Information for Visitors
Following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is reopening and all international and domestic airports are operational. Find information on hotel reopenings and learn how you can lend your support.
We're rebuilding stronger. Here's how you can get involved.
Traveller FAQs
Find quick answers to commonly asked questions.
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Is Jamaica currently open for visitors?
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Is it safe to visit Jamaica after the hurricane?
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Which areas of Jamaica were most affected by Hurricane Melissa, and are there completely inaccessible regions?
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What precautions have the government or local authorities taken to ensure the safety of tourists?
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Are there any health concerns or advisories related to food, water, or sanitation that visitors should be aware of?
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How does this impact visitors?
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What if a visitor is staying outside of a resort area?
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Are the airports and flights running as scheduled?
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Are seaports in Jamaica operational, and are cruise visits running as scheduled?
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What is the status of roads and transportation systems?
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What is the status of utilities (power, internet, and water) in major tourist areas?
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Will hotels and resorts honour existing reservations, or are there cancellations/changes visitors should be aware of?
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Are Jamaica's major tourist attractions (e.g., beaches, Dunn’s River Falls, Blue Mountains) open and safe to visit? Some are open.
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Are there any hurricane aftereffects, such as flooding, that I should be aware of?
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Have any local tours or excursion operators resumed business, and is it safe to book tours?
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Have prices for accommodation, flights, or other services been affected by the hurricane (e.g., discounts or increases)?
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How can visitors best support Jamaica’s recovery efforts through ethical tourism? Are there specific areas where tourism dollars are most needed?
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What should tourists do in case of emergencies during their stay (e.g., local helplines, embassy contacts, evacuation plans)?
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What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy for travel plans impacted by the hurricane?
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How have local communities been affected by the hurricane, and how can tourists visit respectfully and responsibly during the recovery period?
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I have been to Jamaica in the past and love the people and the country. How can I help?
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Is it okay to vacation here, or does it seem inappropriate given the circumstances?
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What’s the best time to visit Jamaica after a hurricane?
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When is hurricane season in Jamaica?
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How is the weather forecast for the upcoming weeks?
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Is Jamaica ready to welcome back tourists? Is it safe?
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What hurricane monitoring efforts are in place?
Yes. Some regions were undamaged by Hurricane Melissa, and those areas continue to have the ability to welcome visitors who had preexisting plans to visit the island or are thinking of visiting in 2025. Other areas experienced some damage but have been fully restored to full operation. However, there are some areas that experienced greater levels of damage, and ground crews are making repairs right now. For a full list of regions, hotels, and resorts that are open, click here: www.visitjamaica.com/travel-alerts/.
Understanding that some regions were undamaged by Hurricane Melissa and are up and running. Other areas have experienced more damage and are making repairs right now. For a full list of regions, hotels, and resorts that are open, click here: www.visitjamaica.com/travel-alerts/.
Which areas of Jamaica were most affected by Hurricane Melissa, and are there completely inaccessible regions?
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What precautions have the government or local authorities taken to ensure the safety of tourists?
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The safety of our visitors, resort staff, and residents has been, and continues to be, the top priority for us. We are working as quickly as possible to restore damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, knowing that tourism is a vital component of our economy. For our visitors, our focus remains on ensuring the island’s full beauty and offerings are up to our standard and safety guidelines.
Visitors can rest assured that resorts either have their own water source or receive water through the National Water Commission, all of which are frequently tested for quality assurance.
Visitors should take precautions by avoiding swimming, wading, or playing in floodwaters or any water that may have resulted from flooding. Wear protective clothing and footwear when working or walking in areas that may be contaminated. Handle animals carefully, especially those that may have been in contact with floodwater or could be infected with leptospirosis. Avoid consuming food that may have been contaminated with floodwater or animal urine. Visit the nearest health centre immediately if you experience fever, chills, muscle pain, or another flu-like symptom.
Yes. We are pleased that full operations have been restored at our three international airports—Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston, and Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA) near Ocho Rios. This includes passengers and cargo planes.
