Jamaica has officially eliminated all pre-arrival testing rules for travelers.
International visitors to Jamaica are no longer required to present a negative antigen or PCR test before their trip to the island.
Additionally, Jamaica has ended its mandate to wear a mask in public places.
“Eliminating mask mandates and the need for travelers to present a negative COVID test result are important strides toward our continued gradual relaxation of travel protocols as the spread of COVID-19 keeps declining,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. “We are optimistic that these simpler requirements will serve to increase the appeal of Jamaica as a premier destination and keep us moving along the road to a stronger recovery for both the tourism sector and the nation’s economy as a whole.”
All other public health measures in the country remain in place, including the requirement for public establishments to provide hand washing stations and hand sanitizing equipment for anyone entering the premises.
The news comes after the move last week by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to downgrade Jamaica to a Level 1 travel designation, its lowest-risk category.
“As we review our Jamaica CARES program and travel protocols regularly, taking these actions was the logical next step to keep Jamaica aligned with best practices globally,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board. “Many destinations in the Caribbean region and around the world have been easing travel requirements, so this change will help us ensure that Jamaica retains its leadership position among the world’s top tourism destinations.”
The move should only expand tourism to the island, which has been steadily improving since the country first reopened its doors to tourists back in the summer of 2020.
Jamaica is one of an increasing number of Caribbean destinations to eliminate all travel requirements, joining destinations like Curacao, Aruba and Grenada.
For more, visit Jamaica.