Americans are amongst the top nationalities to visit Jamaica, with almost 4 million U.S. tourists traveling to the island every year.
When preparing for your trip to Jamaica, get all the information you’ll need here, including:
- How to complete the C5 Entry form for Americans
- When U.S. citizens require a visa
- Travel routes and requirements for visitors from the United States
Required Documents for Americans Traveling to Jamaica
Your checklist for traveling from the United States to Jamaica:
- U.S. passport, valid for your stay in Jamaica
- Completed C5 Entry Form
- Onward flight or boat tickets
How to complete the C5 Entry Form for U.S. Citizens
On arrival in Jamaica, you’ll need to show a completed C5 Entry Form. It’s also known as the Jamaican Immigration/Customs Declaration Form.
All travelers from the United States require a C5 Form to enter Jamaica, including children. The process to complete your C5 is now fully online.
Fill in the online application form with your personal details and travel plans before you begin your trip. You’ll get your approved C5 Form by email.
Benefits of submitting your C5 Form for Americans with jamaicac5.com
Official application forms can be confusing and difficult to complete. At jamaicac5.com, we’ve created a simple-to-use online application so you can get your C5 Form easily.
While completing your application with jamaicac5.com, you can get help from our team of C5 specialists and consult our expert guide.
We’ll also review your application to make sure all your details are correct before it's submitted.
With jamaicac5.com, you can receive your C5 Form in 1 to 2 days. For urgent requests, you can also select our Priority Service to get your C5 in just 1 hour.
Do U.S. Nationals Need a Visa for Jamaica?
As an American citizen, you can visit Jamaica for up to 90 days visa-free. You’ll get a stamp in your passport when you arrive, with a compulsory exit date.
If you want to stay for longer, you can extend your trip to a maximum of 6 months. You’ll need to apply for an extension before your compulsory exit date.
Make your application with the Jamaican Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA). You’ll have to show a return ticket and pay a fee to extend your stay.
Your passport must be valid throughout your stay in Jamaica.
Visa requirements for U.S. citizens studying in Jamaica
If you’re traveling from the United States to Jamaica to study, you’ll need to apply for a student visa.
To get your visa, you’ll have to show a letter of registration from your school or college.
You can make your application at the PICA office in Kingston up to 2 weeks after you arrive. Contact your local embassy or consulate to apply in advance from the U.S.
Jamaican work visa for American nationals
To do paid work in Jamaica, you need a work permit. American citizens can usually get their work visa after they arrive in Jamaica.
Visit the PICA office in Kingston, or your nearest embassy in the U.S., to find out the required paperwork for your work visa.
You’ll need to provide a letter from the Jamaican Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
Traveling From the United States to Jamaica
Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 700 miles from Florida. The island has 3 international airports:
- Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) — in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city
- Sangster International Airport (MBJ) — located in Montego Bay
- Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) — in the Ocho Rios resort area
Jamaica can be easily reached by direct flight from many airports across the United States.
Here you can see some common flight routes from the U.S. to Jamaica.
| Departure airport in the U.S. | Approximate flight time to Jamaica |
|---|---|
| Miami International Airport (MIA) | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | 2 hours |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) | 3 hours |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York | 4 hours |
Traveling by cruise to Jamaica from the United States
Jamaica is a popular cruise destination. The island has several cruise ports and terminals.
Cruise operators sail for Jamaica from a number of U.S. ports, including:
- Tampa, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Miami, FL
- New Orleans, LA
- Galveston, TX
Are U.S. Dollars Accepted in Jamaica?
In Jamaica’s tourist areas, U.S. dollars are accepted. However, you’ll often receive change in local currency, Jamaican dollars (JMD). US$ 10 is approximately JA$ 1,540.
You must declare cash, check or money orders worth more than $10,000 when you pass through customs and immigration.
Do Americans need to pay a departure tax when leaving Jamaica?
Jamaica has a departure tax of around US$ 35 per passenger. This cost is usually included in your airfare.
Check whether your departure tax is included when making your booking.
Safety Tips for U.S. Citizens Visiting Jamaica
Take steps to protect yourself during your stay to enjoy a safe trip to Jamaica.
- Stick to populated areas and avoid walking alone in remote spots.
- Be aware of your surroundings and ask for help if you have safety concerns.
- Only swim in designated safe swimming areas.
- If you need to use transport in Jamaica, take a licensed taxi with red and white PP license plates.
Complete your C5 Entry Form with jamaicac5.com and benefit from our Embassy Registration Service for U.S. citizens.
There’s no need to fill in extra forms — simply select the embassy registration checkbox when completing your C5 Form.
Jamaican health and vaccine information for U.S. travelers
You’re advised to get health insurance for your trip. U.S. Medicare will not cover healthcare costs if you need medical treatment while in Jamaica.
There are no required vaccinations for American travelers visiting Jamaica. However, it’s a good idea to see your doctor before you travel to make sure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccines.
