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.

All travelers must have a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 3 days of travel. 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, unvaccinated 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 most countries. Below is a map of the countries that are currently allowed to visit Jamaica.

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.

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.”

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 your vaccination status and travel purpose.

All travelers to Jamaica have to complete a Travel Authorization form online. They must also present a negative molecular (RT-PCR, NAAT, RNA) or antigen test result from within 3 days of travel.

Fully vaccinated Jamaican nationals and residents must quarantine for 8 days from their arrival, unless they take a RT-PCR test at an approved laboratory after their arrival. If the test is negative, they may end their quarantine early. Unvaccinated Jamaican nationals and residents must quarantine for 14 days from their arrival.

Tourists who are staying in a “resilient corridor,” regardless of vaccination status, will undergo a health screening and risk assessment on arrival in Jamaica and may be subject to testing. If they are not tested, tourists can go straight to their accommodation in the “resilient corridor.”

Fully vaccinated tourists who are not staying in a “resilient corridor” must quarantine for 8 days from their arrival in Jamaica, although they can choose to do a RT-PCR test at their own expense at an approved laboratory after their arrival in Jamaica. If they obtain a negative result, they can end their quarantine period early.

Unvaccinated tourists who are not staying in a “resilient corridor” must quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in Jamaica.

Business travelers will take a RT-PCR test at their own expense on arrival in Jamaica and must self-isolate at their accommodation until they receive their result. If they are vaccinated and receive a negative result, they do not have to quarantine. If they are unvaccinated and receive a negative result, they do not have to quarantine, but they must abide by the “Stay at Intended Address for Business Travelers” measure.

COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Jamaica

Fully vaccinated Jamaican nationals/residents and tourists who are not staying in a “resilient corridor” must quarantine for 8 days from their arrival in Jamaica, although they do have the option to take a RT-PCR test at their own expense at an approved laboratory after their arrival in Jamaica. If the test is negative, they can end their quarantine period early.

Vaccinated business travelers must take a RT-PCR test at the airport on arrival in Jamaica and self-isolate at their accommodation until their results are ready. If they receive a negative test result, they do not have to quarantine.

Travelers are considered fully vaccinated when they have received all doses of their vaccine and at least 14 days have passed since their last dose. Make sure to bring proof of vaccination with you when you travel to Jamaica.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Jamaica?

All travelers age 12 and older must have proof of a negative molecular or antigen test result that was obtained within 3 days of travel.

RT-PCR, NAAT, and RNA tests are acceptable. The test must be authorized by the FDA or WHO and be performed by a CAP, CLIA, or ISO certified laboratory.

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 all COVID testing requirement specifics.

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 within 7 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,” regardless of vaccination status, 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.

If you are visiting Jamaica for business, you will be tested on arrival at the airport and need to quarantine until your results are ready. If you test negative and are vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine any longer. If you test negative and are unvaccinated, you do not have to quarantine, but you will be subject to the “Stay at Intended Address for Business Travelers” measure.

If you are a vaccinated Jamaican resident/national or non-resident tourist who is not staying in a “resilient corridor”, you must quarantine for 8 days from your arrival in Jamaica, unless you take a RT-PCR test at your own expense at an approved laboratory after you arrive in Jamaica. If the test is negative, you can end your quarantine early.

Finally, if you are an unvaccinated non-resident tourist who is not staying in a “resilient corridor” or an unvaccinated Jamaican resident/national, 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!

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 an RT-PCR 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 a few 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

Currently, beaches in Jamaica are open from 6 AM to 6 PM on Monday to Saturday and 6 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.  

Social distancing and wearing a face mask to enter and exit the beach is mandatory, but you don’t have to wear a mask in the water.

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. Some bars are open as well.

Restaurants are limited to 70% capacity. Tables will be placed 6 feet apart and restricted to groups no larger than 4 people.

Bars can stay open until 10 PM, except on Sundays, when they must close at 5 PM. They are limited to 70% capacity and tables must be spaced 6 feet apart.

All open businesses should be licensed by the Tourist Board Act and follow all the safety regulations in place.

Every bar and restaurant requires hand washing, sanitizing before entering, and sanitizing before paying the bill. 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 an island-wide curfew from 11 PM to 5 AM. On Sundays, the curfew is from 6 PM to 5 AM.

Restrictions on intercity and interregional travel in Jamaica

Tourists staying in a “resilient corridor” can only go to approved hotels, resorts, and attractions within that area. Additionally, all transportation taken by tourists in these areas must be licensed by the Tourist Board Act.

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 Traveler 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