For non-regulatory information about travelling to Jamaica, please also visit the Jamaica Tourist Board.

General Requirements

In general, aliens are landed as visitors for varying periods of three to six (3-6) months. Extensions beyond six months must be sought from the Ministry of National Security. Abolition Agreements have been made between Jamaica and a number of countries, and where these exist there are reciprocal arrangements, which govern the conditions under which the respective nationals may enter the other country prior to arrival.

Visa forms are now available online and can be downloaded by clicking here. The forms are in Adobe PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded here. The processing time for the Visa applications will be at least four (4) days, so please plan accordingly.

Conditions under which a foreign national is admitted into Jamaica:

• must be in a position to support him/herself and dependents;
  if desirous of entering the service of an employer in the island, must produce a permit in writing for engagement, issued to the employer by the Ministry of Labour;
• should not be a person of unsound mind or mentally defective;
• should not be the subject of a certificate given to the Immigration Officer by a health officer that for medical reasons, it is undesirable for him/her to be permitted to land;
• should not have been sentenced in a foreign country for any extradition crime within the meaning of the Extraditions Acts 1870 and 1906;
• should not be the subject of a deportation order in force under the Aliens Law, Chapter 9 or under the Aliens Admission Deportation Regulation Law (now repealed);
• should not have been prohibited from landing by the Minister of National Security;
• must be in possession of a visa unless exempted from this requirement under any of the prescribed regulations;
• must have applied for and obtained permission from the Government of Jamaica if entry is desired for other than tourist purposes;
• must fulfill such other requirements as may be prescribed.
  

North American Visitors

United States and Canadian citizens may travel to Jamaica as tourists without passports provided they fulfill the following requirements:

U.S. Citizens:

• a return ticket to the United States of America; or
• a round trip ticket showing that he/she is entitled to be returned to the United States
  

AND

• a valid national passport; or
• a passport which has expired for no more than 12 months, provided that the United States will re-admit such person on the expired passport; or
• an Original of Certified copy of Birth Certificate with raised seal; or
• a Certificate of Citizenship; or
• a Naturalization Certificate; or
• Military Identification with photo.
  

AND

• picture ID, preferably a driver's licence.
• If the traveller is under 18, an ID Card, such as school ID will be accepted.
  

Please note that copies of birth certificates, even if certified by a Notary Public are not accepted.
Travellers are also advised that the period of stay is granted at the discretion of the Jamaican immigration authorities, and that the period of six months is not automatic.

U.S. Residents

Other nationals who are permanent residents of the United States may enter Jamaica as tourists without visas, but must travel with:

• Alien Registration Cards (Green Cards); or
• valid US reentry permits (if applicable), and round-trip or onward tickets.
  

Resident aliens in the US, visiting Jamaica as tourists for periods not exceeding six (6) months, and who possess return or round trip touring tickets showing that their journey began in the USA, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, and that they are entitled to return there, are not required to hold passports.

Jamaican who residents of the US and travelling on their alien Registration cards must have a return ticket to the United States of America.

Canadian Citizens:

• a valid passport; or
• a passport which has expired for no more than 12 months; or
• a certificate of Canadian citizenship bearing a photograph of the person claiming such citizenship; ALONG WITH an official birth certificate, if the holder of such certificate is not over 16 years of age
• over 16 years - Birth Certificate together with such other documents as will establish his/her nationality and identity to the satisfaction of the Immigration Officer.
  

Canadian Residents:

• a valid passport or a passport which has expired for a period which does not exceed one year, together with:
• a Canadian Immigration record and visa form;
• a Canadian Immigration Identification record form.
  

Canadian residents visiting Jamaica as tourist for a period of not more than 6 months and who possess return or round trip tickets, showing to the satisfaction of the Immigration Officer that they are entitled to be returned to Canada, are not required to hold passports.

Commonwealth Citizens

Commonwealth citizens do not require entry visas but must be in good health, travel with a valid passport, and possess round trip or onward tickets. The exceptions to this requirement are citizens from the countries of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Commonwealth citizens may stay for a period of up to six (6) months, provided they are in possession of a valid passport; are in good health; and hold a return or onward ticket to a third country. They may be granted an extension of up to twelve (12) months. A Commonwealth citizen who is the spouse of a Jamaican national may be landed unconditionally.

