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Travel Advisory July 25, 2024

Jamaica - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated to reflect additional information on crime and health care.

Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to  crime . Exercise increased caution regarding medical services. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Country Summary: Violent crime occurs throughout Jamaica. Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common. 

The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts. U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence. 

U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care available in Jamaica as is available in the United States. This includes generally lower levels of emergency service response times or routine care for illness or injury. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs or always readily available, especially in rural areas. U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication as common medications such as insulin can be difficult to obtain.

We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling.  The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Air ambulance service to the United States can range from $30,000-50,000. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Jamaica.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

  • Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.
  • Avoid walking or driving at night.
  • Avoid public buses.
  • Avoid secluded places or situations.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  at www.step.state.gov to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and X/Twitter . 
  • Review the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Jamaica.
  • Make a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information related to your travel.

U.S. embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling to certain areas of Jamaica due to crime. Additionally, U.S. embassy personnel are prohibited from using public buses and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night. The off-limits zones for U.S. embassy personnel within each parish are listed below . 

Off-limits locations for U.S. embassy personnel throughout Jamaica – Level 4: Do Not Travel

St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios

St. Catherine’s Parish - Spanish Town, Central Village, areas within Portmore, including: Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford

Clarendon Parish - all of Clarendon Parish, except passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Vineyard District Community, between the communities of Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna, St. Elizabeth

Hanover Parish - Logwood and Orange Bay

St. James Parish/Montego Bay - Inland side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish - Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August Town, and downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens. 

Manchester Parish - Green Vale, Gray Ground, Red Ground, and Vineyard neighborhoods of Mandeville

St. Thomas Parish - Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth, Grands Penn, Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs, Town of Yallahs, except when driving through on the main highway.

Trelawny Parish - Clarks Town

Westmoreland Parish - Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (The Southeastern quadrant of Savannah la Mar east of Darling Street and south of the A2 highway/Barracks Road), Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril

If you do decide to travel to the above-listed Do Not Travel areas, please visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

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U.s. embassy kingston.

142 Old Hope Road Kingston 6 Jamaica, West Indies Telephone: +(876) 702-6000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(876) 702-6000 Fax: +(876) 702-6018 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agent - Montego Bay Whitter Village, Ironshore Unit EU-1 (across from Burger King) Montego Bay, Jamaica Telephone: +(876) 953-0620 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica: +(876) 702-6000 Fax: +(876) 953-3898 Appointments are made by phone or email Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Jamaica for information on U.S.-Jamaica relations. 

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Jamaica, as well as proof of anticipated departure from Jamaica. If you are traveling to Jamaica on a cruise, you may use another  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  (WHTI) compliant document. However, we strongly recommend you obtain a passport before travel in case an emergency requires you to disembark and return by air. You do not need a visa for tourist travel up to 90 days. All other travelers will need a visa and/or work permit.

Visit the  Passport, Immigration, & Citizenship Agency of Jamaica  or the  Embassy of Jamaica in Washington D.C.  websites for the most current visa information.

Exit Information: Your departure tax is regularly included in the airfare. You won’t be charged an exit tax on your way out.

HIV/AIDS restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Jamaica.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Crime:  Violent crime, including sexual assault, is a serious problem throughout Jamaica, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay. Jamaica’s police force often does not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities. Gated resorts are not immune to violent crime.

Recommendations:

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Review the  Crime and Safety Report  for Jamaica.
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Jamaica. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.  Common scams include:

  • Romance/Online dating
  • Money transfers

The most notorious Jamaican scam is the Lotto Scam, a kind of advance-fee fraud. The victim is led to believe that a Jamaican lottery prize will be released after the payment of “fees.”

  • You did NOT win a lottery. The person on the telephone is lying. Just hang up.
  • Never send money to someone who calls to say you have won the lottery in Jamaica.
  • Do not travel to Jamaica to collect a “prize.” Victims have been killed, kidnapped, extorted, or robbed.
  • Be very cautious about sending money to help a traveler claiming to be in trouble. When in doubt, contact your local police department for advice and assistance.
  • Be wary of promises to protect a loved one from harm or to help the loved one out of trouble, in exchange for money. That is extortion – contact your local police department.
  • Scam artists often fake romantic interest to get money from a would-be lover, especially on the internet. When in doubt, contact your local police department.
  • If you are being targeted for financial scams, you will need to file a report with your local police department.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 119 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +1 (876) 702-6000.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

Sexual Assault:   Rape and sexual assault are serious problems throughout Jamaica, including at resorts and hotels. Date rape drugs may be used at private parties and resorts.

