KINGSTON — Jamaica is dropping its pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirement for international visitors, effective April 16, 2022.

Jamaica’s mandate to wear a mask in enclosed public spaces is also coming to an end, on April 15.

All other public health measures remain in place, including the requirement for public establishments to provide hand-washing stations or hand sanitizing equipment for anyone entering the premises. Visitors and residents are also encouraged to continue to exercise caution and observe best practices for health and safety.

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, says: “Eliminating mask mandates and the need for travellers to present a negative COVID test result are important strides toward our continued gradual relaxation of travel protocols as the spread of COVID-19 keeps declining. We are optimistic that these simpler requirements will serve to increase the appeal of Jamaica as a premier destination and keep us moving along the road to a stronger recovery for both the tourism sector and the nation’s economy as a whole.”

Last month Jamaica also eliminated travel-related quarantines and the requirement for travellers to complete and receive approval of a Travel Authorization Form for entry to the island. It also shortened the isolation period required for travellers who test positive for COVID-19 while in Jamaica, in keeping with CDC recommended guidelines, and eliminated quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated business travellers who present a negative PCR test taken within three days of travel to Jamaica.

“As we review our Jamaica CARES program and travel protocols regularly, taking these actions was the logical next step to keep Jamaica aligned with best practices globally,” says Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “Many destinations in the Caribbean region and around the world have been easing travel requirements, so this change will help us ensure that Jamaica retains its leadership position among the world’s top tourism destinations.”

Jamaica’s case levels have steadily decreased in recent months, and last week the CDC downgraded Jamaica to a Level 1 designation.

The island’s Jamaica CARES program includes extensive health and safety protocols that were among the first to receive the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels recognition, and allowed the island to safely reopen in June of 2020. More information about Jamaica is at visitjamaica.com.