Other Foreign Nationals

All applicants within this category requiring tourist visas must apply through a Jamaican Embassy, High Commission, Consulate General or Honorary Consulate and produce the following:

• National Passports (valid for (six [6] months minimum)
• Completed visa application Form "J"
• One (1) recent passport photograph (frontal view; no eyeglasses or headgear)
• Valid re-entry visa to the United States of America or US Alien Registration Card (ARC/Green Card); OR proof of having satisfied entry requirements for onward destination (visas, tickets) if not returning to the United States
• Required visa fee (cash or money order only)
  

(N.B.: Taiwanese Nationals are required to complete a form of Affidavit of Identity and submit an extra passport photograph in addition to the above mentioned. The affidavit form is supplied by the Jamaican Embassy or Consulate. Taiwanese Nationals may not travel on their passports to Jamaica. The visa is issued on the Affidavit of Identity and is required for entry into Jamaica. Note that they must have their passports and other documents for their onward destinations).

Cruise Ship Passengers

Cruise passengers of any nationality who intend to remain in the island only during the stay of the vessel by which they arrived and to depart on the same vessel are not required to hold passports.

Business Personnel and Students

All foreign nationals wishing to travel to Jamaica as visitors to work, to attend school, on business or to seek medical attention must first apply for entry visa through the Jamaica Embassy or Consulates.

Business Personnel

Persons coming to Jamaica on business must be in possession of the following documents:

• a valid national passport
• a return or round trip ticket
• a visa; or
• a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security
  

To obtain business visa, applicant should submit the following to the nearest Jamaican Mission:

• completed visa application Form "J"
  
• a valid passport
• correspondence from business/commercial contact in Jamaica ( on company letterhead) confirming the nature of the visit
• correspondence from local company( on company letterhead) stating the purpose and length of visit
• one passport-sized photograph
  

For Visa fees, contact the Embassy or Consulate.

Employment

Foreign nationals who want to work in Jamaica, are required to obtain a work permit that is granted at the discretion of the Ministry of Labour in Jamaica. The permit should be obtained prior to arrival in Jamaica. Contact:

Ministry of Labour

Visas are issued by Jamaican Consular officials only after confirmation that a work permit has been issued to the applicant.

Students

Students coming to study in Jamaica should produce following :

• a valid passport
• a visa for each entry (if any)
• a return ticket
• a letter of acceptance from the school or institution which the student will be attending
• name of person responsible for student while at school
• sufficient funds for maintenance
• student over 16 years old must be registered as aliens at 25 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10 ( for Corporate Area) and at the main Police Station of rural parishes
  

N.B. Students who have made proper arrangements with an educational institution prior to arrival may be landed for one year on each entry. Students without proper arrangements may be landed for two months. As soon as the necessary arrangements are made and appropriate evidence is received, the Chief Immigration Officer may extend period to one year.

Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders require the following:

• National passport ( valid for a minimum of six (6) months with valid reentry visa to the United States of America or for intended destination on departing Jamaica
• Note Verbale from Diplomatic or Consular Mission to which applicant is attached, stating in detail, purpose and length of visit ( visas are issues gatis)
  

Exemptions from Visa or Work Permit:

• Heads of Mission and members of staff accredited to Jamaica are exempt from Work Permit. VISA REQUIRED.
  
• Direct transit and transit passengers.
• United States, German, and Canadian Peace Corps personnel are exempt from work permit and registration. VISA REQUIRED.
• Persons employed by the United Nations with Laissez Passer are exempt from visa and work permit.
• Persons employed by owners or operators of aircrafts operated on an international service and have landed in Jamaica to perform duties on said aircrafts are exempt from visa, work permit, and registration.
• Directors, inspectors, and auditors of any company who operate a branch in Jamaica may stay for a period of up to fourteen (14) days within one calendar year without visa and work permit.
• Persons employed in any Ministry or Department of the Government of Jamaica may be exempted.
• Writers, journalists, broadcasters, sculptors and painters (excluding industrial painters) may stay for varying periods of up to thirty (30) days in one calendar year with work permit exemption, subject to the approval of the JIS.
• Persons sent by the Government of any sovereign power may stay for varying periods up to fourteen (14) days in one calendar year.

