Visas are normally processed within 24 – 48 hours or 5 – 7 business days depending on the country of citizenship. For the latter category, the Consulate is required to send off application to the Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency in Jamaica (see list of countries which require the 5 – 7 business days approval process – no exceptions) Applicants holding a passport from one of these countries must therefore apply two weeks in advance.

Walk-in (a) money order or cashier’s cheque (check) payable to the Consulate General of Jamaica – Miami; or (b) cash – exact fee only. 

 Visas are usually processed within five (5) business days or 7 – 10 business days from the date received at the Consulate, depending on the country of citizenship. For the latter category, the Consulate is required to send off application to the Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency in Jamaica (see list of countries which require the 7 – 10 business days approval process – no exceptions). Applicants holding a passport from one of these countries must therefore apply two weeks in advance.

Applicants can receive updates from the office at any stage of the process, and get approximate dispatch date for Visa including a USPS tracking number by contacting the following:

Telephone (305) 374-8431 ext. 225 or 226 or 235 between 2:00pm and 5:00pm only.

Mail-in (a) money order or cashier’s cheque (checks) payable to the Consulate General of Jamaica - Miami

Cancellation of an application must be requested in writing ( no exceptions) and signed by the applicant. In the case of minors, this is to be done by the parent/guardian who applied on the minor’s behalf.

Refunds;
Refunds are not automatic and are only payable depending on the stage of the process of an application. In cases where refunds are approved, only a portion of fees will be repaid. Requests for refunds must be done in writing and signed by the applicant. In the case of minors, this is to be done by the parent/guardian who applied on the minor’s behalf.

Jamaican Passport /or Visa issuing office provides comprehensive information on this Web site as to supporting documentation applicants should submit with their Passport /or Visa application. It is the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate to an Officer that they meet the requirements of the Jamaican Immigration Regulations. Decisions are made based on the supporting documents submitted and on the information provided in the application form, which the applicant declares to be true. 

General Conditions for Admission

United States citizens may travel to Jamaica for leisure and business without a Jamaican visa, provided they fulfill the following requirements:

U.S. Citizens

1. A passport or travel document, which must be valid for at least six months;
2. A return or round trip ticket to the USA;
3. Sufficient funds or means to support yourself and accompanying dependents for the duration of stay in Jamaica;
4. Should not be the subject of a certificate submitted to the Immigration Officer by a health officer indicating that for medical reasons, permission to land is not desirable;
5. Should not be of unsound mind;
6. Should not have been sentenced in a foreign country for any extraditable crime within the meaning of the Jamaica Extradition Acts 1870 and 1906;
7. Should not be the subject of a deportation order in force under Jamaica’s Alien Law, Chapter 9;
8. Should not be the subject of a landing prohibition order from the Minister of National Security Jamaica.
9. Documentary proof of the relationship between minors and adults may be required. Such documents must be the original birth and adoption certificates. Copies certified by a Notary Public will not be accepted.

Travelers are also advised that the period of stay is granted at the discretion of the Jamaican Immigration authorities. Frequent travelers to Jamaica should note that once the cumulative number of days exceed 180 days in a calendar year, they are required to obtain a visa from the nearest Jamaican Consular mission or post, prior to being re-admitted into Jamaica.

U.S. Residents

Nationals or citizens of other countries (with the exception of TAIWAN) who are permanent residents of the United States may enter Jamaica as tourists without visas, but must travel with the following in their possession:

1. A passport or travel document, valid for the duration of stay in Jamaica;
2. Alien Registration Cards (Green Cards) or
3. Valid United States re-entry permits (if applicable)
4. Round-trip tickets to the USA or onward tickets to another destination

Resident aliens in the United States, visiting Jamaica as tourists for periods not exceeding six (6) months, and who possess a return or round trip touring tickets showing that their journey began in the USA, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, and that they are entitled to return there. It is recommend that they have in their possession a valid passport to enter Jamaica.

Jamaicans who are residents of the United States must have a valid Jamaican passport or Emergency Travel Document and Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or appropriate temporary resident visa and a return ticket to the United States of America.

Jamaicans who are also citizens of the United States must return to the United States on a valid United States passport (not their Naturalization (Citizenship) Certificates. Please consult with the relevant US authority where applicable, prior to travel.

Taiwanese (Republic of China) nationals or citizens holding Taiwanese passports, must contact the nearest Jamaican Consulate or Consulate or Consular Post prior to making travel plans for Jamaica, for further information regarding current prohibitions against using their passports to enter Jamaica.

Cruise ship passengers do not, in general, need visas to enter Jamaica. They must, however, have a valid passport and proof that they are eligible to re-enter the United States of America. 

Foreign and Commonwealth nationals who wish to engage in employment activities in the island of Jamaica, whatever the nature of the employment, you are required to obtain a work permit or work permit exemption before entering the country. A work permit is granted at the discretion of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Jamaica. The work permit should be obtained prior to arrival in Jamaica.

Contact Information:
Ministry of Labour
1F North Street
Kingston, Jamaica

Visas are issued by a Jamaican Consular official only after confirmation that a work permit has been issued to the applicant.

Persons coming to Jamaica for employment purposes must be in possession of the following documents:

1. A valid passport;
2. A confirmed return or round trip ticket;
3. A work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security;
4. A visa, if applicable.

Information on the procedures for obtaining a Work Permit may be obtained from the website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security at www.mlss.gov.jm 

Business Travelers

Please contact the Consulate General of Jamaica to confirm all required documentation for business traveler as the requirements may vary from country to country. Our email address is contactus@jamaicacgmiami.org. 

Students who desire to study in Jamaica should produce the following:

1. A valid passport
2. A visa for each entry (if required)
3. A confirmed return ticket valid for a period of one (1) year;
4. A letter of acceptance from the school or institution to which the student (s) will be attending; and adequate funds to cover expenses for one (1) year in the first instance.
5. Name of the person (s) responsible for student (s) while at school.

Student (s) over 16 years old must be registered as aliens at

Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency
25C Constant Spring Road,
Kingston 10.
Phone: (876) 754-7422

Direct Email: info @ pica.gov.jm and at the Main Police Station in Rural Parishes (if applicable).

N.B. Students who have made proper arrangements with an educational institution prior to arrival, may be landed for one year on each entry. Students without proper arrangements may be landed for two months. As soon as the necessary arrangements are made and appropriate evidence is received, the Chief Immigration Officer may extend the period to one year.