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Travel From Jamaica To US
All You Need To Know

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family_travelling_overseas_from_jamaica_aug_2018Travel From Jamaica To US

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

While we normally cater to those looking to take a trip to our beautiful island, this article is a little bit different. Like many around the world, even though our locals live in a tropical paradise, Jamaicans dream of travelling the world too. One country that is on many of our lists is the United States. So if you are a local looking to take a trip to the great U.S.A, or maybe you are in the States and trying to help a family member or friend to come and visit, consider this as a mini guide on how to travel from Jamaica to the U.S.

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What Do You Need to Travel from Jamaica to the US?

To travel from Jamaica to the States you will need a few things:

1. Passport: Your passport will be your most important travel document. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from the US. If your passport is close to expiring, it's a good idea to renew it before planning your trip.

2. US Visa: Almost all Jamaican citizens will need a visa to enter the US, except for certain diplomats and government officials. The type of visa you require depends on the purpose of your visit. Common visa types include:

  • B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa: This is if you are visiting as a tourist, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings.
  • F-1 Student Visa: This would be for you if you are pursuing academic studies or language training in the US.
  • H-1B Work Visa: If you have been offered employment in the US in speciality occupations, this is the type of visa you would need.
  • J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: For participating in an exchange program.

The visa application process is quite simple and usually involves filling out the DS-160 form, paying the visa fee, and attending an interview at the US Embassy in Kingston.

3. Health Requirements: Depending on current health advisories, you may need to meet specific health requirements. For instance, remember during the COVID-19 pandemic, when travellers had to present a negative test result or proof of vaccination? So, always check the latest updates on health requirements before your travel.

4. Travel Insurance: While it's not mandatory to have travel insurance it is highly recommended that you get it. It may come in handy by covering unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

5. Return or Onward Ticket: US immigration may ask to see proof that you intend to leave their country after your visit, so having a return or onward ticket can be helpful.

How Much is a Plane Ticket from Jamaica to the US?

The cost of plane tickets from Jamaica to the States varies greatly based on several factors. As a matter of fact, you could check the cost for a ticket today and see a drastic change when you check again tomorrow. Some factors that may influence the cost of the ticket may include:

  • Time of Booking: Try to book your flight well in advance so you can save. Last-minute tickets tend to be much more expensive.
  • Seasonality: Ticket prices tend to fluctuate based on the time of year. If you are planning your trip during peak seasons like summer or the December holidays the prices may be higher.
  • Airlines and Routes: Different airlines offer various pricing, with budget carriers often providing cheaper options. Additionally, direct flights may cost more than those with layovers.
  • Destination: Major US hubs like Miami, New York, and Atlanta might have more competitive prices due to multiple airlines offering services on these routes.

Generally, round-trip tickets can range from USD 300 to USD 800, but you may find deals or promotions that reduce these costs.

Do You Have to Go Through Customs Leaving Jamaica?

Yes, when leaving Jamaica, you will need to go through customs and immigration at the airport. So, try to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight so you can have enough time for check-in, security screening, and customs procedures.

Do I Need to Be Vaccinated to Apply for a US Visa in Jamaica?

Currently, No. As of the most recent guidelines, COVID-19 vaccination is not a mandatory requirement for applying for a US visa in Jamaica. However, it’s important to stay updated on current regulations, as they can change based on global health situations. Additionally, while vaccination may not be required for the visa application itself, certain airlines or the US government might require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry into the country.

How Long Is a Flight from Jamaica to America?

America is a very big country so naturally, the duration of your flight from Jamaica to the US depends on your destination city and whether your flight is direct or has layovers. For Example:

  • Kingston (KIN) to Miami (MIA): About 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Montego Bay (MBJ) to Atlanta (ATL): Approximately 3 hours.
  • Kingston (KIN) to New York (JFK): Around 4 hours.
  • Montego Bay (MBJ) to Los Angeles (LAX): About 5.5 to 6 hours (with potential layovers).

Flight times can also vary slightly due to air traffic, weather conditions, and specific flight paths.

How Can Jamaicans Travel to the US?

Most people prefer to travel to the US by air, as it’s the most practical. We have 2 major airports, Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston and Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay. There are airlines like American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and Caribbean Airlines that operate regular flights between Jamaica and various cities across the US.

So, are you ready to take on the journey to the U.S? Before you go check out this article on Why do people leave Jamaica.

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References & Sources For Travel From Jamaica To US

  1. Get your USA B1/B2 visa with us! (n.d.). iVisa. https://ivisatravel.com/usa/c/us-b1b2-visa-for-citizens-of-jamaica

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