Jamaica - Customs Regulations (2024)

Travelers and importers will need to comply with regulations governing the importation of restricted and prohibited items. Restricted goods, such as meats and plants, require a permit, while prohibited goods, such as toy guns and firecrackers are not allowed and will be seized at the port.

Other items that require permits and/or licenses include motor vehicles, pesticides, agricultural produce, human remains, firearms and holsters, and several others. Importers and travelers are therefore being urged to contact the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) and the relevant agency or agencies (below), for further guidance or clarification, as it relates to importing goods/items that may require a permit.

The JCA performs border protection or agency functions on behalf of the following agencies and encourages importers to contact these entities if they require details on importing any item that falls within their purview:

  • The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), Ministry of National Security
  • The Pesticides Control Authority (PCA), Ministry of Health
  • Plant Quarantine Unit, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries (MICAF)
  • The Veterinary Services Division, MICAF
  • Trade Board Limited
  • Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA)
  • The Public Health Department, Ministry of Health
  • Bureau of Standards (MICAF)
  • National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NRCA)
  • National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA)
  • Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ)
  • Coconut Industry Board
  • Spectrum Management Authority (SMA)
  • Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS)
  • The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA)
  • Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS)

Jamaica Customs

Newport East,

Kingston 15

(876) 922–5140

Jamaica - Customs Regulations (2024)

FAQs

What items need to be declared at Jamaica customs? ›

They should respond truthfully to all questions and accurately declare what is in their possession. This includes a requirement to report any food, plant, animal products, monetary instruments (cash, cheques, money orders) USD$10,000, its equivalent or more.

Can I fill out a Jamaica customs form online? ›

The traditional paper forms will no longer be accepted for entry. You can access the digital declaration form here. This user-friendly form can be filled out online up to 30 days before your scheduled arrival date, streamlining the entry process and reducing congestion at Jamaica's immigration points.

How do I skip customs line in Jamaica? ›

Choose VIP Express Service

There is an expedited express service both arrival and departure through Montego Bay Airport, which provides a fast lane through immigration and customs along with access to VIP lounges. This can be booked on the Amstar website or with your Amstar representative in resort.

What can't I bring into Jamaica? ›

Indecent and obscene prints, paintings, photographs, cinematograph films, lithographs, engravings, books, cards or written communications or any indecent or obscene articles whether similar to the above or not and any parcels, packages or packets having thereon, or on the cover thereof, any words, marks or designs ...

What needs to be declared when going through customs? ›

Declare all items:This includes anything you purchased abroad, gifts, food items, and even medication. Declare everything accurately to avoid delays or fines. Familiarize yourself with US customs regulations:Visit the US Customs and Border Protection website for detailed information on prohibited and restricted items.

What happens if I don't declare items at customs? ›

When a passenger arriving into the United States acquires merchandise abroad (by purchase, gift, otherwise), they must declare it to U.S. Customs upon returning to the United States. If they do not, the merchandise will be subject to forfeiture and the person can receive a penalty.

What to expect when going through customs in Jamaica? ›

All passengers arriving in Jamaica are required to present their passport, along with the completed Customs Declaration Form (C5) to a Customs Officer for processing. They should respond truthfully to all questions and accurately declare what is in their possession.

How to get through Jamaica customs as quickly as possible? ›

Filling Out Your Landing Card

Shortly after takeoff, flight attendants will distribute customs cards. This form asks about your identity, length of stay, purpose of stay, and any items to declare at customs. Fill it out as soon as you receive it and keep it with your passport for quick access at immigration.

How long does it take to clear customs in Jamaica? ›

Unless you have something to declare, customs will take 5 min. or less. Most of the time is taken in immigration, not customs. The longest that I have ever heard it taking to go thru immigration, bag claim, and customs combined is just over 3 hr.

What not to pack for Jamaica? ›

Weapons. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited, and you will be severely punished if you try to bring these to Jamaica.

Can I bring prescription medication to Jamaica? ›

Travellers to Jamaica may bring regular prescriptions to Jamaica for use during their stay in Jamaica provided that: The person brings a copy of all prescriptions clearly stating name, the quantity, strength and dosage and that all the prescription drugs are in the original containers and clearly labelled.

Is Jamaican customs strict? ›

Jamaica - Customs Regulations. Travelers and importers will need to comply with regulations governing the importation of restricted and prohibited items. Restricted goods, such as meats and plants, require a permit, while prohibited goods, such as toy guns and firecrackers are not allowed and will be seized at the port ...

What goods should be declared at customs? ›

Here are some examples of goods that typically need to be declared:
  • Personal Belongings and Clothing. ...
  • Electronics and Gadgets. ...
  • Jewelry and Valuable Items. ...
  • Gifts and Souvenirs. ...
  • Alcohol and Tobacco Products. ...
  • Food Items. ...
  • Medications. ...
  • Currency and Monetary Instruments.
Dec 17, 2023

What items require customs clearance? ›

Customs clearance is necessary for all packages entering the U.S. from other countries. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection provides a form for you to complete a shipment description.

Do you have to declare prescription drugs at customs in Jamaica? ›

Normally if the amount of medicine does not exceed the amount on the prescription to cover a short trip, there should not be a problem. However, you must declare to the Jamaican Customs ALL prescription medication, accompanied by a doctor's prescription and signed doctor's note on arrival in Jamaica.

What form do you need to declare items at customs? ›

You must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. CBP Declaration Form 6059B provides us with basic information about who you are and what you are bringing into the United States, such as agricultural and wildlife products and whether or not you have visited a farm prior to traveling to the United States.

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