Consular Service - Jamaican Visa Services
You may need a visa to enter Jamaica depending on the passport or travel document that you hold. You can apply for an entry visa through the nearest Jamaican Embassy, High Commission, Consulate General or Consulate located in or responsible for your country of residence. In Jamaica, the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) is responsible for immigration and visa matters.
GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR ADMISSION
Regardless of the reason for your visit, anyone who wishes to visit Jamaica:
- Should be in possession of a valid visa unless exempted from this requirement under any of the prescribed regulations.
- Must be able to support himself/herself and accompanying dependents for the duration of stay.
- Should not be of unsound mind.
- Should not be the subject of a certificate presented to the Immigration Officer by a health officer indicating that permission to land is not desirable due to medical reasons.
- Should not have been sentenced in a foreign country for any extraditable crime within the meaning of the Extradition Acts 1870 and 1906.
- Should not be the subject of a deportation order in force under the Aliens Law, Chapter 9.
- Should not be the subject of a landing prohibition order from the Minister of National Security.
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NOTE: Please note that the visa only allows you to travel to Jamaica. The Immigration Officer at the port of entry will make the final decision on whether you can enter the country and the length of stay.
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WHO NEEDS A VISA
Please visit the website of the Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency for the complete list of visa requirements for all foreigners and Commonwealth nationals wishing to visit Jamaica.
TYPES OF ENTRY VISAS
The types of entry visas issued for travel to Jamaica include:
- Single-Entry Visa: Issued to eligible applicants for a single trip within three (3) months of the visa issuance date.
- Multiple-Entry Visa: Issued to eligible applicants for multiple journeys after approval from the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).
- Transit Visa: Issued to eligible individuals who intend to transit through Jamaica for no longer than seventy-two (72) hours. The transit visa will be granted only if the traveller meets the entry requirements of the next destination country. A confirmed airline ticket must be presented as proof of your onward journey.
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NOTE: Transit Visas Transit visas are typically limited to a single journey and are valid for no more than three (3) months. In exceptional circumstances, and with the approval of PICA, transit visas for multiple trips within six (6) months may be issued.
Passengers in transit who are arriving and departing on the same flight do not require a transit visa. If you believe that you have a special case, please contact the nearest Jamaican Embassy or Consulate before your trip.
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WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR VISA APPLICATION
Here is a general guide to the type of documents and fees required for the visa applications. Please read the details carefully before you submit your application and supporting documents. Your application will be delayed if your documents do not meet these requirements. Please refer to the list of required documents for your chosen visa category after reading this guide.
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NOTE: Translation of Supporting Documents All supporting documents that accompany your passport and the visa application form must be in English. If your documents are in another language, please provide an English translation along with the original at the time of your application.
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1. VALID PASSPORT OR OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENT
All visitors travelling to Jamaica must present a valid and approved travel document as evidence of their identity and nationality. The most common and preferred travel document is a passport, but other types of travel documents may also be accepted. If your travel document is not a passport, please note that the document:
- must be issued by a recognised authority.
- must have your photograph and must provide you with a re-entry authority to the country of issue, or an entry authority to another country.
Other Acceptable Travel Documents
§ Document of Identity
§ Certificate of Identity
§ Laissez-Passer
§ Refugee Travel Document
§ Kinderausweis (German minors)
§ Military passport or ID - For travel by air
§ Seaman’s certificate - For travel by sea
2. VISA APPLICATION FORM ( FORM J)
An application form must be completed, signed, and dated by each applicant. Even if you are traveling as a family or in a group, each member must complete a separate application form. Parents or legal guardians travelling with accompanying minors (under the age of 18) must complete the form on their behalf.
3. AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTITY: FOR NATIONALS OF TAIWAN AND KOSOVO
Taiwanese and Kosovar nationals may not travel on their passports to Jamaica. Instead, you must complete and sign an “Affidavit of Identity” on which the visa will be issued. The affidavit of identity can be downloaded here.
4. PROOF OF LEGAL RESIDENCE OR IMMIGRATION STATUS
If you are not applying for the visa in your home country, you must provide proof of legal stay in the country of residence e.g., a visa, residence permit, or alien registration card. The visa, permit, or card must be valid at the time of application and beyond your date of departure from Jamaica.