(top)

Incoming Duty-Free Items

An adult 18 years or older is allowed the following duty-free items:

• No more than 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes, or 1/2 pound of tobacco.
• One quart or one litre or spirits, cordials, and wine
• Six fluid ounces of perfumed spirits
• 12 fluid ounces of toilet water.

Prohibited Incoming Items

• Base or counterfeit coin of any country.
• Indecent and obscene prints, photographs, cinematograph films, lithographs, engravings, books, cards, or written communications or any indecent or obscene articles whether similar to the above or not and any parcels, packages or packets having thereon or on the cover thereof, any words, marks, or designs which are grossly offensive or of an indecent or obscene character.
• All publications of deLaurence Scott and Company of Chicago in the United States of America relating to divination, magic, occultism or supernatural arts.
• All publications of the Red Star Publishing Company of Chicago in the United States of America relating to divination, magic, occultism or supernatural arts.
• Fresh flowers
• Plants
• Honey
• Fruits
• Meats and vegetables (except canned). Please note that Kosher foods require special documentation.
• Coffee (in any form)
• Firearms and explosives
• Used tyres
• Two-way radios
• Dangerous drugs, including marijuana.

Special exemptions for the following items should be obtained from the corresponding agencies below:

Outgoing Items

• US visitors may carry US$600 in purchases after each 48-hour visit.
• U.K. visitors may carry 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, one litre of spirits, plus goods valued at £36.
• Canadian and Japanese visitors should call the nearest Jamaican Tourist Board office for information.

Items made in Jamaica are duty-free.

(Top)

On arrival at any port in Jamaica, vessels must be processed by Health, Immigration, and Customs Authorities before embarkation is permitted. Documents required are as follows:

• One official certificate of vaccination showing the dates on which they were done.
  
• Certificate of Nationality, i.e., passport or official birth certificate and driver's licence.
  
• Crew declaration list (to be made up and declared by each crew member).
  
• Stores list showing all stores on vessel, including firearms and ammunition. There is an allowance of two ounces of tobacco and part bottle of spirits per day for each crew member. All excesses are required to be kept under seal aboard vessel. Please note that firearms and ammunition will be allowed only at the discretion of the Immigration and Customs Authorities. The taking of animals into the country is strictly prohibited.

(Top)

No dog or cat shall be imported into the island unless the animal is imported directly from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, or the Republic of Eire.

Every dog or cat imported into Jamaica must be accompanied by an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Veterinary Division, Hope Gardens, Kingston 6. (Telephone: 876-927-2492)

On arrival in Kingston, which shall be the only port of entry into the island, every dog or cat shall be examined by an inspector appointed under the Law, and if free from infections or communicable diseases, it may be landed.

Every dog or cat imported into Jamaica must be accompanied by a certificate stating that there have been no cases of Rabies in unquarantined dogs, cats, or other animals in the country from which it was exported. This certificate can be obtained from:

No dog or cat imported into the island shall be landed if it has been in contact with any dog or cat other than a dog or cat coming directly from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, or the Republic of Eire, or a dog or cat that has been released from quarantine in those countries in respect to Rabies and which in either case there has been an official certificate from the country of origin referred to above.

Dogs and cats vaccinated against Rabies are not allowed entry into Jamaica.

(Top)

Visitors can be married just 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica, providing prior application has been made for marriage license.

Documentation

• Proof of citizenship - certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father's name.
• Parent's written consent, if under 21.
• Proof of divorce (if applicable) - original certificate of divorce.
• Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower.
• Italian nationals celebrating their marriage in Jamaica must notify their embassy, and a certified copy of their marriage certificate must be forwarded to their embassy to be legalized and translated.
• French Canadians need a notarized translated English copy of all documents and a photocopy of the original French documents.

Blood Test

None required.

Arrangements

Some hotels will make all arrangements for you. Special package prices include performance of ceremony, government tax, transportation costs and expenses incurred, plus any other special requests.

You may also apply in person at:

Ministry of National Security

Marriage Officers

(top)

The employment of non-Jamaicans in Jamaica is governed by the Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens (Employment) Act, 1964, which seeks to ensure that qualified Jamaicans are given first consideration in employment opportunities. At the same time, it is recognized that the expertise needed for economic development is not always available because of shortage in the supply of certain special skills. All foreigners employed in Jamaica must inform the Ministry of Labour of a change of residence from one parish to another.

