If you're traveling in 2021, check which travel insurance covers COVID-19 (test and treatment abroad).
Jamaica has been open to tourists from all countries since June 15, 2020. Jamaica does have quite a few entry requirements and safety regulations that must be followed, but it’s still one of the best countries open for tourism right now.
While tourists from most countries do not need to take a PCR test before entering Jamaica, travelers from a few countries that are classified as “high risk” must provide evidence of a negative PCR test result from less than 10 days before their date of travel to Jamaica. Additionally, all travelers must complete a Travel Authorization document in order to be able to board their flights.
Some travelers may be subject to quarantine and movement restrictions depending on the purpose of their visit and where they are staying. For instance, tourists who are not staying in a designated “resilient corridor” for safe tourism will be required to quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in Jamaica and download the JamCovid19 app (for Google or Apple Store) to track their location.
Can I travel to Jamaica right now?
Jamaica is currently open to travelers from all countries. However, some countries may be subject to stricter entry restrictions than others. Below is a map of the countries that are currently allowed to visit Jamaica.

Jamaica - EN
What are the “Resilient Corridors” in Jamaica?
Jamaica’s “resilient corridors” are specially designated areas that have been designed to encourage safe tourism practices. All of the approved businesses and venues within the “corridors” have been inspected and confirmed to comply with health and safety standards.
There are two “resilient corridors”: the first one stretches 294 kilometers along the North Coast from the westernmost point of the island, Negril in Westmoreland, to Port Antonio in Portland.

What are the “Resilient Corridors” in Jamaica?
The second “corridor” extends over part of the South Coast and stretches from Milk River in Clarendon westward to Negril in Westmoreland, where it intersects with the first “corridor.”

The “Resilient Corridors” in Jamaica
Tourists staying in a “resilient corridor” are required to remain at their hotel or resort for the entirety of their stay, except when they are going to a certified tourist attraction. However, they may book stays at other “resilient corridor” accommodations. Only COVID-19 Resilient licensed hotels and resorts are open during the pandemic.
Tourists are allowed to leave their accommodation to go to any tourist attraction that has been certified as a COVID-19 Resilient licensed attraction by the Jamaica Tourist Board and is located within the “resilient corridor.”
All travel to and from the attraction must be with transportation that has been licensed according to the Tourist Board Act. For more information, you can consult this page on the Jamaica Tourist Board website.
Jamaica COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
Jamaica entry requirements depend completely on what country you are traveling from.
All tourists have to complete a Travel Authorization form online. Travelers from some countries need evidence of a negative PCR test that was taken within 10 days of their travel date. Furthermore, some travelers may be subject to quarantine depending on the purpose of their trip and whether they are staying in a “resilient corridor” or not.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Jamaica?
PCR COVID tests are not mandatory for travelers from most countries.
However, travelers who are 12 years of age or older from the United States, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama must provide evidence of a negative PCR COVID test to be able to check into their flight. Antigen tests are also acceptable.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Jamaica?
The test sample must have been taken less than 10 days from the person’s date of travel to Jamaica. The Jamaica Tourist Board website has a Test Date Calculator so you can figure out when you need to take your test. They also have more information on which specific COVID tests are acceptable.
Travel Authorization form to enter Jamaica
All travelers must complete a Travel Authorization form online in order to enter Jamaica. You will not be allowed to board your flight without it. Non-resident forms can be submitted up to 5 days before your date of travel.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Jamaica?
The answer depends on your situation. If you are a tourist who is staying in a “resilient corridor,” you may go straight to your hotel if you are not tested on arrival (they do test randomly, but it’s very unlikely that you will get tested at the airport).
If you are tested on arrival, you must stay in your hotel room until the results are ready. If the test is negative, you can continue your stay as normal. If the test is positive, you will be required to self-isolate in a location determined by the authorities.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Jamaica?
If you are visiting Jamaica for business for less than 14 days, you will be tested on arrival at the airport and need to quarantine until your results are ready. If you test negative, you do not need to quarantine any longer, but you will be subject to the “Stay at Intended Address for Business Travelers” measure.
Finally, if you are a non-resident tourist who is not staying in a “resilient corridor,” you must quarantine for 14 days from your date of arrival in Jamaica and download the JamCovid19 app (for Google or Apple Store) so the government can track your location. More information on all of these measures can be found here.
Is travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage mandatory to enter Jamaica?
No, travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is not mandatory to enter Jamaica, but it is always a good idea to travel with health insurance coverage, especially with things as they are now.
Heymondo is a great choice for travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage if you are looking for some for your trip to Jamaica. They have really extensive COVID coverage so you can feel safe and secure when you travel; that’s why we always use them when we travel, including on our trips we’ve taken this year. Plus, you can even get a 5% discount on their policies!
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Jamaica
Although COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in most countries around the world, the government has not yet confirmed whether it will be mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter Jamaica.
If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Jamaica, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Jamaica changes its entry requirements.
Other travel restrictions for Jamaica during COVID-19
Other than the aforementioned entry requirements, Jamaica’s other travel restrictions are pretty straightforward:
- Travelers may be subject to testing upon arrival. Business travelers will undergo a PCR or Antigen test at the airport on arrival.
- All travelers will undergo a health screening on arrival that includes temperature checks.
- Face masks should be worn in all public places.
- Switching between different resorts or hotels during your stay is not recommended for health and safety reasons. If you have booked different hotels for your trip, you may have issues at the border.
- Depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist visa to enter Jamaica. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in Jamaica
There are many places that are currently open in Jamaica, including hotels, restaurants, and beaches.
Hotels that are open in Jamaica
Lots of hotels and resorts are open in Jamaica’s “resilient corridors” right now. You can find my list of recommendations here:
- Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa
- Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica
- Jewel Paradise Cove Adult Beach Resort
- Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
- Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
- Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites
- Hideaway at Royalton Negril Resort & Spa
- Royalton Negril Resort & Spa
Beaches that are open in Jamaica
Most beaches in Jamaica are open for tourists between 6 AM to 6 PM. Social distancing and wearing a face mask to enter and exit the beaches is mandatory, but once you find a good spot in the sand, you’re free to take your mask off and enjoy the sun.
Restaurants that are open in Jamaica
Most restaurants in Jamaica’s “resilient corridors” are starting to open due to the increase in tourists arriving on the island. Their opening hours are from 8 AM to 7 PM. Some bars are open as well, from 8 AM to 7 PM.
All open businesses should be licensed by the Tourist Board Act and follow all the safety regulations in place.

