Jamaica: COVID-19-related domestic restrictions to be eased from Nov. 18 /update 36

Event

Officials in Jamaica have issued orders to ease certain COVID-19 restrictions nationwide from Nov. 18. These directives are likely to remain in place through Dec. 10. International travel restrictions remain largely unchanged.

Under the new guidelines, the curfew will be in effect between 21:00-05:00 from Nov. 18, instead of the current 20:00-05:00 curfew. Additionally, the limit of people gathering at weddings, places of worship, annual general meetings, and events hosted by public entities will be increased from 50 to 100 people; however, all attendees must be fully vaccinated. Up to 20 people may gather for funerals and burials.

Other domestic measures remain mostly unchanged:

• A work-from-home order remains in place for much of the public sector. Authorities continue to appeal to the private sector to take a similar approach.

• 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.

Travel Restrictions
All arriving passengers will be subject to strict health screenings and assessments. Arrivals require pre-travel authorization up to seven days before their planned departure for Jamaica. Individuals aged 12 and older must present a negative result from a COVID-19 RT-PCR, antigen, or other approved test taken up to 72 hours before 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 following a negative 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 a 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