Eager to get back to traveling? Me too. So, when Jamaica opened their borders and welcomed us back, I RAN to Google Flights to book the cheapest fare.
I know there have been a lot of intimidating videos about the craziness of what to expect in the airport in our post-COVID world, but my experience wasn't that unbearable.
Disclaimer: Processes may vary, so please don't yell at me if your arrival is not as smooth or uncomplicated as mine was. :-)
Also, please note that my plane landed alone. I cannot speak to how the process will look with multiple planes landing at the same time.
What my friends and I endured when we landed on July 3rd, 2020:
1. Upon landing, someone from the Jamaican version of TSA boards the plane to give you a quick rundown of what to expect after deplaning, such as wearing your mask at all times, being sanitized at every station (literally EVERY station, they don't play games when it comes to spraying you down lol), maintaining social distancing, and following their directions very closely.
2. After deplaning, your hands are immediately sanitized, and you move to a line where you'll wait for someone to take your temperature. Your temp will be written on a very small piece of paper which you must keep on your person at all times during the customs process. Don't lose it!
3. Next, you'll be interviewed by airport staff based on the questionnaire you completed on https://www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization/ prior to your arrival. This is a MUST before you can even board the plane! Get it done 72 hours prior to your departure date, and print out a copy for your records on the day of travel. If you reside in NY, Florida, Arizona, or Texas, you will be required to upload a negative COVID-19 test result, and the date of the test must be within 10 days of your arrival date in order to enter the country.
4. Here is where it got interesting: Upon completion of your interview, your are given a letter, I'm assuming based on how you answered all of their questions. Once again, do NOT lose this piece of paper! We are now at two small pieces of paper that are very important to keep on your person. The letter you receive determines whether or not they are going to administer a COVID test to you right there in the airport. Apparently, if you'd like to avoid being tested, the letter you want is 'Q'. Everyone in my group received a 'Q' and happily exited the airport without, as my friend says, "having our brains scrambled" by the testing swab. However, some folks outside of our group received a letter 'T' which meant they were moved to the testing area. If there were other letter options given, we didn't get to see them. If you're lucky enough to get a 'Q', hold on to it for dear life, because you will need it at every stop that follows to exit the airport.
5. Last major stop is with government officials or military to make sure you download their COVID app. It is mandatory, but again, information here was a little inconsistent. Some girls in my group were directed to download the app, while others were not. Not sure about the "why" there, but here is an image of the app so you'll know what to download. It requires that your location settings remain turned on, and you check-in daily. (You didn't hear this from me, nor am I directing you to disobey their rules...merely sharing my experience. But, on the days that we forgot to check-in on the app, which was most days, there was no one enforcing it. We left Jamaica without anyone ever asking about our use of the app or our whereabouts during our stay. Do as you please, but I'm just letting you know.) After the officials verify you've downloaded the app, you can head to baggage claim and exit the airport. Keep in mind, you will have to show your letter at least twice more after baggage claim to be given permission to leave.
Customs was a breeze. No lines, no wait. I've never experienced that upon landing in Jamaica before, so it might be a perfect time to go if you ask me.
Other Things to Note If You're Planning to Go Before the Fall:
Precautions and policies are changing daily, so this may not be the case by the time you get there, but as of now, curfew is at 11 pm, most nightlife and clubs are still closed, and major tourist attractions may not yet be an option. Booze cruises were still running, and you could still visit the falls, however.
On the bright side, the beaches were not at all crowded, dining out was still an option, and the people are still just as warm and welcoming as always. If you're looking for relaxation, not necessarily a turn up, go now! It's the perfect time.
