UPDATED NEWS
Updated April 16, 2022
Pre-travel COVID-19 test NO LONGER REQUIRED
Jamaica will no longer have any travel restrictions that were imposed due to the pandemic as travellers to the island are no longer required to take a COVID-19 test to board a flight.
Welcome to Jamaica
For detailed and up to date information please visit the Official Government of Jamaica (GofJ) website for visitors to the island:
https://www.visitjamaica.com/jamaica-cares/
Return Travel
Delegates are encouraged to consult their home country entry requirements website, contact a travel agent or the airline for details prior to travelling. Please note that certified labs are readily available in Kingston if a test is required.
COVID-19 Concierge Testing with Government approved supplier MDLink
Delegates requiring approved laboratory tests, either PCR ($110USD) or Rapid Antigen (US$55USD) prior to flying out of Jamaica can use MDLink's concierge service in one of two ways:
OPTION 1 (Testing on-site at the Conference)
- Thursday 2nd June between 9.15 - 11.15 allotted testing slot at the conference venue, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. The location is very close to #6 on the map, near the poster display.
OPTION 2 (Testing at accomodation)
- Delegates book a test at their accommodation at a suitable time between 8.00am and 6.30pm
Delegates choosing to use this service are requested to pay online using the website www.themdlink.com/pay. In the dropdown menu 'TYPE OF SERVICE' please choose 'COVID-19 Test (Home Visit)'
After payment is made, they are requested to send an email to shenelle@themdlink.com, providing the following information:
First Name:
Last Name:
Date of Birth:
Age:
Email Address:
Address: state EITHER place staying in Jamaica OR SEB-ISE Conference Venue (Thursday 2nd June 9.15-11.15)
Phone number:
If you have any questions about COVID testing you can email David Picking: david.picking03@uwimona.edu.jm.
Visa Requirements for Travel to Jamaica
Please refer to the website of the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) for accurate guidance.
https://www.pica.gov.jm/immigration/entry-visa-requirements
Simply enter the name of the country under whose travel documents you will be travelling.
Conference Location
The Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica
Airports
Jamaica is served by two international airports. Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) is the closest to the conference, located approximately 30 minutes from The UWI campus. Delegates with flights into Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, are served by an efficient and comfortable coach service (www.knutsfordexpress.com). Regular coach services run from the Sangster International Airport to Kingston seven days a week, with journey times of approximately 4 hours. Please refer to the Knutsford Express schedule to confirm coach times and allow 2 hours after your scheduled arrival time and book directly with them.
Transport Packages
Ground transportation is being managed by Sun Island Executive Tours & Services Ltd (SIETS). Please email sebiseconference@sunislandtours.co for all transportation needs, queries and correspondence.
When requesting airport transportation, please provide the airline's booking itinerary. SIETS will forward a request form to be completed and emailed to them which will generate a confirmation number by return email.
Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) to UWI Campus
- 1-3 persons US$45.00 in total each way
- 4-6 persons US$12.00 per person each way
- 7 + persons US$10 per person each way
Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) to Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston
- 1-3 persons US$40.00 in total each way
- 4-6 persons US$12.00 per person each way
- 7 + persons US$10 per person each way
Sangster International Airport (MBJ)
- 1-4 persons US$310.00 in total each way (inclusive of toll)
- 5 + persons US$70.00 per person each way (inclusive of toll)
Please read these important notes about the transport package
- Standard time zone in Jamaica UTC-5 hours (see http://24timezones.com/#/map)
- The transfer package is available to and from the two international airports (KIN & MBJ)
- Delegates interested in transfer services are requested to book their travel options directly with Sun Island Tours via email sebiseconference@sunislandtours.co. Transfers are additional charges at delegate's own expense, to be paid directly to Sun Island Tours.
- The transport operator will not be able to provide an airport transfer to meet every flight but will aim to provide a service to successfully meet with delegate's needs.
- Transfer schedules will use detailed information based on the flight arrivals and departures of delegates.
- Using the transfer service may involve some waiting times at the airports.
Conference Shuttle Service
A bus will be available in the mornings to shuttle delegates from 138 Student Living to the conference venue. The bus will return delegates in the evening and be available throughout the day. The journey is approximately 5 minutes (20 minute walk). Click here for the shuttle schedule.
Pegasus Hotel to and from Campus
An early morning service will operate from the Pegasus hotel to the conference and return delegates in the evening.
COVID-19 Accommodation Insurance with 138 Student Living
For those delegates staying on campus 138 Student Living are offering an 8 day accommodation insurance package for a non-refundable fee of US$50. In the event that a delegate tests positive for COVID-19 and is unable to return home until returning a negative test result the insurance package will cover their accommodation costs for up to an additional 8 days at no extra cost. Please note this does not include meal costs.
Delegates choosing to take the insurance package are advised to pay 138 Student Living on arrival.
Welcome to Jamaica
Safely making the most of your visit
SAFETY & SECURITY:
Jamaica is a leading tourist destination and whilst crime rates in Jamaica are high, crime involving visitors accounts for 0.01% annually (1 in 10,000 people), according to the Jamaican Tourist Board. Most crime against visitors is petty and opportunistic and delegates are reminded to follow basic safety precautions:
- Register with your country’s embassy or consulate before you travel
- Travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft
- Give friends and family your contact information and itineraries in case of emergency
- Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times
- Keep possessions close to your body and out of sight
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery on road trips or excursions
- Do not let strangers into your room
- Lock room doors
- Only take licensed taxis (Uber is now available in Jamaica)
- Deal only with authorized agents to exchange money e.g. banks, cambios or hotels
- Avoid walking alone at night
- Seek advice before entering unknown communities in Kingston and other urban area
LGBT Visitors
Jamaican human rights and social justice advocacy group, J-FLAG, point to significant improvements in LGBT rights in recent years. Whilst Jamaica has had a bad reputation things are improving. Visitors to the island are usually spared from homophobia and transphobia as much work has been and continues to be done with stakeholders in the tourism sector. Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has publicly given reassurances that LGBT tourists are welcome to visit the island and will be safe in Jamaica. J-FLAG point out that it is important for visitors to understand that public displays of affection are not commonplace in Jamaican culture, regardless of one’s sexual orientation.
Community activity on the island has seen the emergence of a vibrant LGBT entertainment scene in recent years (pre-COVID-19). A group of women promoters has especially been pioneering in their use of entertainment events to reclaim music and create safe spaces for LGBT Jamaicans. Pride in Jamaica has grown from its first known staging in the early 2000s to the first publicly held week of events in 2015. Before COVID-19 the week of events attracted an average crowd of 5,000 people.
Cannabis and the Law
Cannabis was legalized in Jamaica for medical, therapeutic or religious reasons in 2015. Currently up to two ounces can be purchased from a licensed dispensary for medical reasons. Whilst possessing small amounts of cannabis for personal use has been decriminalized, if stopped by the police with under two ounces of cannabis and without a prescription, the possessor will be fined 500 Jamaican dollars (about $5 USD).
Do and Don’ts
- Do be direct. Jamaicans prefer it
- Do be empathetic. Try to understand the hardships that many Jamaicans face
- Do be formal with strangers. Jamaicans are more formal than many visitors
- Do relax. Tropical time happens at a slower pace
- Don’t snap a photo without asking. Always respect the privacy of others