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Surrounded by the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, this large island-state in the Greater Antilles offers vacationers sights, sounds and experiences they'll remember for the rest of their lives. But to enter Jamaica, you'll need travel insurance.
Travel Requirements for Jamaica
Launched in November 2020, Jamaica has implemented their Jamaica Cares program. Part of this initiative requires all visitors to the country to obtain mandatory travel insurance. The cost is around $40-50, and the insurance $50,000 of medical emergency coverage and $100,000 of coverage while traveling to Jamaica and returning home.
However, travelers should note that although this insurance is mandatory, it's also limited. Purchasing a supplemental health insurance policy is a great way to make sure that you're completely covered in the event of any illness or sickness while abroad.
COVID-19 in Jamaica
If you have to travel, here are some Covid safety precautions to take. For the most up-to-date information on Covid restrictions for traveling, please follow CDC guidelines.
Covid information for your trip
Do you know the Covid situation for your destination? Keep up with country-specific advisories and notifications.
Health & safety
In general, Jamaica is a relatively safe place. Still, there are a few travel tips that can ensure your safety while you're visiting the country. To begin with, cab drivers operate by bargaining. This is part of the culture. If you're not accustomed to haggling, drivers may take advantage of you and demand that you pay an expensive fare for your car ride. Although not every driver will try and scam you for more money, you may wish to avoid taking cabs while in Jamaica.
If you're traveling to hotspots, such as Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, be mindful of pickpockets. Make sure you keep an eye on your belongings, and try not to carry anything on you that is irreplaceable or very valuable. No matter where you are, always be sure to exercise caution while you're traveling.
Necessary vaccinations
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before your trip. Here are some common vaccination recommendations for Jamaica.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (influenza)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Hepatitis B
- Yellow fever
For the most up-to-date information on required vaccinations and other health requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
Visas & documentation
In addition to proof of travel health insurance for Jamaica, there may be other documents you won't want to leave home without. Visa requirements depend on your home country. For example, American citizens are not required to have a visa as long as their stay is less than 60 days. To determine what your country's specific visa requirements for traveling to Jamaica are, check out Jamaica's Passport Immigration And Citizenship Agency Website.
In terms of documentation, every foreigner traveling to Jamaica must present a valid passport or similar documentation such as Certificates of Identity or Documents of Identity. For a comprehensive list of acceptable alternatives to passports, visit PICA's website mentioned above.
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