Non-Jamaicans seeking employment in Jamaica are required to obtain work permits. Apply to:

Minister of Labour

Commonwealth Citizens may apply for work permits after arrival in Jamaica. Relatives of these individuals who are over 18 years of age, with special skills, may also apply for work permits.

Non-Commonwealth citizens must apply for a work permit prior to arrival in Jamaica. United States citizens are considered non-Commonwealth citizens (i.e. foreigners or aliens) since the United States of America is not a member country of the British Commonwealth. United States citizens are therefore required to ensure that work permits are obtained before applying for work visas at either a Jamaican Embassy or Consulate.

Application forms, obtainable at the Government Printing Office, must be completed, signed and submitted by the prospective employer and must be accompanied by the required documentation including proof by the prospective employer that the vacancy was advertised and did not attract any suitably qualified Jamaicans.

Work Visas

Work visas are issued solely on the basis of evidence of a confirmed job offer. Documentation to be presented on application in this regard are:

• valid national passport;
• original letter from organization affirming job offer;
• original work permit approval signed by or on behalf of the Minister of Labour, and
• completed visa application form accompanied by one (1) passport-size photograph.
• visa fee

All individuals are landed at the discretion of the Immigration Officer. In this connection they are required to have on arrival return tickets (open tickets are advisable) and valid passports with the appropriate Jamaican visa. Individuals who arrive in Jamaica from countries where there are no Jamaican visa-issuing authorities must also present a letter from the Minister of Labour approving the work permit application. Upon landing, all prospective employees must, prior to taking up their employment, take the letter, along with travel documents (including airline ticket), to the Immigration, Citizenship and Passport Office located at 25 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica, which will endorse the passport for the duration of the work permit and issue a certificate to the Ministry of Labour, on the basis of which the work permit will be released. The work permit is validated at the discretion of the Minister of Labour.

Please be advised that if the passport expires within the period for which the work permit was granted, the endorsement will cover only the period for which the passport is valid.

(Top)

Permanent Resident Status is usually conferred on application to Foreign Nationals who have lived in Jamaica for a minimum of two (2) years, provided they meet certain criteria.

Residency Requirement

The first step in obtaining Permanent Visa Status for Jamaica, and eventually a Jamaican travel document, is to establish either through Visa/Work Permit Applications, or Registration.

Residency Through Visa Application

To reside in Jamaica, each person should submit the following documents and particulars:

• Valid national passport;
• Evidence of financial status and means of support, e.g., particulars of pension, bank account, property owned and business investments;
• Copy of birth certificate;
• Marital status - marriage certificate, particulars of spouse, children and other dependents;
• Medical certificate (certificate of good health);
• Police certificate from the State from which the individual is migrating;
• Two (2) recent passport-sized photographs;
• Reason for seeking permanent resident in Jamaica; and
• The names and addresses of two reputable references or acquaintances.

All applications are referred to Jamaica for approval which can take up to 3-4 months and only after which, the visa can be imprinted in the passport.

Commonwealth citizens are allowed to enter Jamaica without visas, and are not required to have work permits, although it is advisable that they apply for permits, prior to arrival where employment will be sought.

Residency Through Registration

Non-Jamaicans may be granted Jamaican Resident Status on application by virtue of marriage to Jamaican nationals. Hence, foreign spouses are required to register with the Ministry of National Security upon arrival in Jamaica, after which they will be allowed to reside permanently on the island.

This registration is also necessary so that the foreign spouse can be granted the Certificate of Exemption from Work Permit Requirements. In this connection, the couple is required to submit the following:

• Official certificate of marriage - in cases of previous marriage(s), the official Decree(s) of Absolute will be required;
• Proof of Jamaican citizenship enjoyed by spouse, however acquired;
• Passport of both spouses;
• Passport-sized photographs of both; and
• Signed declaration that both spouses share the same matrimonial home.

Foreign spouses may not only register for permanent residence, but may do so for obtaining Jamaican citizenship/nationality. In this connection, it should be noted that Jamaica recognises dual citizenship/nationality and thus foreign spouses are allowed to retain their respective citizenship/nationality after acquiring that of Jamaica, if they so desire.

