| Jamaica is a paradise of white-sand beaches, | | | | requirements for Americans traveling to and from |
| crystal-blue water and excellent coffee. All of these | | | | Jamaica by sea in certain situations. For example, |
| features make it an attractive summer vacation | | | | children under the age of 16 traveling by sea can use |
| choice for many Americans. However, Americans | | | | their birth certificates as proof of citizenship, as can |
| traveling to Jamaica should be sure that they | | | | children under the age of 19 if they are traveling by |
| understand which documents they need to carry for | | | | sea under adult supervision as part of a school group, |
| their trip. For details, consult this helpful guide: | | | | church group or sports team. |
| If You Are Traveling by Plane | | | | American citizens visiting Jamaica as part of a |
| If you are traveling by plane, the only acceptable | | | | closed-loop cruise, one that begins and ends in the |
| document is a US passport book. All American citizens | | | | same US port, can also get by with just a driver's |
| flying to Jamaica need to carry a passport, even | | | | license and a birth certificate. |
| newborn infants. You will not be allowed to board | | | | However, even if you can get by with a birth |
| your plane with your passport. | | | | certificate and a driver's license, it's best to carry a |
| If You Are Traveling by Sea | | | | passport with you anyway. That way, if an |
| Jamaica is included in the Western Hemisphere Travel | | | | emergency happens and you need to fly back home, |
| Initiative (WHTI), which requires US citizens traveling | | | | you'll be covered. |
| to Jamaica by sea to present a US passport book or | | | | Remember, it takes about 6 weeks for a passport |
| one of the following documents in order to return to | | | | to be issued if you apply for regular processing. If |
| the United States: | | | | you apply for expedited passport processing, expect |
| - A passport card | | | | to wait about 3 weeks. If you need it sooner, you |
| - An enhanced driver's license (EDL)-only available in | | | | can either make an appointment at the nearest |
| certain states | | | | Regional Passport Agency office or apply for an |
| - A NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST card | | | | expedited passport or passport renewal through a |
| Exceptions | | | | private expediting company. |
| There are a few exceptions to passport | | | | |