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How to complete the jamaica immigration and customs c5 form.

Starting 1 September 2023, when you're visiting Jamaica, you'll need to complete the Jamaica immigration and customs form (C5 form) online . This online form is a must for all travelers entering Jamaica , including your little ones. Make your travel experience smoother and more convenient by filling out the C5 form at least 24 hours prior to your departure. Now, if this happens to be your first time visiting Jamaica and you're wondering how to go about completing the Jamaica Immigration and Customs form, keep reading. Let's walk you through the process step by step. 

What is the Jamaica Immigration /Customs Form / C5 Form? This is the official form used by the Jamaican immigration and customs authorities to gather information about your visit. Bear in mind, this form does not excuse you from other travel requirements such as the need for a visa or passport from your home country. To access the form, simply visit the website enterjamaica.com. There, you'll be asked to provide your email address, and a security code will be sent to you. Enter the security code correctly to proceed to the first section of the form.

Completing the C5 Form Filling out the Jamaica immigration/ customs form only takes a few minutes, so it can literally be the last thing you do before your flight. Matching names to passports Be sure to write the exact spelling of the names listed on the immigration forms to match the names on the passports of everyone in your travel group. 

Follow the date format Jamaica uses the day/month/year format for dates, which is different from the month/day/year format commonly used in the U.S. For instance, If you're writing the date - October 15 2023, on the immigration form, you would write 15/10/2023.

Know your flight information Your boarding pass usually lists all the required flight details that the immigration form requests. Check for the flight date, flight name, and the port you arrived from. Remember, the port you're arriving from isn't your home address, it's the airport where your journey started.  Keep stock of your luggage You'll need to answer questions about the number of bags you'll taking to Jamaica. This includes carry-on bags. However, if you have bags that will arrive separately, declare them as "unaccompanied luggage".  Length of stay Declare how long you'll be staying on the island, counting from the night you arrive to the night before your departure flight. What to declare While you don't need to declare every item you're traveling with, knowing which items require declaration is crucial. Common items like laptops, iPads, cell phones, and cameras typically don't need to be declared. However, if you have items close to the $500 USD limit, bring copies of receipts to show the customs officer if asked. 

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All travellers entering Jamaica are required to present a valid and approved travel document as evidence of their identity and nationality. A foreign national is a traveller that does not present a Jamaican passport to Immigration for landing. The required documents needed to conduct your Immigration interview upon arrival are but not limited to the following:

• A valid passport or other acceptable travel document if applicable
• A valid Jamaican entry visa, if applicable
• A completed and signed Immigration/Customs C5 form, either online or a physical form

Any traveller that enters the island without a valid travel document and/or the required visa may be refused entry into the Island or delayed until their identity and claims to enter Jamaica have been confirmed.

Foreign nationals with a claim to Jamaican citizenship are encouraged to exercise their right to obtain a Jamaican passport to present to Immigration upon entering the Island and use their foreign passport when departing.

Exceptions are Jamaicans who have renounced their Jamaican Citizenship or a foreign national who has obtained Unconditional Landing in their foreign passport.

Jamaicans travelling on a Jamaican passport has an automatic right of entry into the island and do not require a visa to enter. Jamaican citizens are required to present the following documents to Immigration:

• A valid Jamaican passport, an emergency certificate or an expired Jamaican passport (providing acceptance from the airline)
• A completed and signed Immigration/Customs C5 form, either online or a physical form.

The most common and preferred travel document is a passport however, other types of travel document may be accepted and are listed below:

• Certificate of Identity
• Laissez Passer
• Documents issued to Refugees
• Military documents for military personnel travelling by air
• Seaman’s Certificate of Nationality if travelling by sea
• Kinderausweis issued to German minors

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Travellers to Jamaica must complete immigration form online starting September 1

Beginning September 1, travellers coming to Jamaica will be mandated to fill out the immigration form online.

The online form will replace the paper document that is issued to travellers on airlines.

The Immigration/Customs (C5) Form is an entry requirement for persons travelling to the island, whether they are residents in Jamaica or visiting.

The full rollout of the online form is being done in partnership with the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) and the Jamaica Customs Agency.

Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on August 30, Chief Executive Officer of PICA, Andrew Wynter, said the online form is the digitised format to the original paper document.

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“The Online Passenger Declaration or C5 form is what you would normally get in the paper format from the airline to fill out when returning to Jamaica. With the online form, passengers will now be able to submit that application ahead of their travel, and they can do it up to 30 days before they return to Jamaica,” Wynter informed.

