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Jamaica has officially reopened its borders to ALL international tourists on June 15th.
Even though Jamaica is open for tourism, there are some entry requirements you need to know about before you go. Below is a summary of all requirements, plus more information on whats open!
Please note: The entry requirements for Jamaica have been updated since August 15.
The honorable Edmund Bartlett, head of the Ministry of Tourism, announced on his Facebook Page:
“The Government of Jamaica will open its borders for the repatriation of nationals as of 1 June 2020. On 15 June 2020 the borders will be open for all international travelers.”
The country has been closed off to both sea and air arrivals since March 21st 2020, with very strict isolation, curfew and local restrictions happening inside the country since that time.
Tourism accounts for up to 34% of Jamaica’s GDP, making the reopening of the country to tourists a crucial step in securing economic well-being for its residents.
Which Countries Can Visit Jamaica?
Unlike some countries opening throughout the world, Jamaica is not restricting incoming travellers from any particular countries.
Jamaica is accepting tourists coming from any origin/nation.
However, depending where you are travelling to Jamaica from will determine your entry requirements.
New Updates: August 15
Travel Authorization Needed To Visit Jamaica
Beginning June 15, all arriving passengers to Jamaica will be required to have a Travel Authorization prior to check-in for a flight to Jamaica. (You do not need one to book a flight, but you will need it prior to check-in for your flight.)
It is a digital form that you will apply for on their national tourism board site VisitJamaica.com
All tourists entering Jamaica will need to have an approval from the above application to be granted entry.
(FAQ for the Travel Authorization)
Testing On Arrival in Jamaica
IMPORTANT UPDATE Aug 15
All residents of the United States of America (USA), Brazil, Dominican Republic or Mexico who are 12 years of age or over, with travel dates of August 20, 2020 or later will be required to obtain a COVID PCR test. The test should be conducted within 10 days of the intended travel date at a medical laboratory that is accredited by the relevant national health authorities. For the United States of America, the medical laboratory should be accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
1. Entry Requirements for General Tourists Staying in Hotel
A general tourist is a non-resident arriving into Jamaica for the purposes of tourism and staying within the ‘tourism corridor' (Area that includes the coastline from Negril to Port Antonio.)
Upon arrival the tourist will undergo a health screening.
A- Tourists with no symptoms and traveling from low-risk areas will not require a mandatory test at the airport. They will then freely be allowed to travel to their hotel and enjoy their trip. No quarantine. But they are required to stay on the property.
B- Tourists with symptoms or traveling from a high-risk area or deemed high-risk will be tested at the airport. They will have to await the test results under quarantine at a hotel. (up to 48 hours)
2. Entry Requirements for General Tourists Staying With Friends/Family
This is someone who is still a non-resident and a tourist to Jamaica, but has chosen to NOT stay at a hotel in the ‘tourism corridor', and wishes to stay with friends or family instead.
Upon arrival the tourist will undergo a health screening.
A- Tourists with no symptoms and traveling from low-risk areas will not require a mandatory test at the airport. They can then travel directly to the house they will be staying at, but are ordered under strict 14-day quarantine. (They cannot leave the house and will be electronically monitored. No weddings, no funerals, etc.)
B- Tourists with symptoms or traveling from a high-risk area or deemed high-risk will be tested at the airport, EVEN if they brought a negative-PCR test with them. No matter what the test result says, they will still have to quarantine for 14 days. If the test is positive, it will be at a facility. If the test is negative, they can do it at the house they are staying at.
Update For American Tourists:
As of August 20th, ALL American tourists, regardless of their state, will need a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited medical laboratory. The test sample collection date must be within 10 days of the arrival date in order to obtain a Travel Authorization
Summary of Entry Requirements
- All tourists must fill out the Travel Authorization Card before arrival
- Travelers that are low risk will not be tested at the airport and can enjoy their trip within the ‘tourism corridor'.
- Travellers that are deemed high-risk will be tested on arrival.
- Travellers that are ultra-high risk (from certain US states) need to take a PCR test before travelling AND be tested again on arrival.
- Travellers that want to stay outside the ‘tourism corridor' will have to quarantine for 14 days.
What Flights Will Be Going To Jamaica Starting in June?
From USA and Canada
Many airlines are already showing June flights coming from the USA and Canada, directly into Jamaica to popular airports like Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Airlines with flights scheduled in June are: American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, Spirit Airlines, WestJet, Sunwing, Air Transat, and Air Canada.
Some direct flights:
- Toronto to Montego Bay on Air Canada starts July 11
- New York to Montego Bay on JetBlue and United have already resumed daily flights
- Other US cities include: Charlotte, Atlanta, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Boston, Dallas, Miami, Houston
From UK
British Airlines is showing fights into Kingston and Montego Bay starting in July.
What Hotels Can I Stay at in Jamaica?
Here is a list of all hotels that are considered to be in the ‘tourism corridor', which is an approved area of tourism for visitors.