Are seaports in Jamaica operational, and are cruise visits running as scheduled?
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Yes, our seaports are open. We look forward to welcoming cruise guests to our beautiful port cities.
We are pleased to share that most main roads, the ones travelled mostly by tourists, experienced limited damage. For a full list of highways and roads that are open, click here: www.visitjamaica.com/travel-alerts/.
What is the status of utilities (power, internet, and water) in major tourist areas?
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Government agencies and private sector companies are working to restore utilities in all resort areas.
Will hotels and resorts honour existing reservations, or are there cancellations/changes visitors should be aware of?
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If you have an existing reservation, we encourage you to still come to Jamaica, should the accommodation(s) you booked be able to host you. As for cancellations and changes to reservations, please work directly with your travel advisor, booking agent, and/or hotel for specific details.
Are Jamaica's major tourist attractions (e.g., beaches, Dunn’s River Falls, Blue Mountains) open and safe to visit? Some are open.
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Are there any hurricane aftereffects, such as flooding, that I should be aware of?
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As an island in the Caribbean, the region is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes. However, our infrastructure is usually designed to withstand the impact of such storms, including high winds and heavy rainfall. As we continue to restore our beautiful island and welcome guests, we are taking heightened caution to ensure a safe environment for guests, workers, and residents.
Have any local tours or excursion operators resumed business, and is it safe to book tours?
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Have prices for accommodation, flights, or other services been affected by the hurricane (e.g., discounts or increases)?
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Work directly with your travel advisor, booking agent, airline, and hotels for the most up-to-date pricing.
How can visitors best support Jamaica’s recovery efforts through ethical tourism? Are there specific areas where tourism dollars are most needed?
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The best way to support Jamaica’s restoration is to visit us on the island, enjoying our hotels, resorts, dining, and attractions. We are confident our guests will continue to have authentic experiences, embracing all that our island has to offer.
What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy for travel plans impacted by the hurricane?
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Please work directly with your travel advisor, booking agent, airlines, and hotels for the most up-to-date details on cancellation and rescheduling policies.
How have local communities been affected by the hurricane, and how can tourists visit respectfully and responsibly during the recovery period?
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Communities across the island most impacted by Hurricane Melissa continue to prioritise restoration efforts. With support from neighbouring communities, local government aid, and the outpouring of support from international groups. For more information, go to www.visitjamaica.com/travel-alerts/.
I have been to Jamaica in the past and love the people and the country. How can I help?
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The best way to support the people and country of Jamaica is to come back and experience the beauty of the island. We look forward to welcoming you back very soon.
Is it okay to vacation here, or does it seem inappropriate given the circumstances?
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The best way to support Jamaica is by visiting Jamaica, as tourism is a vital driver of our economy. We welcome all visitors to visit Jamaica to experience the unique beauty our island has to offer.
While it’s impossible to guarantee that no storm will occur, the likelihood of one forming soon after a recent hurricane is typically reduced due to disrupted atmospheric conditions in the region. With careful planning and access to real-time updates, travellers can still enjoy their time in Jamaica confidently and safely. Jamaica is ready and eager to welcome you back to the island. Consider booking your trip soon to experience all that the country has to offer.
As an island in the tropics, hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak period for activity being from August to October. While hurricanes and tropical storms are most likely to occur during this period, their occurrence depends on a variety of meteorological factors, such as ocean temperatures, wind patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
Please check with your local weather source for the most up-to-date weather in Jamaica at the time of your trip.
Yes! Jamaica takes the safety of its locals and visitors seriously. Tourism authorities, resorts, and local businesses have detailed hurricane preparedness plans in place. This includes early warning systems, evacuation protocols, and safe shelter options. Whether you're staying in a hotel or exploring the island, you'll find a well-coordinated system for ensuring your safety.
Rest assured, Jamaica has robust weather monitoring systems in place. Meteorologists and agencies such as the Jamaica Meteorological Service, the National Hurricane Center (NHC), and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) provide real-time updates and forecasts, ensuring that residents and visitors are well-informed about any potential weather threats.