Travellers can fill out the form by visiting www.enterjamaica.com.   Click here 

Wynter explained that persons will find the form easy to complete, as there are no changes in the questions asked.

“It's the same information that is on the physical form that is on the online form; it is like a mirror,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senior Director, Projects Enterprise and Risk Management, PICA, Amy Johnson Lynch, indicated that PICA has been in dialogue with airport operators to ensure that Internet access will be available to allow persons to fill out the forms.

“Airport operators have committed to providing Wi-Fi services at the airport. So, we are confident that you will have Wi-Fi accessibility. If for whatever reason there is a break or there is no Wi-Fi available, then we will revert to either having you complete the physical form or we will assist you in completing the process electronically by other means,” she said.

Wynter explained that once persons complete the form online, they will receive an email confirming that their application was a success.

He said PICA has also made arrangements for Wi-Fi access at the airports in Jamaica, so persons can also fill out the forms when they land in the country.

“Once you reach the airport to check in, most international airports have Wi-Fi. If the airline that you're travelling with provides Wi-Fi. you can certainly fill out the form. But let's say you forgot to fill out the form, on arrival in Jamaica, we are going to have Wi-Fi facilities that will allow you to go on the website, complete and submit it before you are processed either at the kiosk or through an immigration officer,” Wynter said.

Follow The Gleaner on Twitter and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at [email protected] or [email protected] .

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C5 Immigration Form

All travellers to Jamaica are required to complete and submit the Immigration/Customs Passenger Declaration (C-5) Form. The form is available online and is required for entry to the island. Visitors can access the form at www.enterjamaica.com

How to complete the form

There is no cost associated with the C-5 form.

You can complete and submit the form two (2) days before your entry. You will be required to enter a valid email address to complete the form. A verification code will be sent to your email. Enter the verification code to continue.

The C-5 form is straightforward and won’t require more than a few minutes to fill out. The form will ask for your name, dates of travel, flight number, and the address at which you will be staying in Jamaica. Once you complete the form online, you will receive an email confirmation that the application was successful.

Both visitors and residents of Jamaica are required to complete the C-5 form. The Jamaican immigration form does not replace a visa.

Airlift To Jamaica 

The following airlines operate flights to Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston:

The following airlines operate flights to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay:

Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens Visiting Jamaica

Americans are amongst the top nationalities to visit Jamaica , with almost 4 million U.S. tourists traveling to the island every year.

When preparing for your trip to Jamaica, get all the information you’ll need here, including:

• How to complete the C5 Entry form for Americans
• When U.S. citizens require a visa
• Travel routes and requirements for visitors from the United States

Required Documents for Americans Traveling to Jamaica

Your checklist for traveling from the United States to Jamaica:

• U.S. passport, valid for your stay in Jamaica
• Completed C5 Entry Form
• Onward flight or boat tickets

How to complete the C5 Entry Form for U.S. Citizens

On arrival in Jamaica, you’ll need to show a completed C5 Entry Form . It’s also known as the Jamaican Immigration/Customs Declaration Form.

All travelers from the United States require a C5 Form to enter Jamaica, including children. The process to complete your C5 is now fully online .

Fill in the online application form with your personal details and travel plans before you begin your trip. You’ll get your approved C5 Form by email .

Benefits of submitting your C5 Form for Americans with jamaicac5.com

Official application forms can be confusing and difficult to complete. At jamaicac5.com, we’ve created a simple-to-use online application so you can get your C5 Form easily .

While completing your application with jamaicac5.com, you can get help from our team of C5 specialists and consult our expert guide .

We’ll also review your application to make sure all your details are correct before it's submitted.

With jamaicac5.com, you can receive your C5 Form in 1 to 2 days . For urgent requests, you can also select our Priority Service to get your C5 in just 1 hour.

Do U.S. Nationals Need a Visa for Jamaica?

As an American citizen, you can visit Jamaica for up to 90 days visa-free . You’ll get a stamp in your passport when you arrive, with a compulsory exit date.

If you want to stay for longer, you can extend your trip to a maximum of 6 months . You’ll need to apply for an extension before your compulsory exit date.

Make your application with the Jamaican Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA). You’ll have to show a return ticket and pay a fee to extend your stay.

Your passport must be valid throughout your stay in Jamaica.

Visa requirements for U.S. citizens studying in Jamaica

If you’re traveling from the United States to Jamaica to study, you’ll need to apply for a student visa .

To get your visa, you’ll have to show a letter of registration from your school or college.

