Can you go to Jamaica with a felony? Yes. Jamaica doesn’t have an outright ban on visitors with criminal records so felons can often visit Jamaica for tourism without facing any problems with immigration.
However, immigration officers at the point of entry have the authority to deny entry to travelers with a felony based on the severity of the crime and the time since the conviction.
Can You Go To Jamaica With A Felony in 2024?
Jamaica welcomes millions of visitors every year, and that includes visitors with felony convictions. While the entry process for felons may involve additional scrutiny, most visitors with a valid passport face no issues for short visits.
Even so, the Jamaican Embassy in Washington instructs travelers with criminal records to request permission to enter the country. Before your trip, you should make your request via email, and provide:
- Letter requesting permission to travel to Jamaica indicating the purpose of travel, length of trip, and place of stay in Jamaica
- Copy of passport biodata page (page with name, passport number, photo, etc.)
- Court document detailing the offense and sentence received
- Letter from probation officer granting permission to travel if on parole/probation
More details: https://www.embassyofjamaica.org/ja_citizens/traveling_with_criminal_conviction.pdf
What Happens If Felons Don’t Apply For Travel Approval?
If you don’t request permission to enter, most likely nothing will happen.
Does Jamaica check criminal records for visitors? Jamaican authorities don’t have access to U.S. criminal records databases, so in most cases, they can’t tell whether a traveler has a felony. But there are two exceptions.
- If your felony has been reported to Interpol, Jamaican immigration may have received a Green Notice about you
- If you’ve been convicted of a sex offense against a minor, your passport will contain a sex offender identifier and Jamaican authorities may have been informed about your trip
In both cases, the decision to allow you to enter will be made by immigration officials at the point of entry based on the security risk you present.
The vast majority of felony convictions aren’t reported to Interpol. Crimes reported to Interpol usually involve offenses like:
- Terrorism
- Money laundering and large-scale fraud
- Organized crime
- Murder and violent assaults tied to gangs or organized crime
- Cybercrime
- Child exploitation
- Weapons trafficking
What’s an Interpol Green Notice? The Green Notice provides warnings about individuals involved in criminal activity likely to threaten public safety internationally. Individuals subject to a Green Notice will usually face extra questions and could be refused entry.
Related: Can Felons Go To The Bahamas?
Is A Visa Necessary For Felons Traveling To Jamaica?
American passport holders, including felons, visiting Jamaica for tourism can stay for 6 months without a visa (https://www.pica.gov.jm/immigration/entry-visa-requirements).
If you’re planning to work in Jamaica or move to Jamaica full-time, you’ll need to apply for a visa and provide details about your criminal record.
What Documentation Is Required For A Felon Visiting Jamaica?
Travelers with a felony conviction may find it helpful to carry supporting documents in case an immigration official decides to ask questions or conduct an immigration interview.
- Letter of rehabilitation
- Court-issued travel permission (for parole/probation)
- Confirmation of completed sentence
All U.S. travelers need the following documentation.
Valid Passport
A U.S. passport valid for the duration of your trip. A felony conviction doesn’t automatically invalidate a passport, but felons on probation or parole should get permission to travel from their supervising officer.
Permanent residents must present an Alien Resident Card (Green Card) and a valid passport for their country of citizenship.
(Note: U.S. citizens don’t need a passport for closed-loop cruises visiting Jamaica).
Visa For Stays Over 180 Days
U.S. citizens visiting Jamaica for tourism purposes (up to 6 months) do not need a visa. Travelers entering Jamaica for work or business, or for longer vacations must apply for a visa before traveling to Jamaica.
Proof of Return or Onward Travel
Travelers must provide evidence of their departure plans, such as a return ticket or onward travel booking.
Proof of Financial Means
Travelers may be asked for proof of their ability to support themselves while visiting Jamaica (recent bank or credit card statement or confirmation of available funds via your banking app).
Completed C5 Customs Declaration
The C5 Customs Declaration asks for basic information including your name and address, purpose of your trip, length of stay, and details of any goods you’re bringing into the country. You will not be asked about your criminal history on this form.
Complete the C5 online: https://www.enterjamaica.gov.jm/
Can Felons Travel To Jamaica On A Closed Loop Cruise?
Yes, although some cruise lines carry out background checks on passengers and may refuse to carry felons convicted of violent crimes or sex offenses.
Passengers on a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends in the same U.S. port) don’t need a passport to enter Jamaica.
Passport alternatives include:
- S. Passport Card
- Enhanced Driver’s License
- Trusted Traveler Card (Nexus, FAST, SENTRI)
- National ID and state-issued birth certificate
Can Felons Go To Jamaica For Work?
Felons wanting to work in Jamaica must obtain a work permit and visa. These require sponsorship by a Jamaican employer, and the immigration authority will review the applicant’s criminal record.
Jamaica’s immigration authorities assess applications on a case-by-case basis. Recent or serious felony convictions may result in visa denial, especially for crimes involving violence, or drug trafficking.
Does Jamaica Have Special Visas For Digital Nomads?
No. Digital nomads usually enter Jamaica as tourists. As a U.S. citizen, you could work remotely in Jamaica for up to 6 months in any one year. However, Digital nomads cannot join the local workforce.