Are you thinking about traveling to Jamaica? Following is a breakdown of COVID requirements for travel to Jamaica.
The following provides current information for travel to Jamaica over the period of November 1, 2020 – to November 16, 2020. Currently Jamaica is requiring all travelers to obtain “Travel Authorization” prior to traveling. For the most up to date information and apply for the Travel Authorization, visit the official Jamaica Tourist Board Website at visitjamaica.com
As of November 9, according to World-Meters, Jamaica there have been a total of 9,442 confirmed Coronavirus Cases in Jamaica. For the protection of travelers, hotels and Jamaica residents, Jamaica is requiring all travelers from the United States that are 12 years of age or over to obtain a COVID-19 PCR test and upload results for travel authorization approval. Test must be taken within 10 days of travel and results along with travel applications must be submitted up to 5 days and NO LESS than 2 days prior to arrival date in Jamaica. (This is subject to change after November 16, 2020).
- All residents of the United States of America (USA), Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico or Panama who are 12 years of age or over, are required to obtain and present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result to check in for a flight.
- Tests must be done by a medical laboratory that has a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) registration or ISO 15189 certification.
- The date of the sample collection must be less than 10 days from the travel date to Jamaica. Example: For a travel date of October 20, the earliest the test sample may be collected is October 11. Use the Test Date Calculator.
- Samples collected using home test kits (ex. Pixel by LabCorp), along with antibody tests will not be accepted.
- See the full COVID-19 test requirements here.
Currently Jamaica is not seeing a spike in cases.
Based on health screening and risk assessment upon arrival in Jamaica, persons may still be required to be tested at the airport or designated facility, if they are exhibiting symptoms or belong to a high risk group despite presenting a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate. In this case, you will take the test and then proceed to your hotel where you will be required to stay in you room until test results are received. Assuming you are negative, you will be free to leave your room and enjoy facilities of your resort.
If you do test positive, you will be isolated either at your hotel/resort or a government facility as determined by health authorities.
During your stay in Jamaica, it is highly recommended that you stay in your resort. However, if you do desire to venture outside of the resort, you may leave the resort to visit any amusement park, water park or water attraction that has been certified by the Jamaican Tourist Board. All travel to and from the attractions must be on transportation licensed d the Tourist Board Act.
Enroll in STEP
Enroll in STEP? What is STEP you may ask. STEP stands for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It is a free service to all U.S. Citizens traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the department of state. Following is the website for more information. https://step.state.gov/.
Once enrolled you will receive important updates.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice to Caribbean countries and Mexico due to COVID-19. While there are no restrictions on travel to these countries, the COVID-19 risk is high. These destinations are working diligently to create clean safe environments for you to enjoy a stress-free relaxing vacation. As a result if not required, it is highly recommended that travelers do not leave resorts and open up the opportunity for exposure to COVID-19.