If you are victim of a sexual assault, contact the police and the U.S. Embassy in Kingston as soon as possible. In a hotel, management should assist you with these communications.

Victims of sexual assault in Jamaica should not expect the same assistance routinely offered in the United States. Rape kits are not always available, and victims must often ask for medication to avoid STD transmission and reduce the chances of pregnancy. Counseling is unlikely to be offered. Law enforcement shortcomings exist in collection of evidence. Prosecution of rape cases moves very slowly, and victims may need to return to Jamaica during the legal process.

  • Avoid secluded places or situations, including at resorts. Try to always be accompanied by someone you know, including when going to the restroom.
  • Security outside of resort areas is unpredictable, especially at night. Do not leave resort property with someone you have just met.
  • Many guests drink heavily in all-inclusive resorts, which can lead to unpredictable behavior and increased vulnerability. 
  • Shout for help immediately if you feel threatened or encounter individuals who make you feel uncomfortable. 
  • Report any suspicious or inappropriate activity, including inappropriate comments or behavior by hotel employees or other guests, to hotel management, the U.S. Embassy, and local police as appropriate.R esort employees are generally prohibited from engaging in romantic or sexual relations with guests.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

  • Help you find appropriate medical care
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
  • Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation   and following its conclusion
  • Provide a list of local attorneys
  • Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
  • Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
  • Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.  

Futhermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Firearms:  Jamaica strictly forbids importing or possessing firearms in Jamaica without prior authorization of the Firearms Licensing Authority of Jamaica. A U.S. concealed carry permit does  not  allow you to bring a firearm or ammunition into Jamaica. On November 1, 2022, the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act 2022 went into effect.  This new law includes mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years for possession of even a single cartridge.

If you bring an unauthorized firearm, firearm components, firearm parts, or ammunition to Jamaica, you will be arrested and prosecuted. This will result in a large fine and/or incarceration for an unspecified amount of time. Bringing mace, pepper spray, or knives into Jamaica without authorization will also lead to arrest.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report   – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report   – see country reports
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Jamaican law contains specific prohibitions on “acts of gross indecency” – generally interpreted as any kind of physical intimacy – between persons of the same sex, in public or in private, and provides punishment of up to 10 years in prison. There is also a law that specifically prohibits even consensual same-sex sexual conduct between men.

Negative attitudes towards LGBTQI+ issues are widespread in Jamaica. There are continued reports of serious discrimination and abuse against LGBTQI+ individuals, including:

  • “Corrective rape” of women accused of being lesbians
  • Arbitrary detention
  • Mob attacks
  • Harassment of LGBTQI+ patients by hospital and prison staff
  • Blackmail 

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals have been targeted through the use of dating apps, especially apps popular within the LGBTQI+ communities.  Criminals have used dating apps to lure foreign visitors into meeting in public spaces such as hotel restaurants and bars, and then later assaulting, threatening , and or robbing the victims. Police have not been responsive in making arrests or prosecuting assailants in these cases.

  • Protect your identity and be careful about sharing personal information on your public profile.
  • Remember that criminals both in the United States and abroad use dating apps to extort victims through threats to expose compromising pictures or other information.  Only share personal information with users who you trust, and be aware of phishing and romance scams.
  • Don’t rush into things; try to verify through social media or mutual friends that the person you are communicating with is who they say they are.  Make sure you have a photo and name of the person you plan to meet through an app.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Jamaica prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, although the law is not reliably enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities and information. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. There is a significant difference in accessibility between major cities such as Kingston and Montego Bay compared to accessibility in Jamaica’s smaller communities. Qualified and certified service providers such as sign language interpreters and personal assistants and rental, repair services, and replacement parts for aids, equipment, and devices can be difficult to locate outside of the major cities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Jamaica, dial 119 .

Ambulance services are:

  • not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
  • not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas, especially in rural areas.
  • not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
  • not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.
  • Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.
  • Traffic congestion and road conditions may slow response times.

