my boyfriend has just booked a surprise trip for me to jamaica. the problem is that i have lost my passport. we are going in three weeks. do i need to get an expedited passport ($250.00), or will my birth certificate and i.d. be enough?

TCaribbean nations are still pressuring the US to delay their passport-only ruling to take place as of 31 Dec 2006.
Tho you'll want to get a passport, why
pay for expediting for this trip in 3 weeks. All you need is:

1) Valid U.S. driver's license or other government-issued photo ID (like a military id or non-driver photo id issued by your state motor vehicle department office).
PLUS
2) Original or clear, legible copy of
birth certificate with REQUIRED blindstamp/raised seal.

If you've travelled to FAR EAST or AFRICA within the past year, Jamaica now also requires/enforces the need to also bring a 'certificate of good health' -- a simple statement in English, ink-signed by a doc on his/her/hospital/clinic letterhead, attesting to your A-OK health status.

Enjoy the island.

You don't mention your nationality. The issue is not just about getting into Jamaica but getting back into your country.

If you're American, you're fine without a passport for now. You'll need your certified birth certificate and a govt-issued picture i.d.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1147.html

Starting December 31 2006, as an American you will need your passport to re-enter the U.S. from the Caribbean.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Enjoy your trip.

thank you for your responses! i'm a u.s. citizen (sorry for not mentioning that). i have read the gov. website info on this. i just wanted to hear it from someone who has actually been there without a passport and be sure there was no problem. i went to mexico a couple of years ago without my passport and was hassled a bit at the dallas airport-not coming back, but leaving. i just didn't want that problem again. thanks again for your responses.

Got back 3 weeks ago with birth certificates only and were fine.