Jamaica visa requirements for Cape Verdians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Cape Verdians visiting Jamaica

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Jamaican Visa.

  • A valid passport.
  • One passport-sized photograph.
  • Completed Visa Application Form J to be signed by the applicant.
  • Valid return visa to Cape Verde.
  • Flight itinerary.
  • Round trip ticket.
  • Visa fee to be paid by Money Order to the Jamaican Consulate/embassy.
  • The applicant must not have been sentenced in another country for any extraditable crime/offense.
  • Persons forbidden from landing in Jamaica are not eligible to apply for a visa.

Jamaica Visa for Cape Verdians

Facts about Jamaica

Jamaica is a Caribbean island nation that is known for its mountains, rainforests, and reef-lined beaches. The rainforests and beach destinations are prime for activities like snorkeling, reef diving, sailing, and scuba diving. Adventurers will enjoy every bit of their time in the country due to the availability of mountains which are prime for caving and hiking. Jamaica is also well-known for its music and rhythm. Music is life in Jamaica, tourists won’t even realize when they have been swayed by the rhythm in the country.
 
The tourism industry in Jamaica is one of the most important industries in the country. The industry is a major source of foreign exchange in the country. Since 2017, the country has been hosting an average of 4.3 million tourists every year. In the years to come, the number of tourist visits is expected to rise even further.
 
Foreigners are required to declare sums of $10,000 on entry into the country. Contrary to popular belief, possession, trafficking, and usage of marijuana is illegal in the country.
 
Citizens of Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Cyprus, Ghana, India, Kenya, Kiribati, Malaysia, Namibia, New Zealand, Swaziland, the United Kingdom, the United States may enter Jamaica for up to 6 months visa-free. Citizens of Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Norway, the Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland can enter Jamaica visa-free for up to 90 days.

Types of Jamaica Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Student visa 2 - 3 working days 90 days
Tourist visa 2 - 3 working days 90 days
Work visa 2 - 3 working days 90 days

General Requirements for Jamaica Visa

  • A valid passport.
  • One passport-sized photograph.
  • Completed Visa Application Form J to be signed by the applicant.
  • Valid return visa to Cape Verde.
  • Flight itinerary.
  • Round trip ticket.
  • Visa fee to be paid by Money Order to the Jamaican Consulate/embassy.
  • The applicant must not have been sentenced in another country for any extraditable crime/offense.
  • Persons forbidden from landing in Jamaica are not eligible to apply for a visa.
Jamaica Student visa Jamaica Tourist visa Jamaica Work visa

Jamaica Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Police clearance for student applicants between the age of 18 and 79 years old.
  • Minors over the age of 14 years must apply in person and accompanied by their parents or legal guardian.
  • The minor's birth certificate and an ID of their parents or guardians are to be submitted.
  • A letter from the educational institution in Jamaica is to be provided.
  • The letter is to indicate the applicant's purpose of travel to Jamaica and state how long the applicant will be in Jamaica.
  • A medical certificate is to be submitted, issued from a reputable medical institution in Cape Verde stating that the applicant does not have any contagious diseases that require quarantine.
  • The applicant is to submit the admission letter from the institution in Jamaica.
  • Previously collected transcripts and results/certificates from previously attended institutions in and out of Cape Verde are to be submitted.
  • The applicant is to submit a No-Objection certificate from their school in Cape Verde. 
  • The applicant's parents are to submit a letter stating that they are aware of the applicant's planned trip.
  • Foreign students are not allowed to work off the school campus during their first year in Jamaica. 
  • After their first year, they can take up employment outside the school campus after they must have applied for a work permit which costs 15,000JMD depending on the duration of the work and its nature. 

Jamaica Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Jamaican tourist visa is for Cape Verdean applicants who wish to travel to Jamaica for the purpose of tourism and sightseeing.
  • This visa is also for persons who wish to visit family and friends while in Jamaica.
  • A letter of invitation from your host in Jamaica is required. 
  • The letter must state the relationship between the applicant and the host and contain the valid contact information of the host.
  • You can attend festivals and events during your time in the country.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years, you are expected to be in possession of the original copy of your birth certificate. 
  • A notarized consent signed by both your parents should also be provided.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to be gainfully employed during their time in the country.
  • All applicants are required to provide proof of the incentive of returning to Cape Verde at the expiry of this visa.
  • This visa can be extended if the applicant wishes for 10,000JMd.
  • Proof of payment of visa application fees is required.
  • Foreigners are advised to be vaccinated against yellow fever before traveling to Jamaica.

Jamaica Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to Cape Verdeans who wish to travel to Jamaica for employment reasons.
  • The employment contract issued by the company in Jamaica is to be submitted.
  • Holders of this visa can attend trade fairs, conferences, and business seminars relating to their profession.
  • An official letter of invitation from the inviting company in Jamaica is required. 
  • The letter must state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  • Proof of accommodation for the applicant's entire stay in Jamaica is to be provided.
  • A letter from the applicant’s employer in Cape Verde must be provided. 
  • The letter must state the applicant’s current job position, salary level, and length of employment.
  • The applicant is to apply for a work permit upon entry into Jamaica and the cost is 15,000JMD.
  • Documents which show that you have the incentive of returning to Cape Verde is required.
  • Proof of payment of visa application fees should be provided.
  • International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever is required.
  • A letter from the ministry of labor in Jamaica approving the applicant's work permit or granting exemption from a work permit is required.

Jamaica Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Student visa

100.00 (USD)

Tourist visa

100.00 (USD)

Work visa

100.00 (USD)

Jamaica Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Cape Verde

Location

Address

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Jamaica does not maintain a representation in Cape Verde. Cabo Verdeans who wish to visit Jamaica are to visit the nearest country with a Jamaican embassy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official language in Jamaica?

The official language in Jamaica is the English Language. Although, most Jamaicans speak a Jamaican/ English Creole known as Patois. Other languages spoken in Jamaica are Spanish, Portuguese, Irish, and some west-African languages.

What is the official currency in Jamaica?

The official currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar(JMD). Tourists can also use USD and credit/debit cards in tourist populated areas. 

What is Jamaica famous for?

Jamaica is famous for Blue Mountain coffee, Reggae and for also being the home of the very famous Bob Marley. 

Is it safe in Jamaica?

Places like Kingston and Montego bay have records of high violence and crime. Tourists should avoid such places and stay vigilant if they have to be there. The emergency numbers to call are; Ambulance and fire: 110, and to call the police, 119. 

Can I get a refund for my visa fees?

No, Jamaican visa fees are non-refundable after payment. You also can not transfer it to someone else after it has been paid in your name originally.

Is weed legal in Jamaica?

Weed is legal in Jamaica and the possession of not more than 2 ounces(75g) has been decriminalised. However, if you are found in public with more than, the fine is 500JMD, if the applicant is a minor, they will be referred to the National council on drug abuse for councelling. Possession of marijuana for medical and sacramental reasons such as Rastafarian discipleship is allowed.

Can I smoke weed in Jamaica?

Weed can be smoked in residential areas and licensed spots but not in public because this will attract a fine of 500JMD. The same goes for cigarettes.