Public Services

The American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassy - Kingston, Jamaica, provides information and assistance in many areas important to U.S. Citizens.  Many of these services are listed below.  However, please note that consular officers cannot act as travel agents, banks, lawyers, investigators, tax advisors or law enforcement officers.  Please do not expect them to find you employment, get you resident or driving permits, act as interpreters, search for missing luggage or settle disputes with hotel managers.  They can, however, tell you how to get help on these and other matters.  Please read the following for additional information. 

Public Services

Registration: American citizens living in or visiting Jamaica are encouraged to register with the Consular Section as soon as possible after arrival in Jamaica.  You can register on-line by clicking on https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ to let us know you're here.

Emergency Help:  Click on Help in an Emergency for more information about how U.S. Embassy personnel can assist American citizens living in or visiting Jamaica with emergency situations.

Medical Help:  Click on Assistance in Finding Medical Help for more information

Arrests:  Click on Assistance in the Event you are Arrested for more information

Crimes:  Click on If you are a Victim of Crime for more information

Financial Assistance:  Click on Assistance in Getting Funds for more information

Legal Help:  Click on Assistance in Finding an Attorney for more information

Passport Replacement/Renewal:  Click on preceding link for more information

Reporting Death Abroad: Click on preceding link for more information

Reporting Birth Abroad:  When an American is born abroad, the American Citizen Services (ACS) section of the consulate can issue a "Consular Report of Birth Abroad."  This document is recognized by U.S. law as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship and is acceptable evidence of citizenship for obtaining a passport, entering school and most other purposes.  As soon after the child is born, please contact your local consulate for more information.  Also, http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/living/residing/residing_1235.html provides helpful information.

Voting Assistance:  Whether American citizens living overseas want to vote in Presidential, Congressional or state and local races, American Citizen Services staff members can assist with voter registration and absentee voting procedures. Click on the Voting Assistance link to the left for more details.  The Federal Voting Assistance Program at www.fvap.gov provides additional insight on how to vote overseas.

Federal Benefits Unit:  Click on preceding link for more information

Notarial Services:  These include acknowledgements, authentications, affidavits and powers of attorney, which can all be executed for a fee.  Come to the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston or visit our Consular Agencies in Montego Bay and the Cayman Islands for assistance.

Tax Preparation:  Go to www.irs.gov for additional information about federal tax preparation overseas (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/index.html), and www.taxadmin.org to get tax forms for each individual state.

Selective Service Registration:  Personnel in the ACS section can assist U.S. citizens living overseas in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands with Selective Service registration.  Call the ACS section during normal business hours or go to www.sss.gov for more information.

Jamaica Hotel List:  Click on preceding link for information. Please note that the hotel list is a resource only - the Embassy assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided at the hotels listed.

Marriage:  Want to get married in Jamaica? Click http://www.emjamusa.org/visitors.htm and scroll down that web page for all pertinent information.

For more in-depth information on the services provided, visit http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/living/residing/residing_1235.html, which gives helpful advice on a myriad of issues affecting U.S. citizens living abroad.