What You Need To Know About Traveling To Jamaica This Summer

Jamaica continues to welcome international travelers with enhanced health and safety protocols in place. The Caribbean country was one of the first to reopen to foreign tourists last year, implementing resilient corridors that allowed for the safe reopening of a majority of the country's top tourist attractions. More than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaica continues to be one of the most exciting and easily accessible destinations in the world. But before you go, here are some important things to know.

The U.S. State Department issued Level 4 travel advisories (do not travel) for well over 100 countries and territories around the world due to COVID-19 in April, including Jamaica. The advisory matches that of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which warns of a very high level of COVID-19 in the country in its Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Jamaica heading into the summer. "If you must travel to Jamaica, get fully vaccinated before travel. All travelers should wear a mask, stay six feet from others, avoid crowds, and wash their hands," the CDC advises. As of May 17, the country has reported more than 47,300 coronavirus cases, including 860 deaths.

Visiting Jamaica this summer will require the completion of a Travel Authorization document. What's more, travelers 12 years and over will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result taken within three days of travel. Regardless of vaccination status, travelers age two and over returning to the United States will need to test negative for COVID-19 within three calendar days of departure from Jamaica in order to re-enter the country. Fortunately, many leading hotel and resort brands are offering convenient on-site testing for free or at a discounted rate this summer.

The CDC has updated its guidance for fully vaccinated travelers ahead of the summer, pointing out that vaccinated people are less likely to contract and spread COVID-19. Nonetheless, these travelers should continue wearing face masks, social distancing and practicing frequent hand washing when traveling abroad, the agency says. Vaccinated travelers visiting Jamaica and other countries are also advised to take a viral test 3-5 days after returning home and to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Meanwhile, unvaccinated travelers should take a viral test 1-3 days before their trip and be prepared to self-isolate upon their return. Unvaccinated people should quarantine for seven days assuming a negative test and 10 days if they choose not to get tested.

Traveling is always made easier by the help of an experienced travel advisor, especially when traveling abroad to a destination like Jamaica amid a pandemic. In addition to saving you precious time, money and stress, travel advisors put you and your companions' safety first and, unlike a website, don't disappear the minute after you've booked. Trusted travel professionals-which you can easily find based on your destination and trip type at TravelSense.org-bring an unparalleled level of experience and knowledge to the table as well as vital connections with suppliers that are sure to benefit their clients. Booking your summer trip to Jamaica with the help of a travel advisor ensures you won't be on your own for forced to overpay for an experience you aren't guaranteed.