Jamaica prepares to reopen to international travelers on June 15

Jamaica has announced that it will reopen its borders for international travelers on June 15. Currently, the country is repatriating 8000 Jamaican citizens who have been stranded abroad due to travel restrictions related to COVID-19. In addition, it announced an extensive set of operational protocols, including pre-entry and post-entry health screenings, that will be implemented to control risks for workers, communities and travelers. The protocols address all stages of the visitor's journey, from planning to enjoyment, incorporating the prevention, detection and response life cycle.

Security is paramount for a resilient and sustainable tourism sector. As the nation's largest economic engine, Jamaica's tourism industry employs 130,000 workers and additionally impacts an additional 120,000 jobs from other industries (water, agriculture, energy, among others), feeding more than a third of the economy of the country.

"Tourism is the lifeblood of our local economy, and with the help of international experts and a dedicated working group, we have developed protocols that allow us to reopen our borders safely," said Donovan White, Jamaica's Director of Tourism. "We are confident that as we reboot our economy, Jamaicans will work together to ensure a safe and seamless experience for our tourism workers, their families and visitors, while preserving the authentic experiences travelers seek when visiting our shores."

The Jamaican government worked closely with international partners to develop public health protocols targeting tourism, which were developed based on global parameters, including 20 Caribbean markets, as well as global health agencies. The development of the protocol also included extensive consultations with local government agencies, including the Ministries of Health and Welfare, Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs, as well as with the private sector, unions and international partners within and outside the tourism industry, including the World Travel and Tourism Council, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Bank, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and financial development banks.

Until June 14, Jamaicans returning to the island will undergo temperature checks and an evaluation with public health officials. They will have to keep home quarantine for 14 days and will be monitored by phone or geolocation bracelet. After June 15, all visitors will be evaluated using body temperature controls and symptom observation. If the temperature is high, the visitor will be subject to additional check-ups, including testing, if necessary. Any visitor who shows symptoms or is ill will be subject to quarantine.

Jamaica's health and safety protocols will be reviewed every two weeks, which is consistent with the government's approach to assess the global situation of COVID-19. As more about the virus is discovered, including medical advances, or as the risk profile changes, Jamaica will make the necessary and appropriate reviews of the protocols.