You can make your application at the PICA office in Kingston up to 2 weeks after you arrive. Contact your local embassy or consulate to apply in advance from the U.S.

Jamaican work visa for American nationals

To do paid work in Jamaica, you need a work permit . American citizens can usually get their work visa after they arrive in Jamaica.

Visit the PICA office in Kingston, or your nearest embassy in the U.S., to find out the required paperwork for your work visa.

You’ll need to provide a letter from the Jamaican Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Traveling From the United States to Jamaica

Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea , approximately 700 miles from Florida. The island has 3 international airports:

• Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) — in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city
• Sangster International Airport (MBJ) — located in Montego Bay
• Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) — in the Ocho Rios resort area

Jamaica can be easily reached by direct flight from many airports across the United States.

Here you can see some common flight routes from the U.S. to Jamaica.

Traveling by cruise to Jamaica from the United States

Jamaica is a popular cruise destination . The island has several cruise ports and terminals.

Cruise operators sail for Jamaica from a number of U.S. ports, including:

• Fort Lauderdale, FL
• New Orleans, LA
• Galveston, TX

Are U.S. Dollars Accepted in Jamaica?

In Jamaica’s tourist areas, U.S. dollars are accepted . However, you’ll often receive change in local currency, Jamaican dollars (JMD). US$ 10 is approximately JA$ 1,540.

You must declare cash, check or money orders worth more than $10,000 when you pass through customs and immigration.

Do Americans need to pay a departure tax when leaving Jamaica?

Jamaica has a departure tax of around US$ 35 per passenger. This cost is usually included in your airfare .

Check whether your departure tax is included when making your booking.

Safety Tips for U.S. Citizens Visiting Jamaica

Take steps to protect yourself during your stay to enjoy a safe trip to Jamaica .

• Stick to populated areas and avoid walking alone in remote spots.
• Be aware of your surroundings and ask for help if you have safety concerns.
• Only swim in designated safe swimming areas.
• If you need to use transport in Jamaica, take a licensed taxi with red and white PP license plates.

Complete your C5 Entry Form with jamaicac5.com and benefit from our Embassy Registration Service for U.S. citizens .

There’s no need to fill in extra forms — simply select the embassy registration checkbox when completing your C5 Form.

Jamaican health and vaccine information for U.S. travelers

You’re advised to get health insurance for your trip . U.S. Medicare will not cover healthcare costs if you need medical treatment while in Jamaica.

There are no required vaccinations for American travelers visiting Jamaica. However, it’s a good idea to see your doctor before you travel to make sure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccines .

FAQs for U.S. Travelers to Jamaica

Can i take firearms to jamaica from the u.s..

Jamaican law strictly forbids travelers from bringing guns , weapons and ammunition into the country without prior authorization. U.S. concealed carry permits do not apply in Jamaica.

The rules relate to all types of guns, firearm parts and components, ammunition, mace, pepper spray, and knives.

If you want to bring weapons into Jamaica from the United States, you’ll need to contact the Firearms Licensing Authority of Jamaica in advance to ask for permission.

Is my American driving license valid in Jamaica?

Your U.S. driver’s license is valid for use in Jamaica . American citizens can rent cars in Jamaica if they’re aged 25 or over.

In Jamaica, you’ll need to drive on the left-hand side of the road . To get a hire car, you’ll have to show a valid U.S. driver’s license and valid passport.

How long can U.S. citizens stay in Jamaica?

United States nationals can stay in Jamaica for up to 90 days without a visa .

If you want to stay for longer, you’ll need to get an extension, which is valid for up to 6 months. For more permanent stays, you should seek advice at your nearest embassy or consulate in the U.S., or the PICA office in Kingston, Jamaica.

Can I travel to Jamaica with my U.S. passport card?

American passport cards are not valid for international air travel . If you’re flying to Jamaica from the United States, you’ll need a full, valid American passport.

You may be allowed to enter Jamaica with a U.S. passport card when traveling by boat or cruise ship. This depends on your route and your cruise company’s passenger requirements.

If you’re taking a cruise, contact your cruise line operator to check their requirements.

Visit – Jamaica

Your Gateway to Paradise

Jamaica Entry Form Guide: Costs, Online Application and C5 Form Completion Tips

Traveling to Jamaica requires all visitors to complete an Entry Form, commonly referred to as the C5 form, which is an essential part of immigration requirements. This document serves to provide the immigration authorities with necessary information about visitors entering the country. Understanding how to properly fill out the C5 form is crucial for a smooth entry process.