5. PASSPORT-SIZED PHOTOGRAPHS
The photographs must be in colour and taken no more than six (6) months prior to submitting the application. Full passport photo requirements here.
6. EVIDENCE OF TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
All applicants must show proof of their travel arrangements in the form of a confirmed flight reservation in their name. This must be a round-trip (return) ticket to your country of residence. In the case of student or employment visa applicants, it is recommended that you acquire a one-year open ticket.
7. TRANSIT VISA OR TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION
The applicant must provide proof that he or she possesses the required visa(s) or other form of travel authorization (including electronic formats) for the country or countries through which he or she intends to transit.
Please notify us at the time of your application if you have applied for a visa from the transit country and must show proof of the Jamaican visa before that visa is issued. Please also include a copy of the confirmation document or email you received after submitting your application to the other country.
8. PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
- An original, signed, and dated letter or other official documentation from your place of work outlining the details of your employment. OR
- If you own a business, please provide a copy of your business registration documents. In the case of independent contractors, you may provide a copy of the licence/permit to operate or offer the services that you do (where applicable). OR
- For unemployed individuals, please submit an original, signed and dated letter explaining your current employment situation in detail.
9. PROOF OF FINANCIAL MEANS
Applicants must provide evidence of how they intend to fund their trip and support themselves for the duration of the visit.
This should be in the form of (a) a recent bank statement showing transactions for at least the last three (3) months or (b) a certificate of bank deposit or (c) certificate of account balance from your bank.
The bank document(s) should clearly show that you are the account holder or a joint account holder. If your host will pay for some or all your expenses, he or she must also provide proof of funds.
10. PROOF OF ACCOMMODATION
When applying for a visa, you must provide proof of accommodation in one of the following formats:
a) Hotel booking confirmation
Your name, the date of your stay, and the name and/or location of the accommodation should all be clearly displayed on the booking confirmation.
b) Letter of invitation
Your host must provide a signed letter confirming that he or she will provide lodging for the duration of your stay and include the address where you will be staying. A coloured copy of the host’s photo identification (valid passport or driver's licence) is also required.
NOTE: If your host is not a Jamaican citizen by birth, we would prefer a copy of their passport as photo identification. The host must also provide proof of his or her Jamaican citizenship (if applicable) and/or immigration status, including a copy of the most recent immigration endorsement stamp in their passport.
11. VISA APPLICATION FEE
Each visa application attracts a visa fee. Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa that you are applying for. Please note that the visa application fee will not be refunded if the application is unsuccessful.
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NOTE: Additional Requirements for Taiwanese and Kosovan Nationals Holders of passports issued by Taiwan and Kosovo must complete an Affidavit of Identity and provide an additional passport photograph. These two items must be submitted in addition to the required documents for your chosen visa category, as listed below.
The visa will be affixed to the affidavit document which is what you will use for travel to Jamaica. Nonetheless, we recommend that you travel with your national passports for any onward journey to a third country.
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VISA CATEGORIES, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND APPLICABLE FEES
Please see the lists below to find out what specific documents and fee are required for your application based on the chosen visa category.
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NOTE: Additional Requests We reserve the right to request additional documentation and/or updated information during the processing of any visa application.
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Tourist and Transit Visas
Typically issued to foreigners for leisure purposes including tourism (sightseeing), visiting friends or relatives, attending weddings, etc. or any other purpose that does not include remunerative activities.
§ Valid passport or other travel document
§ Completed and signed Visa Application Form (Form J)
§ Proof of legal residence or immigration status (If applicable)
§ Two (2) recent passport-sized photographs
§ Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
§ Transit visa or travel authorization (If required)
§ Proof of employment status
§ Proof of financial means
§ Proof of accommodation
§ Visa application fee: 3,000 JPY or 30 USD (Non-refundable)
Please consult the guidance table above to ensure that your documents meet the necessary requirements.
Business Visas
Typically issued to foreign nationals entering the country for short-term business purposes such as consultations, meetings, seminars, conferences, inspections, repairs, technical advice, site visits, and so on.
§ Valid passport or other travel document
§ Completed and signed Visa Application Form (Form J)
§ Proof of legal residence or immigration status (If applicable)
§ Two (2) recent passport-sized photographs
§ Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
§ Transit visa or travel authorization (If required)
§ Proof of employment status
§ Proof of financial means
§ Proof of accommodation
§ Supporting letter(s) from the sending and/or receiving company (If applicable)
§ Visa application fee: 5,000 JPY or 50 USD (Non-refundable)
Please consult the guidance table above to ensure that your documents meet the necessary requirements.
Employment Visas
Typically issued to foreign nationals who have been offered and have accepted employment in the country for a fixed period.
§ Valid passport or other travel document
§ Completed and signed Visa Application Form (Form J)
§ Proof of legal residence or immigration status (If applicable)
§ Two (2) recent passport-sized photographs
§ Confirmed round-trip ticket valid for one (1) year
§ Transit visa or travel authorization (If required)
§ Proof of employment status
§ Proof of financial means
§ Proof of accommodation
§ Evidence of a valid work permit
§ Supporting letter(s) from the sending and/or receiving company (If applicable)
§ Signed employment contract or letter of engagement
§ Visa application fee: 5,000 JPY or 50 USD (Non-refundable)
Please consult the guidance table above to ensure that your documents meet the necessary requirements.
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NOTE: Work Permit Requirements Non-Commonwealth nationals wishing to accept employment must obtain a work permit (or work permit exemption) from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) before they arrive in Jamaica.
Please submit a copy of the approval letter from the MLSS that provides your unique work permit number when you submit your visa application. The initial MLSS fee payment receipt issued to your prospective employer cannot be used as evidence of an approved permit.
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Student Visas
For foreigners who have been accepted (or enrolled) to pursue academic studies or a technical/vocational training course at a recognized school or educational/training institution in Jamaica.
§ Valid passport or other travel document
§ Completed and signed visa application form (Form J)
§ Proof of legal residence or immigration status (If applicable)
§ Letter of acceptance or invitation from the prospective school or institution
§ Two (2) recent passport-sized photographs
§ Confirmed round-trip ticket valid for one (1) year
§ Transit visa or travel authorization (If required)
§ Proof of employment status
§ Proof of financial means and/or grants or scholarships
§ Proof of accommodation
§ Visa application fee: 3,000 JPY or 30 USD (Non-refundable)
Please consult the guidance table above to ensure that your documents meet the necessary requirements.
Diplomatic and Official Visas
Typically issued to diplomats or persons assigned to Jamaica as an official representative of a state or international organisation or entering Jamaica on official business.
§ Valid passport or other travel document
§ Completed and signed visa application form (Form J)
§ Two (2) passport-sized photographs
§ Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
§ Note Verbale from Foreign Ministry, Diplomatic Mission, Consular Mission or international organisation to which the official is/will be assigned stating the purpose and length of the visit.
§ Visa application fee: Not applicable
Please consult the guidance table above to ensure that your documents meet the necessary requirements.
Visas for Missionary Activities
Issued to individuals who will be sent by foreign religious organisations to undertake missionary work or other religious activities in the country.
§ Valid passport or other travel document
§ Completed and signed visa application form (Form J)
§ Proof of legal residence or immigration status (If applicable)
§ Two (2) passport-sized photographs
§ Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
§ Proof of financial means
§ Supporting letter(s) from the sending and/or receiving organisation(s)
§ Evidence of a work permit exemption
§ Visa application fee: Not applicable
Please consult the guidance table above to ensure that your documents meet the necessary requirements.
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NOTE: Work Permit Exemptions Your inviting organisation must apply for the This is usually in the form of a letter from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security that identifies you, by name, as being exempt from the requirement of a work permit.
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INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS
§ Step 1: Electronic Submission of Documents for Review
Once you have filled out the application form and gathered all the necessary documents to apply for your visa, please email clear and legible scanned copies (preferably in colour and in PDF format) to mail@jamaicaembassy.jp for our review.
※ This is recommended whether you will drop off the application in person or send the package via post/courier.
§ Step 2: Review and Feedback from the Consular Section
The consular staff at the Embassy will review the electronic copies of your application and supporting documents. Your original documents will be requested if all the items are in order. If the documents are not correct or complete, we will inform you about what needs to be corrected or provided.
§ Step 3: Drop-Off or Transmission of Documents via Post/Courier
【Applicants in Japan】
The original visa application can be submitted in person at the Embassy or sent by post. Please provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your documents. The total postage value of the stamps should be \900. This value/amount covers registered and express mail options. Letter Pack is also accepted.
【Overseas Applicants】
Overseas applicants may use any international postal service or courier service available in their country. Please include an appropriate return envelope or courier return label.
Our mailing/physical address is:
Embassy of Jamaica
2-13-1, Moto-Azabu
Minato-ku, Tokyo-to
106-0046, Japan
Telephone: +81 (3) 3435-1861
PROCESSING TIME
§ The average processing time for visa applications is ten (10) working days. This period does not include the time required to return your passport. Please bear this in mind as you consider your travel date.
※ Overseas applicants must consider the time that it will take to send their documents to Japan and to have them returned at the end of the process.
§ Processing of the application will not begin or will be delayed if your documents are incorrect or incomplete, and if the relevant application fee has not been paid in full.
§ If there are any special circumstances surrounding your application, please outline the details in your email when submitting the electronic versions of your documents for review. This will allow us to consider your situation and respond in a timely manner.
OBTAINING A WORK PERMIT - NON-COMMONWEALTH NATIONALS
Foreign nationals who propose to accept employment in Jamaica must provide evidence that a work permit has been issued to them by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) in Jamaica before entering the country.
The work permit application is normally made by the prospective employer. More information on Jamaican work permits, including eligibility criteria and application procedures, can be found at https://www.mlss.gov.jm/departments/work-permit-2/.
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NOTE: Criminal Record - Work Permit Application For the work permit application, you must provide your prospective employer with a police clearance certificate (criminal record). You should apply for your police record as soon as possible to facilitate the process. Please read the next section to see how you can obtain the police record in Japan.
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NOTE: Filming in Jamaica Would you like to film in Jamaica? Whether a work permit is required for your film project will depend on the nature of your activities to be conducted in Jamaica and the duration of their stay.
Journalists, filming crew and cast members who will be in Jamaica for more than six (6) months and are foreign nationals must apply for a work permit, whereas those who will be working in Jamaica for six (6) months or less may apply for an exemption.
For more detailed information about filming in Jamaica and related preparations, please visit the Film Jamaica website at https://www.filmjamaica.com.
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HOW TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF CRIMINAL RECORD IN JAPAN
Japanese nationals who need a certificate of criminal record for use overseas must provide documentary proof of this requirement to the Japanese police. Please visit your nearest prefectural police station for guidance on the application procedures.
For ease of reference, you may visit the website of the Tokyo Police Department here http://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.jp/tetsuzuki/toko/toko.html or the Osaka Prefectural Police here https://www.police.pref.osaka.lg.jp/foreign_languag_selection/english/1/3/7052.html.
As a foreign authority representing the Government of Jamaica, the Embassy of Jamaica in Tokyo can provide a letter of support indicating that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) requires the certificate for the work permit application. To request the letter of support from the Embassy, please submit the following:
§ Letter of Support Request Form (Japanese Criminal Certificate). Download the form here.
§ A copy of the biodata page of your valid passport
§ Application fee: \2,000
The average processing time is three (3) working days.
YELLOW FEVER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR JAMAICA
The Ministry of Health and Wellness of Jamaica advises that:
1. Vaccination against yellow fever is required to prevent the importation of yellow fever virus into Jamaica where the disease does not occur but where the mosquito vector and human hosts are present.
2. Jamaica requires all travellers over one (1) year of age journeying from yellow fever risk countries to show proof of yellow fever vaccination by means of a valid yellow fever certificate. This also applies to all travellers transiting through countries with risk of transmission of yellow fever.
3. The vaccine should be administered at a yellow fever approved vaccination centre at least ten (10) days before travel, as the vaccine only offers adequate protection ten (10) days after administration. The certificate of yellow fever vaccination is valid for life.
4. Failure to produce a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (See Figure 1) at a Jamaican port of entry may lead to refusal of entry, or quarantine until the traveller’s certificate is produced. Quarantine will not be longer than six (6) days.
5. Travellers who have an approved exemption certificate (See Figure 2) due to medical reasons will be allowed entry. They will be provided with a Health Alert Card and will be required to report fever or other symptoms daily to the health authorities.
6. The countries for which a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Jamaica are based on Annex 1 of the World Health Organization International Travel and Health publication dated 06 May 2021: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission-and-countries-requiring-yellow-fever-vaccination-(may-2021).