What Travelers Need to Know About Jamaica's New Customs Entry Form Amid Fee Scam

As of September 1, travelers visiting Jamaica are being required to complete the country's Immigration and Customs Declaration or C5 form ahead of time online or using paper upon arrival.

They can do so ahead of their trip for free by visiting EnterJamaica.com. Barcode readers will be available upon arrival at the airport in Jamaica.

"We're trying to move away from paper and make the arrival process much more seamless," Oral Chambers, Business Development Manager for Jamaica Tourist Board, told TravelPulse.

"You can do that as soon as you get your flights. As soon as the flights are booked. It'll only take 10 minutes of your life and it makes your arrival process much smoother," he added.

The Jamaica Tourist Board confirmed the new requirement in a statement to TravelPulse:

As of September 1, 2023, the Jamaica Passport, Immigration and Citizen Agency (PICA) in collaboration with the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) will be strongly encouraging passengers arriving by air to use the Online Passenger Declaration (C5) Form for immigration/customs. 

In the event that a passenger is unable to complete the online form, a paper form will be issued in the Immigration Hall at the airport in Jamaica.

Please note that reminders to fill out the online entry form will be announced on board flights and upon arrival at the airport. In addition, QR code signage will be placed throughout the airports in Jamaica and customer service personnel will be on hand to assist passengers with completion of the online form.

Designed to expedite the arrival experience, the online entry form is available at enterjamaica.com. For travelers’ convenience, it can be completed and submitted from anywhere via their cell phone, laptop, computer or other personal device up to 30 days in advance of travel once flights are booked. There is no fee to complete the form.

According to The Gleaner, hackers have hijacked the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) system, convincing some unsuspecting tourists to hand over as much as $35. To be clear, there is no fee attached to this new form.

"We have to advise passengers coming home and other Jamaicans, don’t use any of these illegal sites. Once you enter, you’re supposed to see the emblem of both PICA and Customs. Some of them are quite attractive, but that’s the challenge," said Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang.

"It is also proving a bit confusing because a number of complaints are that we are charging for entry to Jamaica. We are not. It is a free site. It is a service to improve our efficiency and quality of service. The fees have gone from US$5 (approximately J$770) to US$30 (approximately J$4,650). They are not part of the system."

Travelers will want to visit EnterJamaica.com to complete the C5 form at no cost.

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