Last updated: 04/15/2022
*** All air passengers 2 years or older with a flight departing from a foreign country to the US at or after 12:01 am EST (5:01 am GMT) on December 6, 2021, are required to show a negative COVID-19 viral test (PCR or Rapid antigen) result taken no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight. This documentation is typically called a ‘fit-to-fly’ letter and should be issued by a licensed medical professional or the Ministry of Health in the country you are departing from.
Country-Specific Information
- The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Jamaica due to health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions, including extended periods of isolation and quarantine if receiving a positive COVID-19 test result before departure from the island.
COVID-19 Testing
- Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Jamaica? Yes
- If so, are test results reliably available for Antigen (Immediate results and for PCR within 6 -12 hours?
- Are responsible for costs of testing. The cost of tests ranges from $40.00 to $100.00 for antigen tests and from $150.00 to $230.00 for PCR tests.
- For information on limited humanitarian exemptions to CDC’s requirement that all U.S.-bound travellers present a negative COVID test.
- All COVID-19 departure tests are administered at the discretion of the Jamaica Ministry of Health and Wellness. Visitors to Jamaica may also be tested on arrival and/or if they seek medical care. Testing services are provided at our office and resorts.
- Visitors testing positive for COVID-19 will be placed in isolation at lodging accommodation, intended stay location, or government facility as determined by the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness. Travellers who require isolation should be prepared to pay the cost of isolation accommodation. It is highly advised that travellers consider travel insurance to protect against risks and financial losses that could happen while travelling. The isolation period can range from 5 to 10 days, or longer.
- After 5 days the individual is required to take a rapid or antigen test at personal expense. If the result is negative, then release can be authorized. If the result is positive an additional 5 days of isolation is required. This is irrespective of the vaccination and symptom status of the individual being isolated.
- During isolation, the individual may not leave isolation quarters for any reason and may experience issues with food service reliability and quality, internet and telephone service, sanitation, air conditioning and other room issues, as well as being subject to observation of the room by security guards to ensure compliance with isolation requirements.
- Only the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness can authorize release from isolation, using symptom-based or infectiousness period data. Release may be granted 5 days from diagnosis; however, it may be longer, depending on the individual case. At this time the process for PCR testing for release purposes and issuance of ‘fit-to-fly’ letters is often delayed as a result of high demands on the medical system related to the pandemic.
- At the end of the 10 days, COVID-positive individuals are to be provided with a ‘fit-to-fly’ letter without further testing, based only on reported symptoms. They are then released for the express purpose of boarding a departure flight.
Entry and Exit Requirements
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes, No testing requirement as of April 15th
- Will health screening procedures be provided at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- Visitors requesting to extend their stay in Jamaica may do so through PICA: http://www.PICA.gov.jm
Movement Restrictions
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
Transportation Options
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes