Countries such as the Cayman Islands, Britain, and Costa Rica have imposed
visa restrictions for Jamaicans over the past 10 years, citing the number of
crimes committed by Jamaican nationals and drug trafficking as the underlying
factors.
Countries in Latin America have now joined the list of states that have imposed
visa restrictions on Jamaicans.
Different Types Of visas:
Transit Visa - usually valid for 5 days or less
Tourist Visa - for a limited period of leisure travel
Business Visa - for engaging in commerce in the country
Temporary Worker Visa - for approved employment in the host country
On-Arrival Visa - granted at a port of entry
Spousal Visa or Partner Visa - granted to the spouse
Student Visa - allows its holder to study at an institution of higher learning in the issuing country
Working Holiday Visa - for individuals traveling between nations offering a working holiday program
Courtesy Visa - issued to representatives of foreign governments
Journalist Visa - which some countries require of people in that occupation when traveling
Marriage Visa - granted for a limited period prior to intended marriage or civil partnership
Immigrant Visa - granted for those intending to immigrate to the issuing country.
ID Card - introduced by the UK on 25 November 2008, will replace the visa stickers in foreigners' passports over a gradual period.
The CARICOM Visa was introduced in late 2006 and allowed visitors to travel
between 10 CARICOM member states (Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica,
Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
and Trinidad & Tobago).
These 10 member countries had agreed to form a "Single Domestic Space" in which
travelers would only have their passport stamped and have to submit completed,
standardized entry and departure forms at the first port and country of entry.
The CARICOM Visa was applicable to the nationals of all countries except CARICOM
member states (other than Haiti) and associate member states, Canada, France,
Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Africa, the United Kingdom,
the United States of America and the overseas countries, territories or departments
of these countries.
The CARICOM Visa could be obtained from the Embassies/Consulates of Barbados,
Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago and in countries which have no CARICOM representatives,
the applications forms could be obtained from the Embassies/Consulates of the United
Kingdom.
The common visa was only intended for the duration of the Cricket World Cup and was
discontinued on May 15, 2007. However, discussions are ongoing into instituting a revised
CARICOM visa on a permanent basis in the future.