By Cicely A. Richard
Jamaica, an island of the Greater Antilles, it situated in the
Caribbean Sea, just south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola. The island, whose original name means "Land of Wood and Water" or "Land of Springs," was originally occupied by Taino inhabitants, an indigenous people who spoke Arawakan. This was one of the islands found by Spanish explorers. Eventually, it became a British colony with a large slave population. Jamaica, which is a popular tourist attraction because lush, tropical landscape and mild temperatures, has specific passport requirements for tourist visiting the island.
Passports and Visas
In order for U.S. citizens to get a Jamaican passport, they must first have a valid U.S. passport. A passport that has been valid for at least six months is needed to travel to and from the United States via air or sea vessels, such as cruise ships and ferries. As a precaution, travelers should carry other government-issued photo identifications, such as a birth certificate, driver's license or identification card. Visas are required for people staying in Jamaica more than 90 days.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Compliant Document
As of June 1, 2009, people from North America, many Caribbean islands, and Bermuda must hold a WHTI compliant document such as a passport or passport card in order to travel from Jamaica to the United States. This document, established with the aid of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, was created as part of the country's efforts to secure borders and readily identify citizens and legal residents of countries that accept WHTI documents.
Return Tickets and Departure Tax
In addition to passport requirements for Jamaica, people visiting this island nation need to present return tickets and evidence that they have enough money to cover the length of their stay. Travelers pay departure taxes before heading home from their trip to Jamaica. This fee may or may not be included in the price of the airline ticket. More information about this fee and other travel information can be found by contacting the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C. or visiting a nearby Jamaican Consulate. There are consulates in several major U.S. cities, including Miami, New York, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Seattle, or Los Angeles. Visa information is also located on the Embassy of Jamaica official Website.
Resources
About the Author:
Based in Tucson, Ariz., Cicely A. Richard has been writing since 1996. Her articles have been published in the “Arizona Daily Star” newspaper and “ForeWord Magazine.” Richard earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and journalism from Louisiana State University.