We do not pay medical bills.   Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the Government of Jamaica to ensure the medication is legal in Jamaica.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals here .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

  • Health facilities may be below U.S. standards, especially when it comes to mental health care and specialty care.
  • Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
  • Private hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” prior to service or admission.
  • Be aware that some hotels and resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers, which may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.
  • Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards
  • Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
  • Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions

The following diseases are prevalent:

  • Chikungunya
  • Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.  Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Jamaica. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road. Here are some notes for your safety:

  • Nighttime driving is extremely hazardous due to poor lighting and unpredictable pavement.
  • Heavy rains can make roads impassable and dangerous.
  • Many roads suffer from ill repair, inadequate signage, large potholes and poor traffic markings. There is a lack of pedestrian crosswalks.
  • Pedestrians and animals share the roadways with vehicles.
  • There have been reports of carjackings, including of rental cars.
  • Only two highways are roughly comparable to U.S. standards. Both are toll roads and part of Highway 2000. The East-West leg (“T1”) runs from Portmore to May Pen. The North-South leg (“T3” or the Edward Seaga Highway) connects Caymanas (west of Kingston) to Ocho Rios (Mammee Bay).
  • Driving habits range from aggressive speeding and sudden stops by taxis in the middle of the road to over-polite drivers who suddenly stop to allow a car to pull in front of them. All can lead to accidents.
  • Official emergency response can be slow. In practice, assistance given in emergency situations is generally by fellow motorists.

Traffic Laws:

  • Traffic circles (“roundabouts”) are often poorly marked and require traffic to move in a clockwise direction. Motorists entering a roundabout must yield to those already in it. 
  • Drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts.
  • Motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets.

Public Transportation:

  • Official public transportation vehicles have red license plates. 
  • Private vehicles, NOT licensed for public transportation, have white license plates with blue letters/numbers.
  • Avoid public buses, which are often overcrowded and frequently a venue for crime. There are reports of private buses, acting as public transport, driving erratically leading to injury and death for both riders and pedestrians. You should only use licensed taxicabs having red-and-white PP license plates or transportation services recommended by your hotel.
  • Do not accept rides from strangers.

See our  Road Safety  page and the website of Jamaica’s  national tourist office  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Jamaica’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of air carrier operations in Jamaica. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Jamaica should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Jamaica . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Get Vaccinated Before You Travel

What to know.

It’s important to plan ahead to get the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit.

Before you travel

Protect your child and family when traveling in the United States or abroad by:

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  • Getting the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit during your trip
  • Making sure you and your family are up-to-date on all routine U.S. vaccines
  • Staying informed about travel notices and alerts and how they can affect your family's travel plans

Avoid getting sick or coming back home and spreading the disease to others.

Vaccinate at least a month before you travel

See your doctor when you start to plan your trip abroad. It's important to do this well in advance.

  • Your body needs time to build up immunity.
  • You may need several weeks to get all the doses of the vaccine.
  • Your primary doctor may not stock travel vaccines. Visit a travel medical clinic .
  • You'll need time to prepare for your pre-travel appointment .
  • If the country you visit requires a yellow fever vaccine , only a limited number of clinics have the vaccine and will probably be some distance from where you live. You must get it at least 10 days before travel.

Find out which vaccines are recommended or required for the countries you plan to visit .

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Last-minute travelers.

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Traveling to Jamaica is set to get a whole lot easier

Sasha Brady

Apr 14, 2022 • 2 min read

Negril, Jamaica

Jamaica has dropped its COVID-19 entry rules ©Getty Images

Trips to Jamaica are set to get a whole lot easier as the government moves to scrap COVID-19 tests for visitors entering the country.

Effective this weekend (April 16), travelers will no longer need to take a PCR or antigen test to visit Jamaica. The nationwide mask mandate will also be removed.

"Eliminating mask mandates and the need for travelers to present a negative COVID test result are important strides toward our continued gradual relaxation of travel protocols as the spread of COVID-19 keeps declining," said Edmund Bartlett, the Minister of Tourism.

