Jamaica: Authorities update COVID-19-related restrictions as of Dec. 10 /update 37

Event

Officials in Jamaica have issued orders to shorten the COVID-19-related nightly curfew from Dec. 10 and have banned the entry of individuals traveling from certain African nations. Under the new guidelines, the curfew is in effect 22:00-05:00, instead of the previous 21:00-05:00 period. Authorities have announced some exceptions for seasonal holidays: the Dec. 24 curfew (i.e., on Christmas Eve) and Dec. 31 curfew (i.e., on New Year's Eve) will begin three hours later than usual, beginning at 01:00 Dec. 25 (i.e., Christmas Day) and 01:00 Jan. 1 (i.e., New Year's Day), respectively. The new directives are likely to remain in place through at least Jan. 13.

Also, authorities have banned the entry of non-Jamaican nationals who have visited Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe in the 14 days prior to travel to Jamaica. Citizens and permanent residents who have visited these countries may enter but must undergo a state-supervised quarantine period of 14 days. The measure was introduced in response to the recent emergence of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Domestic Measures
Gatherings at weddings, places of worship, and annual general meetings are limited to 100 people; all attendees must be fully vaccinated. Up to 20 people may gather for funerals.

Other domestic measures remain mostly unchanged:

• Public gatherings are limited to 10 people. Conferences, crusades, and conventions are banned.

• Some businesses, such as restaurants and gyms, can operate at 50 percent capacity.

• Business activity remains mostly operational outside the curfew hours.

International Travel Restrictions
All arriving passengers are subject to strict health screenings and assessments. Arrivals are required to submit pre-travel authorization within seven days before their planned travel to Jamaica. Individuals aged 12 and older must present a negative result from a PCR, antigen, or other approved COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before the date of travel. Other requirements depend on the status of each traveler:

• Jamaican citizens and residents or tourists not staying at a "Resilient Corridor" accommodation must quarantine for 14 days if unvaccinated; if fully vaccinated, such persons must quarantine for eight days but may end the quarantine period following receipt of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken after arrival.

• Nonresident tourists staying at a "Resilient Corridor" accommodation will be screened upon arrival. If not exhibiting symptoms, they may go to their hotel and follow control measures for the "Resilient Corridor." If required to take a COVID-19 test, these travelers must isolate in their hotel room until receiving the result.

• Nonresidents traveling for business purposes must test upon arrival and isolate until obtaining a negative COVID-19 test result if fully vaccinated. If unvaccinated, such persons will only be allowed to leave their hotel for their business meetings once per day if they test negative after arrival.

For more details on entry and quarantine requirements, click here.

Authorities could further tighten, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Jamaica Information Service
Travel Guidelines
Travel Authorization