New Passport Requirement for US citizens entering Jamaica

Please note that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new regulation requiring all U.S. citizens to have a passport when re-entering the United States, with effect from January 1, 2007. Therefore, if you are travelling to Jamaica and returning to the United States after that date and do not have a valid passport, we urge you to obtain one now. The lead time for processing passports will likely increase with this new requirement and we do not want you to miss your vacation at Half Moon.

Visitors to Jamaica will be asked to go through immigration and customs upon arriving on the island of Jamaica.

The U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security has announced that effective June 8 - September 30, 2007 US citizens who have applied for but not yet received passports can temporarily enter and depart the United States by air with a US government issued photo identification and official proof from the Department of State of U.S. passport application. Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child's proof of application. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html. Acceptable US government issued photo identification include a driver's licenses or a certified copy (with official raised seal) of traveler's birth certificate.

A listing of items allowed in and out of the country is outlined below.

Incoming Duty-free Items

• One-half pound of tobacco
• One quart of spirits (including liqueurs, cordials and wine)
• Six fluid ounces of perfumed spirits
• Twelve fluid ounces of toilette water

Incoming Restricted Items

• Fresh flowers and plants
• Honey
• Fruits, meats and vegetables (except canned)
• Coffee (in any form)
• Firearms and explosives
• Dangerous drugs, including marijuana

Kosher Food

Persons who use only Kosher food must have for all carcasses being imported: meat inspection certificates from the U.S.D.A./Official Government Vet. Ministry of Agriculture; b) stamp of approval on all carcasses; c) an import license from the Ministry of Agriculture in Jamaica. The Jamaica Tourist Board can assist in the arrangements to obtain the license. Please allow at least two weeks' notice.

Immigration and Entrance Requirements

Proof of citizenship and return ticket are required to leave the country of origin. Since some countries require visas, please check with the Jamaican Consulate or Jamaican Embassy nearest to you.

• United States - A valid passport. Those visiting as tourists may remain for a period not exceeding six months.
• Canada - The same documentation as above. Naturalized citizens may use a certificate of citizenship along with photo I.D. (both bearing the same name).
• United Kingdom - Commonwealth citizens require a valid passport.
• Japan - A valid passport. A visa is required for stays of over 30 days.
• All other countries - Please check with the Jamaican Consulate or Jamaican Embassy nearest to you.
• Alien registration card holders - Need valid ARC and valid passport.

Children require a birth certificate along with photo I.D. (both bearing the same name).

No vaccinations are required unless, in the last six weeks, a traveler has visited the following: Asia, Africa, Central & South America, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad or Tobago.