Moving To Jamaica

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Synonymous with Reggae music and aromatic coffee, Jamaica is a beautiful island country located in the Caribbean Sea. The country is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. If you are planning to make your dream to move to a Caribbean island true, then relocate to Jamaica from the USA. It will be perfect as whether you’re looking for a long stay or adventure, Jamaica has something to offer to everyone.

Moving to Jamaica from USA

Jamaica is also the birthplace of iconic musician Bob Marley. Tourists can explore the breathtaking Blue Mountains, home to Jamaica’s world-famous coffee. The capital city of Kingston offers a mix of modern and historical attractions, including the Bob Marley Museum and the National Gallery of Jamaica. In Montego Bay, visitors can enjoy luxurious resorts, pristine white sandy beaches, and exciting water activities. And when you are relocating there, all these can be a regular part of your Jamaican life!

How International Sea & Air Shipping can help for moving to Jamaica

When you are moving to Jamaica from the USA be advised that there will be lots of differences to handle – different climate, different culture, different food-habit and a lot more. In fact, any international relocation comes with its own set of challenges. A move to Jamaica from the USA will be no different. Any relocation where you need to uproot yourself and your family to settle down at a completely new location can be a lot to process. And when it is an international relocation the scale of the challenges just gets bigger!

But our professional team at International Sea & Air Shipping is there to help you in your move to Jamaica from the USA. With us you can look forward to a hassle-free international relocation! We understand the emotions, the confusions and the hassles tangled with each and every step of your relocation to Jamaica from the USA and we have the expertise to untangle them for you!

Our team of experienced professionals are equipped with knowledge to guide you at every step. You can look forward to professional assistance where we provide end to end specialized moving services for all types of relocation from the origin to the destination countries. So, let our professionals handle your international relocation, the packing of your household goods, choosing container and freight services, and other tidbits of your relocation to Jamaica from the USA while you focus on the post-move settling down in your dream island country.

About Jamaica

Jamaica is an island nation located in the Caribbean and is a part of the Greater Antilles. Located about 145 kilometers south of Cuba and 191 kilometers west of Hispaniola, it is the third-largest island country in the Greater Antilles. Kingston Harbor of Jamaica is the seventh largest harbor in the world.

Jamaica has a mixed economic system with state and private enterprises. Major economic sectors in Jamaica include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and financial/insurance services. Tourism and mining are the leading source of income and major earners of foreign exchange. Half of Jamaica’s income relies on tourism and other services, and an estimated 1.3 million tourists visit the island every year.

Known for the Rastafarian movement, Jamaica is also well-known for reggae music and is the birthplace of musician Bob Marley and Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt.

Customs Regulations for Jamaica

  • Passport – copy
  • Visa
  • Residence Permit
  • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill – original
  • Unaccompanied Baggage Form C27- obtained at airport upon arrival
  • Import Entry Form C78
  • Taxes Compliance Certificate
  • Inventory list
  • Customs Declarations Form C5
  • Documentation of stay abroad for minimum of three years
  • Documentation attesting to intention to re-establish permanent residency
  • The customer must be in Jamaica at the time of Customs clearance.
  • Used household goods and personal items can be imported duty free provided that the goods were owned and used by the customer for at least six months prior
  • Goods must be imported into Jamaica within three months of the customer’s arrival, if not the C27 Form must be renewed.
  • Once the items are examined a duty based on the CIF value between five to 40 percent plus a 15 percent Government Consumption Tax will be applied to the items.
  • Works of art, paintings, carpets and antiques – duty free if part of household goods shipment
  • Canned foods
  • Two-way radios and similar telecommunication devices
  • Medication – must state the value on inventory, requires an Import License and Drug/Poison Permit and valid prescription.
  • Wedding Trousseaux – Passenger Declaration for returning nationals
  • Inheritance – requires death certificate
  • Plants – require Ministry of Agriculture Permit and Fumigation or Health Certificate
  • Appliances, electronics, machinery – require invoices, Import License, Form C27, must be compatible with 220/110V 50 cycle electrical system
  • New items – require invoices/receipts
  • Alcohol – one bottle each of wine or spirits per person duty free, anything more incurs duty
  • Tobacco – 200 cigarettes or half pound of loose tobacco
  • Narcotics/illegal drugs of any kind
  • Firearms – must have prior permission from Commissioner of Police and the Trade Administrator
  • Pornography and subversive material
  • All publications of deLaurence Scott and Company and Red Star Publishing of Chicago, IL.
  • Explosives, weapons, ammunitions
  • Tablets containing diphenhydramine hydrochloride
  • Certain brands of crayons from China and Thailand
  • Oil of gin or cognac and rum coloring solutions
  • Fictitious stamps and instruments, counterfeit coins of any country
  • Sugar – except under license
  • Honey and coffee in any form
  • Fur-bearing goatskin products unless properly shaven, cured and cleaned

