Jamaica Visa Policy

Most Commonwealth citizens can visit Jamaica for up to 180 days without a visa.

Valid passports are advised for travel but where not readily available, US citizens and resident aliens in the US, and Canadian citizens may enter Jamaica as bona fide tourists, providing they fulfill the following requirements:

US Citizens

• Valid passport

Canadian Citizens

• Valid passport

Canadian Residents

• Valid passport
• Travel document and a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card

Cruises Passengers

• Cruises Passengers of any nationality who intend to stay on the island during the stay of the vessel to which they have arrived and leave on the same vessel shall not be required to hold a visa.

Passengers of the cruise ship do not require a visa. However, they require a valid passport.

Those persons who are allowed to enter Jamaica without a visa for specified periods for tourism purposes (e.g. 14 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, and 180 days) are required to have a visa if they need to stay beyond those specified periods (i.e., you may visit Jamaica several times for up to 14 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days and 6 months in a calendar year, after which a visa is required). When visiting for other purposes, e.g. study, work, permanent residence - a visa is required. This applies to dependents as well. Citizens of Commonwealth countries and territories are exempt (please see above in the drop-down list), but must submit documentation to the Immigration Officer to support the purpose for which they wish to enter Jamaica.

You can apply for a Jamaica Entry visa for realizing your temporary travel to Jamaica. Reasons to apply for this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, short-term work, and many other non-permanent nuances. In general, travelers are landed as visitors for different periods of two (2) weeks to six (6) months. Extensions beyond six months must be requested from the Ministry of National Security. Abolition Agreements have been concluded between Jamaica and a number of countries, and where there are reciprocal arrangements, which govern the conditions under which the respective national(s) may enter the other country before arrival.

Required Documents for Jamaica Entry Visa

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Jamaica.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 35mm x 45mm size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation (return ticket must be included)
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

• The letter must include:
  • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
  • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
  • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
• Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
• Letter from University (if student)
• Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

9. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank Statement (most recent)
• Proof of the availability of sufficient funds for the visit

10. Supporting Documents that Show Your Reason for a Trip

     For tourism:

• Confirmation of the accommodation (hotel confirmation, apartment rental contract, etc.)
• Flight itinerary (Round trip ticket)

     For the business traveler:

• Foreigners entering a country for short-term business (such as consultations, meetings, inspections, repairs, technical advice) are eligible as 'visitors' in accordance with the entry requirements applicable to visitors from their respective countries (e.g. A French national who is traveling to Jamaica to conduct business may enter as a visitor for 30 days without a visa). Each visit should not exceed thirty (30) days and the cumulative number of days within one calendar year should not exceed one hundred and eighty (180) days. The usual conditions for persons seeking to be admitted on the basis of employment, study, etc. remain in place.
  • Original invitation letter by the company/organization
  • Correspondence from the business contacts in Jamaica (on company letterhead) confirming the nature of the visit
  • Correspondence from the local company (on letterhead) indicating the nature of the visit
  • Proof of reasonable financial support during the duration of the visit
  • Itinerary

     For student entry visa:

• Acceptance letter to education establishment in Jamaica
• Correspondence from the educational institution confirming acceptance and length of time to study in addition to authorization or permission from the Ministry of National Security to study in Jamaica. Clearance is usually sought on behalf of the prospective student by a representative of the educational institution where he/she wishes to study. Such clearance is usually communicated in writing to the Consular Office closest to the applicant's place of residence. Claims are required before a visa can be issued.
• Medical certificate stating that the applicant is free from contagious or communicable diseases (which may be a letter signed by a family physician)
• Proof of support for the duration of the study (Affidavit of financial support)
• Airline round trip ticket valid for at least one year.

     For the spouse of Jamaican national entry visa:

• Certificate of marriage
• Birth certificate of the spouse and certified copy of the Jamaican passport of the spouse      

     For work entry visa:

• Original invitation letter by a company in Jamaica confirming the offer of employment
• Original approval of the work permit signed by or on behalf of the Minister of Labor and Social Security

11. For Minors:

• Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Jamaica Entry Visa

The average processing time for a Jamaica Entry Visa is 3-14 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

Jamaica Entry Visa Fee

Jamaica Entry Visa fee is 20-150 USD (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Please check this website for fees (see drop-down list). Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission. Prices may vary for Jamaica visas issued by the British Embassies.

Where to Apply for Jamaica Entry Visa?