Jamaica was one of the first Caribbean destinations to welcome tourists back last year, but it did so by restricting them to certain areas. The tourism board opened what's known as the " resilient corridor " which were essentially low-risk, quasi-quarantine zones that stretched from Negril to Port Antonio in the east, and from Negril to the south of Jamaica.

But as cases declined and vaccination rates increased, those zones were abolished in March, meaning that people who arrive in Jamaica are now free to travel wherever they like.

In addition, people no longer need to present their vaccination status or obtain a obtain a Travel Authorization to enter the island.

With the testing rule being scrapped this weekend, travel to Jamaica is essentially COVID-restriction free. Though some health and safety measures remain in place on the ground including the requirement to wash or sanitize your hands when entering locations open to the public. People also need to isolate if they contract the virus on their trip.

The tourism board is also encouraging visitors to continue to exercise caution and observe best practices for health and safety when out and about.

Most businesses are open, including restaurants, museums, cafes, bars and hotels. As cases continue to decline, the country remains at the lowest travel risk for COVID, according to the CDC who classify the Caribbean island as Level 1 (low).

You might also like: Top 15 beaches in Jamaica The best 6 parks in Jamaica Caribbean destinations this winter: a guide to finding your idea of paradise

This article was first published Nov 18, 2021 and updated Apr 14, 2022.

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Explore The Island Guide

Subscribe to e-newsletter, book your trip, entry requirements, good to know.

Entry requirements differ for travellers depending on your country of citizenship and/or residency.

U.S. Citizens traveling to and from Jamaica must present a valid passport when leaving and or re-entering the United States.  Residents must present their Alien Resident Card (Green Card) together with passport of country for which they hold citizenship.

Canadian Citizens: Valid passport or a government-issued identification with photograph, along with an official birth certificate. Canadian residents must present a Canadian Permanent Resident Card and a passport showing country of citizenship.

All visitors are required to travel with a return ticket or onward ticket for entry into Jamaica.

For more information on the specific documents needed to travel to Jamaica visit the Travel Documents  page on the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency's website  Visitors traveling via airlines can also go to  www.iatatravelcentre.com  to review travel document requirements.

Unconditional Landing: Unconditional Landing is a facility offered to foreign nationals to stay in Jamaica. The Unconditional Landing is a type of extended stay which allows persons who are Jamaican by birth, by descent, or naturalization to work and attend school in Jamaica. This stay is also offered to CARICOM Nationals. Applications can be submitted to the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency with the requisite documentation.

Travel Requiring Visas The Jamaican Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates are happy to assist travelers to Jamaica for business and leisure purposes. You may connect with the nearest office, from the links below, to apply for your travel documents for Jamaica. 

Jamaica Embassies and High Commissions

Consulates and Consulates-General

Online Passenger Declaration (C5) Form

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The Caribbean Islands Travel Requirements & Vaccinations

The Caribbean is a region located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and north of South America that is comprised of more than 700 islands in the Caribbean Sea. Some of the more commonly known destinations in the region include Aruba, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and Antigua. Spanish, English and French are the predominant languages spoken throughout the region.

The geography of the different islands varies greatly – some regions are relatively flat while others are mountainous or volcanic. Most have picturesque coastlines that may feature islets, coral reefs, cays and seagrass meadows in the shallow waters bordering the islands. Climates are generally tropical in the region but can vary from tropical rainforest in some areas to tropical savanna in others.

Tourist attractions in the Caribbean will differ based on the island you are visiting but most destinations will feature:

  • Diverse fish and wildlife populations
  • Expansive, sandy beaches
  • Cultural events and carnivals

Recommended Vaccines When Traveling to the Caribbean

  • Hepatitis A

Travelers may also be advised to ensure they have received the routine vaccinations listed below. Some adults may need to receive a booster for some of these diseases:

  • Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
  • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)

Older adults or those with certain medical conditions may also want to ask about being vaccinated for shingles and/or pneumonia.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a travel medicine professional. Not all of the vaccines listed here will be necessary for every individual.

Talk to the experts at UH Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health to determine how each member of your family can obtain maximum protection against illness, disease and injury while traveling, based on age, health, medical history and travel itinerary.

Jamaica Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Jamaica

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Recommended in enclosed environments.

Documents & Additional resources

Ready to travel, find flights to jamaica, find stays in jamaica, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Jamaica from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Jamaica.