The Jamaica C5 form can be filled out online, and as soon as you buy your flight  which simplifies the process for travelers before they arrive in the country. We will guide you through the steps to complete the form accurately, including details on the information required. The process is straightforward, and completing the form ahead of time can save time at immigration.

As for the cost involved with the C5 form, it is free. There’s no cost for the Jamaican C5 form. 

Understanding the Jamaica Entry Form (C5)

When visiting Jamaica, the C5 form is an essential document. Our aim is to help you grasp the costs and application requirements for this entry form.

Jamaica C5 Form Overview

The Jamaica C5 form, officially known as the Immigration and Customs Declaration form, is provided by the government to all visitors entering the country. It’s a legal requirement for immigration and customs processing and must be completed by each passenger, including children, upon arrival or prior to travel if using an electronic version. Here are brief details about the form:

• Purpose : To provide information about the traveler’s identity, travel plans, and declarations to customs officials.
• Where to Obtain : Available on flights to Jamaica, at Jamaican ports of entry, or online at https://enterjamaica.com/ .
• Format : Paper-based or electronic.

Application Requirements @024

To complete the Jamaica C5 form successfully, travelers must have the following:

• Personal Information : Full name, nationality, passport number, and address during the stay in Jamaica.
• Travel Details : Flight number or name of the vessel, purpose of visit, and duration of stay.
• Declarations : Any goods surpassing the allowed customs limits or currency amounts over USD 10,000.

Travelers ensure all information provided is accurate and true. Omitting required information may result in processing delays or denial of entry.

Completing and Submitting the Form

Travelers must ensure accuracy and compliance when filling out and submitting Jamaica’s C5 Form. Our focus in this section is on the necessary steps and associated costs for a seamless application process.

Guidance on Filling Out the C5 Form

Before filling out the C5 Form, gather all required information, such as your passport details, travel itinerary, and address in Jamaica. Also take note of any specific documentation that must accompany the form. When completing the form, pay special attention to:

• Personal Information: Ensure all personal details match the information in your passport.
• Travel Details: Accurately enter flight numbers, travel dates, and accommodation details in Jamaica.
• Signature and Date: If using the physical form, verify that the form is signed and dated to avoid any processing delays.

Online Submission Process

Submitting the C5 Form is a straightforward process:

• Access the official online portal for Jamaica immigration. https://enterjamaica.com/
• Locate the section dedicated to the C5 Form.
• Enter your information into the required fields following the guidance we have outlined.
• After completing the form, review all details thoroughly.
• Once all information is correct, proceed to upload any necessary supporting documents.
• Submit the form and await confirmation of submission.

Jamaica C5 Form Cost

Obtaining and submitting the C5 Form is free of cost once done from the official website stated above.

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Jamaica’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Jamaica set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Jamaican High Commission in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Jamaica.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Jamaica, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. You must have 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to visit Jamaica. You will usually be granted entry for up to 90 days. The date you must leave Jamaica is stamped on your passport.

If you want to extend your stay, apply to the  Jamaican Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency . If you overstay without authority, you could be fined or arrested.

Airport tax

Arrival and departure taxes are usually included in the cost of your ticket. If unsure check with your carrier who will be able to advise you.

Vaccine requirements

You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk .

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Jamaica guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Jamaica . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You must make a customs declaration before entering Jamaica. You should complete the Immigration and Custom Form C5 online where possible before you arrive.

Taking food into Jamaica

It is illegal to bring meat and dairy products into Jamaica. Customs officials may search your baggage and will destroy banned foodstuffs.

Taking money into Jamaica

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more. You must declare this on your C5 form. You will also have to complete the Financial Investigation Division Cross Border Form which will be provided by a customs officer. You will need to provide:

• proof of the source of money
• the intended use of the funds

If you do not declare money as required, it is a breach of the Jamaican Customs Act. Your money could be seized and you could get a fine.

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Jamaica Immigration and Customs form

Last updated 17 th July 2024

International passengers to Jamaica are required to complete the digital  C5 Immigration and Customs Form . This must be completed by all inbound passengers and presented on arrival to clear Jamaica border control.

C5 Immigration and Customs Form

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PICA will provide help for travellers to fill out online immigration form

The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) will be providing assistance to travellers who may have challenges filling out the online immigration form.

Effective September 1, people travelling to Jamaica, whether a resident or visitor, will be required to complete the immigration form online, replacing the existing paper document.

