by the litre in Jamaican dollars, and many stations have attendants. Confirm your rental's fuel type, check that the pump starts at zero and fill up before mountain or remote coastal drives; carry cash in case card payment is unavailable.
Rental documents and police checks
Carry your original driving licence, International Driving Permit, passport and rental agreement; the IDP does not replace your licence. Ask the rental company to identify the vehicle's insurance and registration documents. At police checkpoints, stop as directed and present requested documents; request an official ticket for any alleged offence rather than making an informal roadside payment.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Jamaica
Dunn’s River Falls
St. Ann, near Ocho Rios · About 10–15 minutes west of central Ocho Rios.
Terraced waterfalls flowing toward the sea, with guided climbs and viewing areas.
Blue Hole
St. Mary, near Ocho Rios · About 25–35 minutes southeast of central Ocho Rios.
Freshwater pools and small waterfalls in a lush inland setting; the final approach is narrow.
Holywell Recreation Area
Blue and John Crow Mountains · About 1.5–2 hours from central Kingston via Irish Town.
Cool mountain air, forest trails and picnic spots; approach slowly on steep, winding roads.
Seven Mile Beach
Negril, western Jamaica · About 1.5–2 hours west of Montego Bay.
A long sandy beachfront with swimming, restaurants and sunset views; use designated parking at an established beach-access point.
Martha Brae River
Trelawny, near Falmouth · About 40–50 minutes east of Montego Bay.
Guided bamboo-raft trips through a quiet, tree-lined river landscape.
Frenchman’s Cove
Portland, near Port Antonio · About 15–20 minutes east of central Port Antonio.
A sheltered beach where a freshwater stream meets the sea, reached along the scenic eastern coastal road.
Heading to Jamaica?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.