Can I travel to Jamaica if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Jamaica without restrictions.

Can I travel to Jamaica without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Jamaica without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Jamaica?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Jamaica.

Can I travel to Jamaica without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Jamaica?

Mask usage in Jamaica is recommended in enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Jamaica?

Restaurants in Jamaica are open. Bars in Jamaica are .

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  • Passports, travel and living abroad
  • Travel abroad
  • Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Jamaica set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Jamaican High Commission in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Jamaica.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Jamaica, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. You must have 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to visit Jamaica. You will usually be granted entry for up to 90 days. The date you must leave Jamaica is stamped on your passport.

If you want to extend your stay, apply to the  Jamaican Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency . If you overstay without authority, you could be fined or arrested.

Airport tax

Arrival and departure taxes are usually included in the cost of your ticket. If unsure check with your carrier who will be able to advise you.

Vaccination requirements

You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk .

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Jamaica guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Jamaica . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You must make a customs declaration before entering Jamaica. You should complete the Immigration and Custom Form C5 online where possible before you arrive.

Taking food into Jamaica

It is illegal to bring meat and dairy products into Jamaica. Customs officials may search your baggage and will destroy banned foodstuffs.

Taking money into Jamaica

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more. You must declare this on your C5 form. You will also have to complete the Financial Investigation Division Cross Border Form which will be provided by a customs officer. You will need to provide:

  • proof of the source of money
  • the intended use of the funds

If you do not declare money as required, it is a breach of the Jamaican Customs Act. Your money could be seized and you could get a fine.

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CDC warns travelers to South America, Caribbean of risks from fever-causing virus

Tourists walk along the paths of the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru in September 2023. Peru and several other South American countries, along with areas of the Caribbean, are seeing more of the Oropouche virus, the CDC warns.

Tourists walk along the paths of the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru in September 2023. Peru and several other South American countries, along with areas of the Caribbean, are seeing more of the Oropouche virus, the CDC warns. (Colleen Thomas/TNS)

(Tribune News Service) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health alert on Friday warning of the increased risk of the Oropouche virus to travelers in the Americas, particularly those visiting the Amazon basin and areas in South America and the Caribbean where the disease has newly been spotted.

Endemic in the Amazon, Oropouche is a virus spread by the bite of small flies and mosquitoes that can cause fevers, headaches and other ailments.

The disease has recently been identified in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba, including in areas that have never before seen it. Between January and August, more than 8,000 cases have been reported, according to the CDC, including two deaths. There were also five cases where the virus was transmitted from mother to fetus where fetal death or congenital abnormalities were reported.

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization and its regional office, the Pan American Health Organization, urged countries throughout the Americas to ramp up surveillance of the overlooked and underdiagnosed disease. That’s a difficult task, as Oropouche is often confused with another virus that’s having a record-breaking year in the Americas: dengue.

Oropouche and dengue both cause high fever, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and headaches, and the best way to distinguish between the two is through diagnostic tools. Oropouche causes symptoms in about 6 in 10 people it infects, and there are no specific vaccines or treatments for the disease.

It’s still not well understood what puts some people at risk of more severe health complications, the CDC said. Health authorities around the world are currently investigating the risk it poses to pregnant people.

This year, U.S. and European travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil have contracted Oropouche. Now, the U.S. public health agency is advising that travelers who have symptoms consistent with the disease be evaluated and get tested for the virus.

The CDC warned that measures are needed to prevent potential importation of the virus to the U.S., where there’s no current evidence of local transmission.

©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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  • Section 2 - Interactions Between Travel Vaccines & Drugs
  • Section 2 - Travelers’ Diarrhea

Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria Prevention Information, by Country

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Mark Gershman, Rhett Stoney (Yellow Fever) Holly Biggs, Kathrine Tan (Malaria)

The following pages present country-specific information on yellow fever (YF) vaccine requirements and recommendations, and malaria transmission information and prevention recommendations. Country-specific maps are included to aid in interpreting the information. The information in this chapter was accurate at the time of publication; however, it is subject to change at any time due to changes in disease transmission or, in the case of YF, changing entry requirements for travelers. Updated information reflecting changes since publication can be found in the online version of this book and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health website. Recommendations for prevention of other travel-associated illnesses can also be found on the CDC Travelers’ Health website .

