It won't be long before you're off to Jamaica. I want to make sure you have all of the documentation you need for travel so you can be through customs and immigration as quickly as possible. Grab your passports and flight information and fill them out online to save yourself time at the airport.
COVID Notice:
Just about everything travel-related is affected by the current COVID crisis in one way or another. Regulations, restrictions, and availability of normal amenities are all subject to change at any time. What is true for travel today may be very different by the time you actually travel.
Please keep in mind that your travel experiences in the midst of this pandemic will likely be different than similar experiences you had before this occurred. Resorts may not be offering all of their usual amenities. Restaurants may only be open on a rotating basis. Resort staff may still be downsized and this can cause slower-than-normal service. Please be patient with them and know that the resorts are all trying hard to keep guests happy while dealing with the realities of our current times.
If you have problems during your trip, please work with the resort’s front desk to see if they can get it resolved for you, and let us know so we can reach out on your behalf as well.
Entry Requirements
As of April 15, 2022, Covid-related entry requirements have been removed.
- Passport: Don't forget your passport! It must be valid and in good condition (not damaged). Jamaica doesn't have the 6-month rule for validity past the time of your trip, but it's always a good idea to renew if it's due to expire shortly after your travel.
- Customs Form: For faster processing on arrival at the airport, travelers are encouraged to submit their Immigration/Customs C5 card online at https://enterjamaica.com and may do so at any time before arrival. If the card has not been submitted online, passengers may complete the paper form issued in-flight by the airline.
- Covid Test (optional/recommended): A COVID test is no longer required before arriving in Jamaica. However, we strongly recommend testing before your trip anyway. This can help you to know if you are positive for the virus before arriving in your destination and then needing to quarantine upon testing positive to return to the U.S.
- Vaccine Card (optional/recommended): While not required to enter Jamaica itself, if you are vaccinated, it is a good idea to bring the card with you.
EXIT Requirements:
- It is no longer required to have a negative Covid-19 test prior to flying back to the US!
- Mobile Passport (Optional): To expedite your entry back into the US when you return, we recommend that you download the CBP Mobile Passport Control app. You can see more details here: Mobile Passport Control
Club Mobay:
For the most seamless airport experience, we always recommend Club Mobay at the Sanger Airport in Jamaica! Get fast-track service through immigration, customs, and security with personalized assistance. Travel like a true VIP when you relax in the private lounge to wait for your flight, using the high-speed Wi-Fi and enjoying the beverages and snacks. We LOVE this service, and definitely recommend it for all of our clients traveling to Jamaica!
Timeshare Warning!
Time-share and “Vacation Club” salespeople are notoriously prevalent in Mexico, both at the airport and in the resorts. Most resorts have a “Vacation Club” or "Membership" that is very expensive and they will try very hard to get you to a sales presentation, sometimes even as soon as you check in! The presentation is NOT required. You can firmly tell them that you’re not interested and they should hopefully leave you alone, but you may have to be rather firm about it if you do want to spend 4-6 hours of your vacation in a sales presentation!
A Note About the Beaches:
Sargassum/seaweed/’red tide” is a common problem in Mexico, Jamaica, and the rest of the Caribbean. It is something that can change on a daily basis and is dependent on the weather and Mother Nature in general. While it can be unpleasant to look at (and smell), it is thankfully temporary.
The resorts all try to do a great job to clean it up and remove it when it gets bad, but there are times when it can be overwhelming. If it unfortunately gets bad during your vacation, try not to let Mother Nature ruin your trip! Enjoy the beautiful pools and other resort amenities, and know that all resorts in that area are struggling with the same issue, so your particular resort isn’t to blame.
All-Inclusive Resort Pointers:
- Tipping is allowed and expected/encouraged at most resorts and is always appreciated, especially for wonderful service. Take small bills as they might not be able to change larger bills at the hotel. On the resorts, US dollars are acceptable. Outside of the resorts, the local currency is preferred (such as for tours or taxis).
- Dress Codes apply in most restaurants and often require long pants for men. Check the resort’s website for their requirements. Some accept jeans and others do not.
- Reservations: Depending on your resort, some or all restaurants may require reservations. If your resort requires them, please make them as soon as possible once you’ve checked in. Some will allow you to do it ahead of time.
- Resort App: Many resorts have their own mobile app now, which can be used for dinner reservations and menus, seeing the schedule of daily events, and more. The resort will advise at check-in if they have an app that will be helpful during your stay.
- Safes: Please use the safe in your room for valuables. It is very rare that something would come up missing but don’t take the chance.
- Credit Cards: Remember to notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling out of the country so they won’t flag your transactions as fraud and lock your card.
Packing tips:
- Rooms are generally not ready until 3 pm. Make sure you pack a swimsuit and sunscreen in your carry-on so you can enjoy the pool/beach when you arrive. The resort will hold your luggage until your room is ready.
- In case your luggage is delayed or lost, be sure to pack a change of clothes and important items like medications in your carry-on!
- Take an insulated tumbler for your frozen drinks. The bartenders can make your drink right into your cup and you won’t find yourself waiting for a drink as often.
- Many resorts are doing away with straws or using paper ones, so a nice reusable one (with a cleaning brush) is a great idea.
- Pack a small can of bug spray. Mosquitos can be a problem in the tropics, and are prevalent on some excursions, especially in the jungle or lush areas. It can be expensive to purchase bug spray at the resort.
- Pack some over-the-counter meds like Tylenol, Advil, and Tums/Imodium in your bag. These are expensive on-property. Most resorts filter their water but it's best to be prepared just in case. You may want to use bottled water to brush your teeth.
- Biodegradable sunscreen protects the reefs so please use it when possible. Rash guard or long-sleeved bathing suits are preferable to sunscreen, especially on some excursions like the Cenotes and snorkeling tours. Don’t forget lip balm with SPF.
- If you have a lot of electronics, you may want to bring a power strip.
- Remember small bills for tips - bartenders, waiters, housekeeping, and transfer companies!