As of the 15th of June 2020, the country of Jamaica has formally reopened its borders to international travel. The country has set in place different protocols to ensure the safety of not only civilians but the tourists that visit the island as well. Travelers will be subject to temperature checks, if it so happens that a traveler has a high temperature they will be subjected to additional testing and further screening. If a traveler is displaying symptoms of the Covid-19 virus they will be quarantined immediately these protocols have been set in place to prevent the rise of the Covid-19 cases in the island.
The government has also labelled the north coast as the resilient corridor (From Negril to Port Antonio). This section is to be utilized to monitor the tourists that have arrived on the island and so they may be traced if they are found to be Covid-19 positive. It becomes increasingly imperative that the Jamaican government stay on top of things to foster economic growth and to garner the confidence of those too scared to travel.
Plan you Trip
Visitors will be required to complete a pre-travel health questionnaire and travel form before departure. Your level of risk for Covid-19 transmission will be assessed based on your submitted details before gaining consent to enter the country. Travelers must print their approval forms. Y ou will also complete a customs and immigration form which will be required on entry to Jamaica.
Arriving in Jamaica
All incoming travelers are expected to wear face mask, undergo health screenings and interview with a health official, move through express immigration procedures with your immigration confirmation forms while maintaining physical distance.
Getting to your Hotel
Only transportation services recognized by the Jamaica Tourist Board such as Island Transfer and Tours can operate during this phased re-opening. Make sure to pre-book transportation online to limit the exchange of cash. Minimize personal contact and avoid hugging and shaking hands. All passengers must wear face mask before entering the vehicle.
Accommodation:
There are a few hotels that have prepared and have received the go ahead from the tourist board such as: Iberostar, Hilton Rosehall as well as the Hyatt Franchises (Zilara and Ziva). On arriving at the hotel, you will be required to go through rapid temperature screening, maintain physical distance in the lobby and common areas as well as wear a face mask in common areas.
It goes without saying that while traversing the island, through your hotel, with your guide and even in your transportation you will be required to wear your facemasks to protect not only your friends and family but those you may come in contact with during your travels.
All in all the government has put in place some good protocols to keep an eye on the situation and keep it from getting out of hand, but we also have to do our part in this fight. We are in this together
