With millions of people being affected by COVID-19 worldwide, there are many questions regarding travelling to Jamaica. Jamaica currently has 121 active cases from a total of 759; which includes 628 recoveries and 10 deaths. Giving Jamaica a 0.3 per thousand infection rate, among the lowest in the world. For a population of almost 3 million, that’s really commendable.
Since they’ve been doing so well, the government opened their borders. So, starting on June 15th, both residents and non-residents can enter.
New as of July 15th…
Of course in allowing entry there must be some rules to keep those great statistics low. So, like the previous protocols, as of July 15th travel protocols require all travellers coming to Jamaica to apply for Travel Authorization here within 5 days of travel. But, these new protocols may require travellers to do a COVID-19 test in their own country before applying for Travel Authorization.
The test requirement is dependent on whether you’re travelling for business or vacation and/ or if you’re coming from a region with a high COVID-19 rate.
So before you book your flight and head to the airport, there are some questions you should ask yourself.
Do I Have to Get Tested for COVID-19?
This is the first question you should ask yourself before booking that flight to Jamaica. Because, like many other countries, Jamaica has employed safety measures to benefit the lives of its citizens and visitors. So, here’s what you need to know about the testing requirements. The need for testing before coming to Jamaica is dependent on two things; your reason for travel and if your area is considered high risk.
If you’re travelling for a vacation or other personal reasons, once you’re older than 12 travelling from high-risk areas like New York, Florida, Texas, Arizona, you’ll have to give College of American Pathologists (CAP) COVID-19 PCR test. The test must be done within ten (10) days of coming to Jamaica.
However, persons on business don’t need to provide a COVID test as testing will be done on arrival.
What Do I Need to Travel?
This is the next very important question. All travellers regardless of the reason for travel need Travel Authorization.
So, no you can’t just show up at the airport without it. Everyone coming to Jamaica needs Travel Authorization. You can get this authorization by applying here. The authorization is given to those who adequately complete a health risk assessment, which is applied for five days before arrival. If granted travel authorization, you are free to travel to Jamaica. Just provide your printed or saved Travel Authorization, along with your passport when checking in.
Again, if you’re coming to do business, you don’t need to a test before you get here. The government takes care of that part for you when you arrive in Jamaica. However, if you’re coming to Jamaica on business, you must have been granted Travel Authorization. Just like everyone else, you must provide your Travel Authorization to board a flight to Jamaica.
What Do I Need to Travel If I’m Coming to Jamaica on Business?
At the airport, you’ll be tested and quarantined until your results are ready. A negative test will allow you to conduct your business as planned. However, a positive test will subject you to stay in isolation at your hotel or a government facility.
How Do I Know If I’m Considered a Business Traveller?
Before you go to the airport for a business trip without being tested, you should know a few things.
To be a business traveller, you must be conducting business for less than 14 days. If you’re doing business for more than 14 days you’ll need a negative COVID-19 test when applying for Travel Authorization.
Before travelling, know that funerals, weddings and other personal activities aren’t business purposes.
Can I Stay at a Hotel?
Yes, you can. The visitjamaica.com website provided a list of Hotel, Villa and Guesthouse accommodations here that are acceptable under Travel Authorization standards.
What Happens When I Get to Jamaica?
When you get to Jamaica you will go through a short risk assessment. If you’re considered high risk, based on the country you are travelling from or a display of symptoms, you’ll be required to be tested at the airport or a designated facility and await the test results at the hotel or residence you’re staying.
A negative test will allow you to stay at your intended address for 14 days or within the Resilient Corridor (special tourist zone that stretches from Negril to Port Antonio) and follow certain protocols such as wearing a mask, sanitation, and social distancing.
A positive test will subject you to isolation at your hotel, intended address or a government facility.
What Restrictions Do I Have to Bear In Mind While I’m There?
Like a lot of places right now, in Jamaica, a mask is mandatory in public spaces. There is also the limitation that persons should maintain a distance of six feet apart. Currently, until July 31, there is an 11 pm to 5 am curfew that prohibits non-essential workers from being on the road.
What is HummingBird Car Rental’s Response to COVID-19?
Since we’ve gone over what the government has in place for you, we tell you about us. We take the COVID-19 epidemic very seriously. So, we’ve made several changes to how we operate here at HBC which you can see in our COVID-19 Notice here.