General Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

Documentation

Valid passports are required for entry into Jamaica; we recommend passports should be valid at least through January 26, 2025.

As a U.S. citizen visiting Jamaica, you must have a valid passport (Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica). For more information regarding passport requirements, U.S. citizens can visit http://www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

It is recommended that you leave a copy of your passport (a photocopy of the page with your picture, passport number, and personal details) with a relative/friend at home. Carry an extra photocopy with your personal belongings in a separate area from the actual passport, should it be lost. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the consulate in your area for proper documentation.

You must also fill out a Jamaican Immigration Form.
Please complete the form online prior to traveling:
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/article/electronic-c5
Once complete, you will receive a confirmation email from Enter Jamaica. Print out and keep with your passport for travel.

Baggage Tags

Please complete and attach the special Richards bag tags to your baggage before leaving home. This will help to prevent loss and facilitate easy identification as a guest of Richards. These tags should remain attached to your bags throughout your trip. Your travel staff will have an additional supply on-site. It is recommended to include identification inside your baggage should your bags be delayed in transit.

Checked & Carry-on Baggage

Most airlines are now charging for checked baggage. As the regulations for checked and carry-on bags are different for each airline, it is recommended that you check with your airline before departure for current guidelines. Standard checked baggage policies limit the size of bags not to exceed 62 inches (length+ width + height) and not more than 50 pounds. Additional charges will apply to oversize and overweight baggage.

Carry-on baggage allowances also vary by airline. Please refer to your airline’s website for current policies. TSA requires any liquids in carry-on baggage to be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less.

Arrival Information

After clearing Jamaica Immigration and Customs, you will exit the Arrivals Hall where you will find the "meet and greet" area. A representative from Amstar, our destination team, will meet you holding a Richards sign. The Amstar team member will escort you to your transportation to the resort. If you have pre-booked the Club Mobay VIP arrival service, look for an attendant holding a sign with your name when getting off of the plane. They will guide you to the arrival VIP lounge and then to your Amstar representative for your transportation to the resort.

Detailed arrival instructions are included in your travel document packet.

Cell Phones

Please check with your cell phone provider to see if your service plan extends to Jamaica. Please be advised that additional roaming charges may apply.

Check-in at the Hotel

Hyatt Ziva & Zilara Rose Hall accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards. Upon check-in, you will need to present a credit card to establish your in-house account at the hotel for personal or incidental charges. Typically, the hotel will place an advance authorization on the credit card of $300 for the duration of your stay.

Climate & Dress

In January, Montego Bay has an average daytime temperature of 85° F and an average low of 71° F. Recommended dress is casual resort attire anywhere on the property or in town. It is also advisable to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or visor to protect from UV rays.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted throughout Jamaica at most restaurants and stores. It is advisable to communicate with your credit card company that you will be traveling in Jamaica before departing the United States.

Currency

The official Jamaican currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD), which presently has an exchange rate of U.S. $1.00 equals 155 Jamaican dollars. The currency used within the resort is USD, and USD and JMD are accepted island-wide. Foreign exchange rates may vary and change on a daily basis, subject to availability. It is recommended to have a supply of smaller denominations for miscellaneous purchases, taxis, and the occasional tip should you be inclined. When making purchases, verify the exchange rate that the establishment is offering with the salesperson.

Customs

Each person is permitted to bring back to the U.S. $800 in duty-free merchandise (retail prices) purchased in Jamaica. Purchases exceeding $800 per person are subject to U.S. Customs charges. Please be sure to keep all receipts for merchandise purchased during your trip, as you will be required to complete a U.S. Customs Declaration Form upon departure from Jamaica.

Electricity

Local voltage is between 110 and 120 volts AC, the same as in the U.S.

Gratuities

Standard gratuities are included; however, rewarding excellent service from those serving you, such as your waitstaff, is always appreciated.

Hospitality Desk

There will be two Richards Hospitality Desks: one in the Hyatt Zilara lobby and the second in the Hyatt Ziva lobby. Achieve Incentives & Meetings staff will be on hand to assist you with any questions or special needs you may have during your stay. Hospitality Desk hours will be posted.

Internet

Standard Wi-Fi internet is provided in all guest rooms and public areas of the resort.

Medications

If you require prescription medication, it is advisable to bring all you will need in its original container in your carry-on baggage. It is also advisable to pack an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you have a medical condition that requires syringe-administered medications, carry a valid signed prescription from your physician. The TSA no longer allows airline passengers to pack syringes in their carry-on baggage without documented proof of medical need. Unused syringes are permitted when accompanied by injectable medication. You must declare these items to TSA security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.

Medical Marijuana

While medical marijuana is often used in the United States, please understand that transporting medical marijuana on an aircraft is prohibited and is a federal offense. Marijuana is still illegal in Jamaica in certain quantities and is not allowed on the resort property in ANY quantity. Based on these guidelines, the resort will not be able to facilitate medical marijuana on property.

Smoking

Guest rooms at Hyatt Ziva & Zilara Rose Hall are non-smoking. The penalty for smoking in the rooms is $250.00 and will be charged to your personal account. However, smoking is permitted in designated areas outside only around the property.

Time Zone

The area of Jamaica stays on Eastern Standard Time throughout the year and does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

Example:
Montego Bay 10:00 am
New York City 10:00 am
Chicago 9:00 am
Denver 8:00 am
Los Angeles 7:00 am

Valuables

We strongly urge you to leave your valuables safe at home. If you do bring expensive jewelry, watches, and other such belongings, be sure to lock them in the safe in your room or a Safety Deposit Box at the Reception Desk.

Water

It is not recommended to drink faucet/tap water in Jamaica. The resort will always provide filtered and bottled water for your consumption. Water and ice cubes served at all resort venues are always filtered and safe to drink. If you are in a small restaurant outside of the hotel, avoid ice, salads, and drink bottled water.