COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Jamaica (18 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreigners are allowed to enter.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• Arrivals are subject to medical screening and COVID-19 PCR testing at the airport if travellers have symptoms, exposure to anyone who has tested positive, or belong to a high-risk group.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes with exceptions

• Test certificates from RT-PCR, RNA or molecular tests, antigen tests, and Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA) tests are accepted. Test results from antibody or home-based test kits will not be accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All persons coming from designated high-risk locations (the United States, Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Mexico, and Panama) are required to upload their COVID-19 RT-PCR test certificate as part of the application process. Children ages 11 and under are exempt. Test results should be from a test conducted no more than 10 days from the date of arrival in Jamaica.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• Quarantine measures will depend on the category of traveller:

• Category 1: Residents - Jamaican nationals and non-nationals ordinarily resident in Jamaica will be under home quarantine for 14 days.

• Category 2: Non-residents visiting Jamaica for tourism purposes and staying at approved “resilient corridor” accommodation: If the test performed on arrival is negative, the traveller can leave confines of the hotel room and continue their stay in Jamaica. If the test is positive, the traveller must continue to quarantine at the hotel/resort or in a government facility.

• Category 3: Non-residents visiting Jamaica for business purposes for less than 14 days: If the test performed on arrival is negative, travellers will be released from quarantine. If the test is positive, travellers will be subject to isolation either at their hotel/intended address or in a government facility.

• Category 4: Non-residents visiting Jamaica for other purposes including tourists not staying within the “resilient corridor”: arrivals are subject to quarantine for 14 days at home.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• The use of “JamCovid19 APP” is mandatory for contact tracing.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Travellers (both residents and foreign tourists) must complete a Travel Authorization form before they arrive in Jamaica. The travel authorization can be obtained here.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• Airlines can resume scheduled operations. All flights will need a landing permit 72-hours before their arrival. Travellers currently require authorization before boarding the flight.

Border restrictions

• Minimal

• Borders are open.

Curfew restrictions

• Significant

• The night curfew of 21:00 until 05:00 (local time) has been extended until 1 December.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

• At least 2 meters of physical distancing is mandatory in public places.

• Working hours for the public are from 08:00 to 16:00 (local time)

• Social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 15 people.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Taxi operators should carry one person less than the maximum number of persons allowed under their current licence until 30 November.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• General markets will remain open on all days from 06:00 to 19:00 except Sunday.

• Supermarkets, corner shops, and pharmacies are open up to 17:00 (local time).

• Fuel stations are currently operating from 06:00 to 18:00 (local time).

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open from 08:00 until 19:00 (local time). Takeaway or delivery services are also permitted.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars are open from 08:00 until 19:00 (local time).

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Beaches are open from 06:00 to 18:00 (local time). Rivers are open from 06:00 to 20:00 (local time).

• Theme parks and zoos are permitted to remain open between 10:00 and 16:00 (local time).

• All water sports are closed.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• No

• Museums and heritage site are closed.

Personal care services open?

• No

• Personal care services are closed.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Churches are open.

Events allowed?

• No with exceptions

• The ban on funerals, parties, and other events will continue. Burials are allowed with strict observation and enforcement of the 15-person rule.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory in public places.

Other Restrictions

• All schools and educational institutions are open.

• Parks are open from 06:00 to 20:00 (local time).

Advies

The COVID-19 epidemic is changing constantly worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans. Wearing a mask (face covering) is recommended in public places and when social distancing is not possible.