Jamaica has officially open to international travel. If you’re planning on making a trip, expect new health and safety protocols that aim to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Travelers will have to complete a travel declaration form indicating if they have or have had symptoms of COVID-19.
RELATED: These 5 Caribbean Countries Will Be Opening To Tourists This Summer
Visitors can also expect temperature checks before entry and upon entry.
In the event that a passenger’s temperature is elevated, additional screenings and testing will be provided. Any visitor who exhibits symptoms or is ill will be subject to quarantine.
How Businesses In Jamaica Are Reopening
During Phase 1 of Jamaica’s reopening from June 15 to June 30, tourism will be limited to a “COVID-19 Resilient Corridor” that spans along the coastline from Negril to Port Antonio. Only businesses within the Corridor who have been trained, assessed, and cleared for opening are allowed to conduct business, according to a directive from The Ministry of Tourism.
Jamaican officials are requiring that hotels designate at least one employee as a “Covid-19 Safety Point Person” to conduct spot checks, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board . Hotels are required to take the temperatures of staff at the beginning of each shift, place hands-free sanitizer dispensers or hand washing stations at the entrance, and sanitize elevators at least once every 60 to 90 minutes.
Expect to see restaurants reducing seating capacity to 70 percent and self-service buffets have been eliminated.
Social distancing will be expected at the beach and swimming pools. Umbrellas and chairs have to be placed six feet apart and parties are limited to 10 people or less.
The last several months have severely restricted the ability to travel, something that is critical for Jamaica’s tourism sector. Together as a nation, we took strong and decisive actions to contain the spread of the virus including the closing of our national borders,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism of Jamaica Tourist Board. “Infused in all of these protocols is the warmth and culture of Jamaica. Use them as our guide to life with COVID 19, they will serve to protect all of us, particularly now, as we prepare to once again open our hearts to the world.”