You will apply for a Jamaica Entry visa in Jamaica or British visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

* In addition, visitors from Taiwan with the "Affidavit of Identity" can obtain a visa upon arrival. Jamaica does not recognize the passports of Taiwan.

Required Documents for Jamaica Visa on Arrival

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Jamaica.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 35mm x 45mm size

3. Travel Itinerary

• Flight tickets (Return ticket must be included)
• Accommodation confirmation/reservation (hotel booking, house contract, apartment reservation, etc.)

4. Proof of Financial Sources

• Bank statements, cash, travelers' cheques, vouchers, etc.

5. Certificate of Yellow Fever vaccine (if applicable)

*Additional documents can be required by the border control.

Processing Time for Jamaica Visa on Arrival

The average processing time for Jamaica Visa on Arrival is a few minutes.

Jamaica Visa on Arrival Fee

Jamaica Visa on Arrival fee is 100-350 USD for all foreign citizens. The fee may vary depending on your nationality.

For individuals requiring a visa to arrive at the Port of Entry without one – 350 USD.

Visa extensions cost JM$10,000 (about US$80)

Where to Apply for Jamaica Visa on Arrival?

You will apply for Jamaica Visa on Arrival at Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Port Antonio, and Kingston ports.

A Work Permit is a document (card) containing a number and a photograph issued to an expatriate that authorizes that individual to work in Jamaica for a specified period of time in accordance with its provisions.

Persons seeking a work permit are required to submit an application to this Ministry through their prospective employer, the contractor (individual), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro – Investors), or through legal representation.

Non-Jamaicans seeking employment in Jamaica shall be required to obtain a work permit. Work permits are issued only by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in Jamaica and all applications should be submitted directly to that Ministry.

Required Documents for Jamaica Work Permit

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Jamaica.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or three free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 35mm x 45mm size

4. ID Card Copy

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

6. Photocopies

• Certified copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation
• Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Original Invitation Letter by a Company in Jamaica Confirming the Offer of Employment

9. Original Approval of the Work Permit Signed by or on behalf of the Minister of Labor and Social Security

10. Cover Letter

• Cover letter outlining the nature and duration of the work to be carried out. Details of the investment proposal(s) should also be provided (Documentary proof of proposed investment(s) should be provided).

11. Proof of Qualifications

• Certified copies of evidence of academic or professional qualifications or letters of accreditation.
• A letter of recommendation or written reference from the previous employer of the applicant or proof of the applicant's business/commercial/professional activity abroad.

12. Curriculum Vitae

• Outlining the professional or business experience of the applicant

13. Police Record

• The record should be drawn up by the appropriate security authority in the country of residence of the applicant

14. Proof of Registration of Business

• Certified copy of the Business Registration Certificate for unincorporated companies.
• Certified copy of the Certificate of incorporation and of the Memorandum of Association for duly registered companies. Articles of association are not required
• If the applicant is self-employed or if the undertaking has been in operation for at least one year or the applicant applies for a renewal of the Work Permit, a Certificate of Tax Compliance should be submitted

Processing Time for Jamaica Work Permit

The average processing time for a Jamaica Work Permit is 6-10 weeks.

Jamaica Work Permit Fee

Jamaica Application fee 14,400.00 (about 96 USD) + Work Permit fee is 27,000.00 (about 180 USD) - 108,000.00 (about 718 USD), can vary depends on the validity of permit Additionally, you may also need to pay other fees, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

N.B Work Permit granted for any period of more than one (1) year JA$27,000 (about 180 USD) for each period of three (3) months or part thereof.

A fee of JA$7,200.00 (about 180 USD) or its equivalent will be charged to replace lost, damaged, or stolen ID Cards.

Where to Apply for Jamaica Work Permit?

You will apply for a Jamaica Work Permit in Jamaica embassies, consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence or to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Temporary Residence

Temporary Residence is where a foreign national resides in Jamaica as a student, employment, marriage to a Jamaican, and as a dependent on an individual working in the island.

Extensions of stay shall be processed by the Immigration Unit at the Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency for three (3) working days (PICA).

For more information, please check this website.

Permanent Residence

A non-Jamaican national may apply for Permanent Residence in Jamaica on the following basis:

• Employment: Work in Jamaica for three years or more
• Marriage: to be married to a Jamaican national
• Retirement: people who no longer work in their home country and want to live in Jamaica

For more information, please check this website.