Jamaica
United States
United States visa for Jamaican citizens
Entry requirement
The United States requires Jamaican citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
- Where to apply
- 2 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at jm.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Jamaica
- Embassy of the United States in Kingston
Old Hope Road 142, Kingston 6
-
All missions of the United States in Jamaica
The United States has 2 missions in Jamaica, with its embassy in Kingston. Consulates: Montego Bay.
US visas issued to citizens of Jamaica
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 84,494 | 69,957 |
| Student (F, M) | 1,212 | 927 |
| Exchange (J) | 11,674 | 11,222 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 18,418 | 17,397 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 1,782 | 1,560 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 346 | 290 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 770 | 398 |
| Other | 6 | 8 |
| Total | 118,702 | 101,759 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 43.7% | 44.3% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 101,759 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Jamaica, the 15th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 69%, work and treaty visas 17% and exchange visitor visas 11%. That is 14% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (118,702).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Jamaica received 21,539, 45% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 44.3% for citizens of Jamaica in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 43.7%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Jamaica anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Jamaica.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Jamaica
United StatesJamaica Visa-free, 180 days Jamaica visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Jamaican citizens planning a trip to the United States can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
How long Jamaican citizens can stay in the United States
How long Jamaican citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Jamaican citizens apply
In Jamaica, applications go to the US embassy in Kingston and the consulate in Montego Bay, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Jamaican citizens
Mexico admits Jamaican citizens visa-free. Canada requires Jamaican citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Jamaica
Jamaica admits US citizens without a visa for stays of up to 180 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Jamaican citizens need a visa for the United States?
The United States requires Jamaican citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
Where is the US embassy in Jamaica?
The US embassy in Jamaica is in Kingston; there is also a consulate in Montego Bay.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Jamaica?
Jamaica admits US citizens without a visa for stays of up to 180 days.
Can Jamaican citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Jamaican citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.