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Entry requirements.

Entry requirements for proof of YF vaccination under the International Health Regulations (IHR) differ from CDC’s YF vaccination recommendations. Under the IHR, countries are permitted to establish YF vaccine entry requirements to prevent the importation and transmission of YF virus within their boundaries. Certain countries require proof of vaccination from travelers arriving from all countries ( Table 5-25 ); some countries require proof of vaccination only for travelers above a certain age coming from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines areas with risk for YF virus transmission as countries or areas where YF virus activity has been reported currently or in the past, and where vectors and animal reservoirs exist.

Unless issued a medical waiver by a yellow fever vaccine provider, travelers must comply with entry requirements for proof of vaccination against YF.

WHO publishes a list of YF vaccine country entry requirements and recommendations for international travelers approximately annually. But because entry requirements are subject to change at any time, health care professionals and travelers should refer to the online version of this book and the CDC Travelers’ Health website for any updates before departure.

CDC Recommendations

CDC’s YF vaccine recommendations are guidance intended to protect travelers from acquiring YF virus infections during international travel. These recommendations are based on a classification system for destination-specific risk for YF virus transmission: endemic, transitional, low potential for exposure, and no risk ( Table 2-08 ). CDC recommends YF vaccination for travel to areas classified as having endemic or transitional risk (Maps 5-10 and 5-11 ). Because of changes in YF virus circulation, however, recommendations can change; therefore, before departure, travelers and clinicians should check CDC’s destination pages for up-to-date YF vaccine information.

Duration of Protection

In 2015, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices published a recommendation that 1 dose of YF vaccine provides long-lasting protection and is adequate for most travelers. The recommendation also identifies specific groups of travelers who should receive additional doses, and others for whom additional doses should be considered (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 26, Yellow Fever ). In July 2016, WHO officially amended the IHR to stipulate that a completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis is valid for the lifetime of the vaccinee, and YF vaccine booster doses are not necessary. Moreover, countries cannot require proof of revaccination (booster) against YF as a condition of entry, even if the traveler’s last vaccination was >10 years ago.

Ultimately, when deciding whether to vaccinate travelers, clinicians should take into account destination-specific risks for YF virus infection, and individual risk factors (e.g., age, immune status) for serious YF vaccine–associated adverse events, in the context of the entry requirements. See Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 26, Yellow Fever , for a full discussion of YF disease and vaccination guidance.

Table 2-08 Yellow fever (YF) vaccine recommendation categories 1

Malaria prevention.

The following recommendations to protect travelers from malaria were developed using the best available data from multiple sources. Countries are not required to submit malaria surveillance data to CDC. On an ongoing basis, CDC actively solicits data from multiple sources, including WHO (main and regional offices); national malaria control programs; international organizations; CDC overseas offices; US military; academic, research, and aid organizations; and the published scientific literature. The reliability and accuracy of those data are also assessed.

If the information is available, trends in malaria incidence and other data are considered in the context of malaria control activities within a given country or other mitigating factors (e.g., natural disasters, wars, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic) that can affect the ability to control malaria or accurately count and report it. Factors such as the volume of travel to that country and the number of acquired cases reported in the US surveillance system are also examined. In developing its recommendations, CDC considers areas within countries where malaria transmission occurs, substantial occurrences of antimalarial drug resistance, the proportions of species present, and the available malaria prophylaxis options.

Clinicians should use these recommendations in conjunction with an individual risk assessment and consider not only the destination but also the detailed itinerary, including specific cities, types of accommodations, season, and style of travel, as well as special health conditions (e.g., pregnancy). Several medications are available for malaria prophylaxis. When deciding which drug to use, consider the itinerary and length of trip, travelers’ previous adverse reactions to antimalarials, drug allergies, medical history, and drug costs. For a thorough discussion of malaria and guidance for prophylaxis, see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 16, Malaria .

Entry requirements : Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

CDC recommendations : Not recommended

No malaria transmission

Other Vaccines to Consider

See Health Information for Travelers to Jamaica .

1 Current as of November 2022. This is an update of the 2010 map created by the Informal WHO Working Group on the Geographic Risk of Yellow Fever.