CEO of PICA Andrew Wynter told a Jamaica Information Service ( JIS ) think tank on August 30 that the agency is aware that some travellers may be hesitant to embrace the change.

“We are working closely with the airlines and other airport stakeholders to ensure that this is a seamless process. One of the benefits that we are anticipating from this is enhanced travel facilitation. This will enhance the faster movement or ease of travel and the processing of passengers when they arrive,” Wynter said.

Senior director, projects enterprise and risk management, at PICA Amy Johnson Lynch explained that immigration assistants will be on hand to provide help to travellers, especially senior citizens.

“It is a combined effort; we have our immigration assistants that assist passengers who have difficulties using the various technologies or who just have difficulties completing the forms. So that is a permanent feature of our operation at both airports [Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster International Airport],” Johnson Lynch said.

“We, however, will be assisted or expect assistance from the airport operators as well to provide additional support for customer service agents. But as a part of our normal operations, we have immigration assistants who assist the passengers as required,” she added.

For the more technologically savvy flyer, PICA will also be issuing cards with QR codes to provide easy access to the www.enterjamaica.com portal at the island’s three major airports.

“When you arrive in the airports, we will have cards with QR codes on it, and once you scan the code it will take you straight to the portal and you can complete the form. We’ll be sharing it with the airlines as well as with the airport operators. If persons have any issues, they will certainly be able to have someone there to assist them or provide information for them to answer or to get access,” Wynter said.

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

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Tracking Hurricane Ernesto

By William B. Davis ,  Madison Dong ,  Judson Jones ,  John Keefe and Bea Malsky

Ernesto was a Category 1 hurricane in the North Atlantic Ocean Monday morning Atlantic time, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory .

The hurricane had sustained wind speeds of 90 miles per hour. Follow our coverage here .

What does the storm look like from above?

Satellite imagery can help determine the strength, size and cohesion of a storm. The stronger a storm becomes, the more likely an eye will form in the center. When the eye looks symmetrical, that often means the storm is not encountering anything to weaken it.

Ernesto is the fifth named storm to form in the Atlantic in 2024.

In late May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that there would be 17 to 25 named storms this year, an above-normal amount .

This season follows an overly active year, with 20 named storms — including an early storm later given the official name of “Unnamed.” It was the eighth year in a row to surpass the average of 14 named storms. Only one hurricane, Idalia, made landfall in the United States.

Typically, the El Niño pattern that was in force last season would have suppressed hurricanes and reduced the number of storms in a season. But in 2023, the warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic blunted El Niño’s usual effect of thwarting storms.

The warm ocean temperatures that fueled last year’s season returned even warmer at the start of this season, raising forecasters’ confidence that there would be more storms this year. The heightened sea surface temperatures could also strengthen storms more rapidly than usual.

To make matters worse, the El Niño pattern present last year is also diminishing, most likely creating a more suitable atmosphere for storms to form and intensify.

Hurricanes need a calm environment to form, and, in the Atlantic, a strong El Niño increases the amount of wind shear — a change in wind speed and/or direction with height — which disrupts a storm's ability to coalesce. Without El Niño this year, clouds are more likely to tower to the tall heights needed to sustain a powerful cyclone.

Sources and notes

Tracking map Tracking data is from the National Hurricane Center. The map shows probabilities of at least 5 percent. The forecast is for up to five days, with that time span starting up to three hours before the reported time that the storm reaches its latest location. Wind speed probability data is not available north of 60.25 degrees north latitude.

Wind arrivals table Arrival times are generated from a New York Times analysis of National Hurricane Center data. Geographic locations use data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Natural Earth. Time zones are based on Google. The table shows predicted arrival times of sustained, damaging winds of 58 m.p.h. or more for select cities with a chance of such winds reaching them. If damaging winds reach a location, there is no more than a 10 percent chance that they will arrive before the “earliest reasonable” time and a 50 percent chance they will arrive before the “most likely” time.

Radar map Radar imagery is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration via Iowa State University. These mosaics are generated by combining individual radar stations that comprise the NEXRAD network.

Storm surge map Storm surge data is from the National Hurricane Center. Forecasts only include the United States Gulf and Atlantic coasts, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The actual areas that could become flooded may differ from the areas shown on this map. This map accounts for tides, but not waves and not flooding caused by rainfall. The map also includes intertidal areas, which routinely flood during typical high tides.

Satellite map Imagery is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Precipitation map Data for multi-day forecasts or observed rainfall totals are from the National Weather Service. The 1-day forecast is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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