All travelers entering Jamaica are required to present a valid and approved travel document as evidence of their identity and nationality. Foreign nationals, defined as travelers who do not present a Jamaican passport upon arrival, must meet specific entry requirements.
Required Documents for Entry
To conduct your Immigration interview upon arrival, travelers must present the following:
- A valid passport or other acceptable travel document: The most common and preferred travel document is a passport, but other types of travel documents may also be accepted.
- A valid Jamaican entry visa (if applicable): Travelers from certain countries may require a visa before entry.
- A completed and signed Immigration/Customs C5 form: This form can be completed online or as a physical document.
Other Acceptable Travel Documents
A small number of travelers may have alternative travel documents that are also accepted for entry into Jamaica. These documents must be issued by a recognized authority, contain a photograph of the holder, and provide re-entry authority to the issuing country or entry authority to another country. Holders of these documents generally require a visa.
Types of acceptable documents include:
- Document of Identity (if the holder is not a Jamaican citizen, a visa may be required)
- Certificate of Identity
- Laissez Passer
- Documents issued to refugees
- ‘Kinderausweis’ issued to German minors
- Military documents for military personnel traveling by air (Military passport or ID)
- Seaman’s certificate if traveling by sea
Travelers who arrive in Jamaica without a valid travel document and/or the required visa may be refused entry or delayed until their identity and right to enter are confirmed.
Foreign nationals with a claim to Jamaican citizenship are encouraged to obtain a Jamaican passport to facilitate a smoother entry process. Exceptions apply to Jamaicans who have renounced their citizenship or foreign nationals with Unconditional Landing in their foreign passport.
Jamaicans traveling on a Jamaican passport have an automatic right of entry and do not require a visa. They must present:
- A valid Jamaican passport, emergency certificate, or an expired Jamaican passport (if accepted by the airline)
- A completed and signed Immigration/Customs C5 form
For more details, travelers can check the official Jamaican Immigration website.
U.S. Citizens traveling to and from Jamaica must present a valid passport when leaving and or re-entering the United States. Residents must present their Alien Resident Card (Green Card) together with passport of country for which they hold citizenship.
Canadian Citizens: Valid passport or a government-issued identification with photograph, along with an official birth certificate. Canadian residents must present a Canadian Permanent Resident Card and a passport showing country of citizenship.
All visitors are required to travel with a return ticket or onward ticket for entry into Jamaica.