2 Refers to Plasmodium falciparum malaria, unless otherwise noted.

3 Tafenoquine can cause potentially life-threatening hemolysis in people with glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Rule out G6PD deficiency with a quantitative laboratory test before prescribing tafenoquine to patients.

4 Mosquito avoidance includes applying topical mosquito repellant, sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net, and wearing protective clothing (e.g., long pants and socks, long-sleeve shirt). For additional details on insect bite precautions, see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods.

5 Primaquine can cause potentially life-threatening hemolysis in people with G6PD deficiency. Rule out G6PD deficiency with a quantitative laboratory test before prescribing primaquine to patients.

6 P. knowlesi is a malaria species with a simian (macaque) host. Human cases have been reported from most countries in Southwest Asia and are associated with activities in forest or forest-fringe areas. P. knowlesi has no known resistance to antimalarials.

Yellow Fever Maps

2 In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded its YF vaccination recommendations for travelers going to Brazil because of a large YF outbreak in multiple states in that country. Please refer to the CDC  Travelers’ Health website for more information and updated recommendations.

3 YF vaccination is generally not recommended for travel to areas where the potential for YF virus exposure is low. Vaccination might be considered, however, for a small subset of travelers going to these areas who are at increased risk for exposure to YF virus due to prolonged travel, heavy exposure to mosquitoes, or inability to avoid mosquito bites. Factors to consider when deciding whether to vaccinate a traveler include destination-specific and travel-associated risks for YF virus infection; individual, underlying risk factors for having a serious YF vaccine–associated adverse event; and destination entry requirements.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Mark D. Gershman, Emily S. Jentes, Rhett J. Stoney (Yellow Fever) Kathrine R. Tan, Paul M. Arguin (Malaria)

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CDC drops traveller health notices for individual countries

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States federal government is scrapping another of its responses to the pandemic.

On Monday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dropped its country-by-country COVID-19 travel health notices that it began issuing early in the pandemic.

The reason for the change is that fewer countries are testing for the virus or reporting the number of COVID-19 cases. That limits the CDC’s ability to calculate travellers’ risk, according to the agency.

CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said the agency will only post a travel health notice for an individual country if a situation such as a troubling new variant of the virus changes CDC travel recommendations for that country.

The CDC still recommends that travellers remain up to date on vaccines and follow recommendations found on its international travel page.

That page divides countries into three categories – practice usual precautions, enhanced precautions or avoid nonessential travel.

Restrictions such as testing and quarantine requirements greatly slowed international travel earlier in the pandemic, but many countries eventually lifted those rules for fully vaccinated and boosted people to increase tourism.

In early 2020, before vaccines were available, the United States barred people who had recently been in any of more than three dozen countries. In 2021, the US instead began requiring people to test negative for COVID-19 shortly before boarding planes to the US. That rule too was eventually dropped.

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

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IMAGES

  1. Vaccines for Jamaica

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  2. Need travel vaccines? Plan ahead.

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  3. Cruise Destinations Included in CDC's Travel Advisory Update

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  4. One Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines Administered in Jamaica

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COMMENTS

  1. Jamaica

    All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6-11 months, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Jamaica.

  2. Jamaica

    Infectious Disease Risks In addition to being up to date on routine vaccines, travelers to Jamaica should obtain hepatitis A and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. Enteric Infections & Diseases In most tourist lodging options, tap water is safe for drinking, but bottled water or filtered water is usually readily available. Hotels are usually equipped with water filtration systems ...

  3. Travelers' Health

    CDC Travelers' Health Branch provides updated travel information, notices, and vaccine requirements to inform international travelers and provide guidance to the clinicians who serve them.

  4. Health Alert: Updated Quarantine Requirements for U.S. Citizens in Jamaica

    The Government of Jamaica recently changed COVID-19 quarantine requirements upon arrival for fully vaccinated travelers. The updated information is detailed below. Quarantine Requirements in Jamaica: All travelers are required to quarantine upon arrival to Jamaica.

  5. Vaccine Requirements for Air Travel to the U.S

    The presidential proclamation and CDC order include a very limited set of exceptions from the vaccination requirement for foreign nationals. These include exceptions for children under 18, certain COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial participants, those who need to travel for emergency or humanitarian reasons, those who are traveling on non-tourist visas from countries with low-vaccine availability ...

