Jamaica will reopen its borders for international travellers next week.
The move from Monday (June 15) coincides with the introduction of new safety protocols.
All visitors will be screened via thermal temperature checks and “symptom observation”.
Additional screening, including testing, will be required if high temperatures are detected
Any visitor who exhibits symptoms or is ill will be subject to quarantine.
Jamaica’s health and safety protocols will be reviewed every two weeks.
Any “necessary and appropriate revision” to the protocols will be made as more is discovered about the virus including medical advancements or as the risk profile changes.
The plans were confirmed after the country was reported to be in the final stages of discussions with insurance providers to allow visitors who test positive for Covid-19 to be isolated and repatriated.
It is in the process of repatriating 8,000 Jamaican nationals who have been stranded overseas due to Covid-19 related travel restrictions.
The Jamaican government worked closely with international partners to develop the public health-focused tourism protocols, based on benchmarks globally to include nearly 20 markets in the Caribbean, as well as global health agencies.
“The protocols address all stages of the visitors’ journey, incorporating the lifecycle of prevention, detection and response,” a spokesperson said.
Tourism director Donovan White said: “Tourism is the lifeblood of our local economy, and with the help of international experts and a dedicated task force, we have developed protocols that allow us to safely reopen our borders.
“We are confident that as we restart our economy, Jamaicans will work together to ensure a safe, secure and seamless experience for our tourism workers, their families, and visitors, while preserving the authentic experiences travellers seek when they visit our shores.”