Jamaica tourist visa and visitor extensions

PICA's table of visa requirements for foreigners and Commonwealth nationals sets the rule country by country. Commonwealth citizens such as those of Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Kenya or Ghana need no visa; nationals of countries such as France, Japan, Portugal or Spain need none for 30 days, those of Brazil, Germany, Italy, Mexico, South Korea or Switzerland none for 90 days, and US citizens can stay six months. Nationals of countries such as Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Vietnam need a visa in advance, and some, such as Armenia, Georgia and Uzbekistan, can obtain one at the port of entry. Some nationals qualify for 30 days only with a US, Canadian, UK or Schengen visa or proof of certain vaccinations. Everyone must present a valid, approved travel document, usually a passport; holders of refugee travel documents or certificates of identity generally require a visa.

A visitor who arrives without a visa that they should have obtained in advance is charged US$350 at the port of entry, so check the table for your nationality and passport type before booking.

Non-Commonwealth nationals over 16 who reside in Jamaica for more than six months must register, at a cost of JM$2,000. A person who has overstayed and wants to regularise their stay pays an immigration fee of JM$50,000, with each case treated on its merits.

An extension is a stamp in the passport that adds time to the period granted on entry. Apply before your landing time expires; failing to do so puts you in breach of the immigration laws and incurs penalties. Commonwealth citizens may stay up to twelve months as visitors and non-Commonwealth citizens up to six months.

For a visitor extension bring a passport valid for at least six more months, a return ticket, a letter stating the reason for the extension, an entry visa if applicable and the fee. The processing fee is JM$10,000, and persons who wish to extend beyond the visa-exemption period pay JM$50,000. PICA processes extensions within three working days.

PICA's head office is at 25C Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10, with regional offices in Montego Bay, Mandeville, May Pen, St. Ann's Bay and Port Antonio, and immigration desks at the main airports. The general telephone number is 876-754-7422, and appointments can be scheduled with PICA.