Jamaica is Still an Option for Pandemic Travel

Jamaica officially reopened for tourism beginning June 15, but anyone who is hoping to plan a vacation here will have to overcome major hurdles. Arriving travelers have to submit a pre-travel health authorization registration with a customs and immigration form, and the government will issue a travel approval document based on those details. Travelers may be denied permission to visit depending on their risk for COVID-19 transmission.

All incoming travelers should expect thermal temperature checks upon arrival, and anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms or feels ill upon arrival will be quarantined. Even after all those procedures, travelers are expected to adhere to social distancing and face mask policies in public. Travelers are also expected to follow any policies made by tourist and hospitality establishments, which are most likely derived from the government’s 119-page guide for local hospitality procedures.

As of Aug. 18, a new requirement was added: All U.S. travelers must bring along negative results of a COVID-19 test, dated within 10 days of the date of arrival.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still spreading in Jamaica, so keep that in mind. The country has reported 2,459 confirmed cases and 21 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker.

For travel to Jamaica, a valid US passport is required, no visa is required.