- AC Marriot
- Altamont Court
- Altamont West
- Azul Beach Resort Negril
- Bahia Principe
- Beaches Negril
- Breathless
- Brandon Hill
- Cardiff Hotel
- Casa Maria
- Charella Inn
- CoCo la Palm
- Country Country
- Couples Negril
- Couples San Souci
- Couples Swept Away
- Couples Tower Isle
- Courtyard Marriott
- Deja Resort
- Doctors Cave
- Franklin D
- Fun Holiday
- Galina Breeze
- Glistening Water Hotel
- Golden Eye
- Grand Palladium
- Half Moon
- Hedonism II
- Hermosa Cove
- Hibiscus Lodge
- Hilton Rose Hall Resort
- Holiday Inn Resort
- Hotel Four Seasons
- Hotel Gloriana
- Hotel Grand Lido
- Hotel Mockingbird Hill
- Hotel Terra Nova
- Hotel Tim Bamboo
- Hyatt Zilara
- Hyatt Ziva
- Iberostar Suites
- Idle Awhile Resorts
- jakes Hotel
- Jamaica Blue Skies
- Jamaica Inn
- Jamaica Palace
- Jamaica Pegasus
- Jewel Grande Montego Bay
- Jewel Paradise Cove
- Kaiser Hotel
- Kaz Kreol
- Kuyaba Negril
- Medallion Hall
- Merrils II
- Moon Palace Jamaica
- Moxons Beach Club
- Piper’s Cove
- Rayon Hotel
- RIU Ocho Rios
- RUI Reggae
- S Hotel Jamaica
- Sandals Montego Bay
- Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort
- Sea Crest
- Skylark Negril
- Spanish Court Hotel
- Tensing Pen
- The Boardwalk Village
- The Prestige Hotel
- The R Hotel
- The Spa Retreat
- Toby’s Resort
- Trident
- Verney House
- White Sands
Don't want to stay in a hotel, but still want to stay in the ‘tourism corridor'?
Here is a list of Villas and Guesthouses that are also approved areas inside the ‘tourism corridor'.
- Brandon Hill
- Catch a Falling Star
- Cocosan
- Driftwood
- Eight Rivers
- Frangipani
- Goblin Hill
- Honey Comb
- Idle Awhile Villas
- La Familia Eco Resort
- Linga A While at Coral Cove
- Little Waters on the Cliff
- Moonshine
- Negril Beach Club
- Panoramasan
- Promiseas
- Roaring Pavillion
- Rock Hill
- San Bar
- San Cove
- San Palm
- Sea Spray
- Sea Wyf
- Siesta Villas
- Somewhere
- Summer Hill
- Summertime
- Villa Paradiso
- Wag Water
- Wayne’s Sun Spot
Jamaica recorded their first case of the virus on March 10th, but has managed to keep levels on the island relatively low due to strict protocols.
Read More: See a complete list of countries now reopen for international tourism
Disclaimer: Jamaica’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry before traveling.
For the latest re-opening Travel News and discussions, join our: Facebook Community
Sources: Edmund Bartlett / Adam Stewart / jis.gov / VisitJamaica
Sunny
Monday 31st of May 2021
Hi does the curfew still apply if I am staying at one of the tourism corridor resorts? For example on weekends can we still go to the beach or a restaurant after 4pm I believe the curfew time began, thank you
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 31st of May 2021
This is an old article that hasn't been updated in 10 months. Please see our more recent article (Click HERE to read) The curfew starts at 8pm during the week and 6pm on Saturdays. and has been extended until at least June 2. If you are on the resort property, restaurants will be open later.
Sunita Sujanani
Monday 22nd of March 2021
Hi , I have been completely vaccinated with Moderna. I would like to stay with my mother in Kingston ( also vaccinated) for 10 days and then fly back to California. Is that possible or do I have to travel to the north coast and stay there for quarantine in the corridor. Also will I have to be tested at the airport again with a negative PCR if I get the travel authorization?
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 23rd of March 2021
With the information I have, Jamaica is still requiring a 14-day quarantine for any tourist who wants to stay outside the tourism corridor. There are currently no exceptions being made for vaccinated passengers. You might want to connect with visitjamaica to ask them advice directly
C Weld
Tuesday 2nd of March 2021
I am born Canadian but currently a green card holder/ living in the USA, going to Kingston Jamaica for 8 days and would like to know is this allowed or do i have to remain in Jamaica for 14 days? I am planning on staying at the Courtyard Marriott in Kingston Jamaica, is this hotel approved by the Travel Ministry of Health? Please advise..
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 2nd of March 2021
This is an old reopening article from the summer, please see our "Jamaica Covid-19 Entry Requirements" guide: (Click HERE to read) if you are coming from the USA you will need a test to enter Jamaica. Staying in a hotel in the corridor you will not have to quarantine.
Courts
Thursday 5th of November 2020
Hi, Would the 14 day quarantine apply to a Jamaican resident returning to Jamaica from Nassau, Bahamas?
Kashlee Kucheran
Friday 6th of November 2020
Yes I believe it does
Markia D Slay
Tuesday 3rd of November 2020
I am planning a trip to Jamaica in May 2021 for my daughters graduation with my four children do we have to take a Covetous then and when we get there do we have to take another covid-19 we are staying in the rui Montego Bay Hotel.