Restaurants that are open in Jamaica
Every bar and restaurant requires temperature checks, hand washing, sanitizing before entering, and sanitizing before paying the bill. Tables are arranged for social distancing and most locals wear face masks all the time, so it’s safe to enjoy delicious Jamaican cuisine during your stay as long as you remain in the “resilient corridors.”
Tour operators that are running in Jamaica
I bet you won’t want to leave your resort once you’re in Jamaica, but if you’re looking for some activities to do, there are some tour operators in Jamaica that are running and have been trained and assessed for adherence to COVID-19 protocols:
- CHUKKA
- El Sol Vida Jamaica
- Holiday Services (It also offers airport shuttles)
- Tropical Tours (It also offers airport shuttles)
Airports that are open in Jamaica
Jamaica has three main international airports, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, and Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios, and all three are currently open. Keep in mind that there will be increased safety measures at these airports, including health screenings and mandatory wearing of face masks.
Curfew in Jamaica
There is currently a nightly curfew from 8 PM to 5 AM. This curfew will be in effect until at least February 24, 2021, although this measure may change in the future.
Where to get a PCR test in Jamaica – COVID-19 Testing in Jamaica
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Jamaica, here is a list of places you can get tested.
Jamaica reopening to tourism – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to Jamaica reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Sources
This guide to Jamaica reopening to tourists will be updated periodically as new developments occur. If you need more information on travel to Jamaica, you can check these official sources:
- US Embassy COVID-19 Updates for Jamaica
- CDC Travel Recommendations for Jamaica
- Jamaica Tourist Board Test Date Calculator
- Jamaica Tourist Board Travel Authorization Information
- Jamaica Tourist Board COVID-19 Test Requirements
- Jamaica Tourist Board Traveller Categories Information
- Jamaica Tourist Board Resilient Corridors Information
- Jamaica Tourist Board Restrictive Measures Information
- Jamaica Ministry of Health and Wellness Website
- Travel Authorization Form
- Jamaica Tourist Board Tourism Updates