  6. Travel Vaccines to Protect Your Family

    But some multiple-dose vaccines (like hepatitis A) can still give you partial protection after just one dose. Some can also be given on an "accelerated schedule," meaning doses are given in a shorter period of time. Before you travel, find out which vaccines you and your family will need. Plan ahead to get the shots required for all ...

  7. Health Alert:U.S. Embassy Kingston, Jamaica

    There is a Level 3 Travel Advisory recommending U.S. citizens reconsider travel to Jamaica due to health and safety measures and COVID-19-related conditions.

  8. Jamaica Travel Advisory

    Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter . Review the State Department's Country Specific Information for Jamaica. Make a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

  9. Jamaica International Travel Information

    Find out the latest travel information for Jamaica, including safety and security, entry requirements, health, and local laws. Plan your trip with the U.S. Department of State.

  10. Get Vaccinated Before You Travel

    Vaccines can help protect your child and family when traveling. Getting the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit during your trip. Making sure you and your family are up-to-date on all routine U.S. vaccines. Staying informed about travel notices and alerts and how they can affect your family's travel plans.

  11. Jamaica eases entry requirements

    Jamaica drops quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated visitors provided they test negative for COVID-19 within three days of traveling there.

  12. Need travel vaccines? Plan ahead.

    Find out which vaccines you need for your travel destination and how to plan ahead to protect your health.

  13. CDC places Jamaica on level 4 advisory list

    The CDC on Sept. 7 raised Jamaica from level 3 to level 4 on its travel advisory list, which signifies "very high" Covid levels and warned Americans to avoid traveling there due to rising cases.

  14. Essential Entry Requirements for Jamaica: Visas, Travel Authorization

    Plan your trip to Jamaica with confidence by understanding the essential entry requirements. Our guide covers everything you need to know about visitor visas, travel authorization, and declaration forms, to ensure a smooth arrival experience. Prepare for your Jamaican adventure with ease!

  15. The Caribbean Islands Travel Requirements & Vaccinations

    The ever-popular Caribbean Islands are home to expansive beaches, diverse wildlife and countless cultural events. Visit the UH Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health for all of your CDC travel immunizations and booster shots.

  16. Jamaica Travel Restrictions

    Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Jamaica such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements.

  17. The CDC lowers Jamaica's travel risk: Travel Weekly

    Jamaica's travel risk is lowered to Level 3. Due to continued progress in the fight against Covid-19, the CDC has lowered Jamaica from a Level 4 "very high" travel risk to a Level 3 "high ...

  18. Think Travel Vaccine Guide

    Think Travel Vaccine Guide As a health care provider, be sure to prepare your globe-trotting patients for travel by providing a quick pretravel risk assessment, consultation, and care. THINK TRAVEL: Ask your patients if they plan on any international travel. Make sure they are up- to- date on all routine vaccines before their trip. Depending on their planned destination, they may need ...

  19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) office in Jamaica serves as a regional hub for CDC's Caribbean Regional Office (CRO) which also provides direct support to Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. CRO opened in 2002 in Trinidad and Tobago and relocated to Barbados in 2008, followed by another move to Jamaica in 2018.

  20. Entry requirements

    FCDO travel advice for Jamaica. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

  21. Jamaica added to CDC's list of destinations with highest travel risk

    Jamaica is now among 15 new territories globally to be added to level four of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel advisory list. Last week, 22 destinations were added to ...

  22. CDC warns travelers to South America, Caribbean of risks from fever

    CDC warns travelers to South America, Caribbean of risks from fever-causing virus ... Oropouche causes symptoms in about 6 in 10 people it infects, and there are no specific vaccines or treatments ...

  23. Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria Prevention Information, by Country

    CDC Yellow Book 2024. Preparing International Travelers. Author (s): Mark Gershman, Rhett Stoney (Yellow Fever) Holly Biggs, Kathrine Tan (Malaria) The following pages present country-specific information on yellow fever (YF) vaccine requirements and recommendations, and malaria transmission information and prevention recommendations.

  24. CDC drops traveller health notices for individual countries

    The CDC still recommends that travellers remain up to date on vaccines and follow recommendations found on its international travel page.

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