A person may be granted naturalization after a minimum period of five (5) years residency in Jamaica on application following his/her residency through either visa or work permit application.

A Jamaican passport or travel document may be issued on application to a non-Jamaican only after the person has obtained a Certificate of Registration or Naturalization from the appropriate authorities in Jamaica.

Permanent Residents are still required to be in possession of valid permits issued by the Ministry of Labour if they are engaged in gainful employment. However, they need not seek any further extension of stay, but must obtain a multiple reentry visa from the Immigration Officer prior to any overseas travel.

All aliens over sixteen (16) years of age who expect to live in Jamaica for over six (6) months are required to register as aliens at a fee of J$1,000.00

Permanent Resident Status may be withdrawn if it becomes necessary, at the discretion of the Minister.

Please note: The granting of permanent residency does not automatically convey the right to work. A work permit is still required.

Approval is given by the:

Ministry of National Security

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE ABOVE IS CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED BY THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, YOU MAY CONTACT THEM DIRECTLY.

(Top)

There are no legal or other restrictions on the purchase of land in Jamaica by foreign concerns. The requirement is that the permission of the Exchange Control Department of the Bank of Jamaica be obtained, especially when such purchase involves the remittance of foreign exchange to Jamaica. At no time should a foreign concern remit foreign currency to Jamaica for this purpose without prior consent of the Bank of Jamaica.

Interested persons are required to submit their request in writing to:

Director
Exchange Control Department

The identification of a suitable property is the responsibility of the purchaser who is encouraged to do so through a legal firm or reputable real estate agent in Jamaica.

(Top)

The Citizenship (Constitutional Amendment) Act 1993 provides as follows:

• Persons born outside of Jamaica can now claim Jamaican Citizenship through either Jamaican parent,
  
• Men married to Jamaican women are now entitled to apply for registration as citizens of Jamaica.

The Jamaican Nationality (Amendment) Act (Annex V) provides as follows:

• A non-Jamaican child who is adopted can claim Jamaican Citizenship through either the adopted father or mother.
• Jamaican Citizens who had renounced their Citizenship can apply to have it restored by applying to the Minister of National Security and Justice.

Naturalization / Citizenship

Applications for naturalization should be directed to the:

Ministry of National Security

The Minister of National Security can grant certificates of naturalization as provided by the Jamaican Nationality Act of 1962. Prospective applicants must therefore satisfy the following specific criteria:

• Residence in Jamaica for the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of the application;
• During the seven years immediately preceding this 12-month period, residence in Jamaica for a total period of not less than 4 years;
• Stated intent to reside in Jamaica if naturalization is granted.

Further qualifications include moral and social considerations such as:

• good character;
• involvement in society;
• contribution to society;
• financial standing.

By Descent

PROCEDURE:

Applications for citizenship by descent should be made either to the Embassy or directly to:

Ministry of National Security

DOCUMENTS:

• Applicant's Birth Certificate
• Proof of Parent's Jamaican Citizenship (e.g., birth certificate together with photo ID or passport)
• Parent's Marriage Certificate, where applicable
• Two certified passport-sized photographs

Persons claiming Jamaican citizenship by descent must have their claim established prior to the submission of their application for a passport.

By Marriage

Applications for citizenship by marriage should be directed to:

Ministry of National Security

PROCEDURE:

The application should be made in duplicate on Registration Form RJ which is available at the Government Printing Office, 77-1/2 Duke Street, Kingston 2. Read the form carefully, complete it and have it signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, Consular Officer, or someone authorised to administer Oaths. The form and the following documents should be submitted to the Minister of National Security:

• Applicant's Birth Certificate
• Official Marriage Certificate (certificate copy issued by the Registrar General's Department)
• Husband's/Wife's Official Birth Certificate
• Husband's/Wife's Current Passport
• Two passport-sized photographs of the applicant, certified by a Justice of the Peace
• Tax Compliance Certificate (if resident in Jamaica)
• Police Certificate from country of residence.

A fee of seven thousand dollars (J$7,000) is required. Payment of the fee should be made by international money order. It is advisable that all applicants contact the Ministry of National Security to ascertain whether there have been changes to the processing fees.

(Top)

| Home | Meet the Ambassador | Citizens | News | Economy | Investment | Facts | Contact |