Jamaica
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for Jamaica
You · American passport
Usually up to 180 days
Visa-free for short stays. Keep inside the limit and you don't need a visa.
pica.gov.jm · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Ask customs before you ship
There's no published rule. Ask customs before you ship.
gov.uk · Confirm before you go · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 125 days out
Permit, microchip, rabies, FAVN >= 0.5 then 3-12 months wait, many tests, and at least 14 days quarantine at Plumb Point; arrive at Kingston only. See the steps
aphis.usda.gov · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Jamaica.
We'll email you if Jamaica's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Jamaica.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Have your vet implant a microchip and record the number on every document.
- On or after the microchip
Rabies vaccine (90 days of age or older)
Inactivated rabies vaccine given after the microchip, at 90 days of age or older, valid at export.
- At least 30 days after the rabies shot
FAVN titer >= 0.5 IU/mL
FAVN blood test at a WOAH/WHO reference lab (e.g. Kansas State) with >= 0.5 IU/mL.
- At least 3 months after the blood test
Import 3-12 months after the blood sample
Import no sooner than 3 months and no later than 12 months after the successful blood sample.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- Within 3 months before you arrive
Veterinary Import Permit (J$5,000)
Apply to the Veterinary Services Division for an import permit; valid up to 3 months from issue.
- Within 45 days before you arrive
Dog tests (heartworm, Babesia/Lyme/Ehrlichia, Brucella, Leishmania)
Dogs: heartworm antigen negative within 30 days (6 months+) and preventive within 7 days; Babesia/Borrelia/Ehrlichia ELISA within 16 days; Brucella canis (intact) and Leishmania within 45 days.
- 30 to 30 days before you arrive
External parasite treatment #1 (30 days before)
First external parasite exam/treatment 30 days before shipment.
- At least 21 days before you arrive
3 weeks' notice + 72-hour confirmation + landing form
Give VSD at least 3 weeks' notice of arrival, confirm 72 hours before, and file the Animal Landing Notification Form 3 days ahead.
- At least 14 days before you arrive
Core vaccines at least 14 days before export
Dogs: distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis/adenovirus-2, parainfluenza (and leptospirosis vaccine or treatment within 30 days). Cats: FHV1, FCV, FPV (FeLV kittens).
- Within 7 days before you arrive
Fecal exam and 2 dewormings 14 days apart
Fecal exam and two broad-spectrum deworming treatments at least 14 days apart, the last within 7 days of export.
- Within 7 days before you arrive
External parasite treatment #2 (within 7 days)
Second external parasite exam/treatment within 7 days of export.
- Within 7 days before you arrive
Official veterinary health certificate
Exam within 7 days of export; official health certificate completed/endorsed by the official vet of the exporting country (USDA APHIS for US).
- By the day you arrive
At least 14 days quarantine at Plumb Point
On arrival at Kingston the pet is examined and held at least 14 days at the National Quarantine Facility, Plumb Point.
aphis.usda.gov · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Jamaica
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free | Usually up to 180 days | pica.gov.jm · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free | Usually up to 30 days | pica.gov.jm · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free | Usually up to 90 days | pica.gov.jm · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free | Usually up to 90 days | pica.gov.jm · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free | Usually up to 90 days | pica.gov.jm · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free | Usually up to 90 days | pica.gov.jm · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa on arrival | Usually up to 30 days | pica.gov.jm · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free | Usually up to 90 days | pica.gov.jm · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Jamaica
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Jamaica leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