Only pets bred and raised in the U.K. are permitted entry and quarantine is required. Birds are prohibited to enter from any country.

Required Documents

  • Ministry of Agriculture Permit – obtained prior to importation
  • Certificate of Vaccination and Health

Returning residents are allowed to import two vehicles, new or used, (one commercial and one personal) during a three year period. Used vehicles cannot be more than four years old and autos must not exceed 2800cc’s. The customer must use a customs broker to clear a vehicle. Duty is applicable and will be assessed by a Customs authorities, according to the car’s value on the local market.

Required Documents

  • Import License and Tax Compliance Certificate
  • Certificate of Title and Registration
  • Commercial/Purchase Invoice
  • Driver’s License and International Insurance Policy (green card)

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

What to expect when you are moving to Jamaica from the USA?

A new culture and way of life – this is the crux of your move to Jamaica from the USA. An international relocation to this Caribbean island can be an exciting adventure with many opportunities to explore. Jamaica is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant music scene, and laid-back, tropical lifestyle. However, there are a few things to consider before making the move.

Firstly, it is important to research and understand the process of relocating to Jamaica, including obtaining the necessary visas and permits. You may also need to consider healthcare options, as the healthcare system in Jamaica may differ from what you are used to in the USA.

Additionally, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the local customs and traditions to ensure a smooth transition. In the next few paragraphs let us explain a few important information regarding your international relocation to Jamaica from the USA.

Visa process to move to Jamaica

It may offer you additional peace of mind to know that Jamaica has good work opportunities offered to the expats. A number of economic projects or the thriving tourism industry can always offer good scope for work to the expats willing to move to Jamaica from the USA.

Additionally, Jamaica is also a haven for retirees! The peaceful life, tropical climate and vibrant, friendly culture will attract anyone wanting to lead a peaceful life in an island nation!

However, in case of both the above mentioned situations, you will require proper visas. Here is a list of the visas available to move to Jamaica from the USA for a long term.

Work Visa

The process for obtaining the work visa to move to Jamaica from the USA is –

  • Secure a job in Jamaica
  • Apply for a work visa at the Jamaican Embassy near you
  • Apply for a work permit next at the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS).
  • Upon arrival in the country apply for a residence permit at MLSS’s Investigation and Surveillance Unit.

Retirement Visa

Dreaming of spending your retirement years in a tropical inland? Jamaica can be perfect! However, the retirement visa application process can be lengthy! So, you need to plan accordingly.

Dreaming of spending your retirement years in a tropical inland? Jamaica can be perfect! However, the retirement visa application process can be lengthy! So, you need to plan accordingly.

Study Visa

Like moving to any other country on a study visa, you can move to Jamaica also for study purposes. To apply for a study visa to move to Jamaica from the USA you need to fulfill a few eligibility criteria that includes –

  • You need to be accepted at a recognized educational institution in Jamaica
  • You have to produce proof of having enough funds that you can support yourself
  • The course fees need to be paid in full
  • Returning back to the USA is a must after finishing the studies in Jamaica when you are on a student visa

Once you secure a student visa and enter Jamaica, you must apply for a residence permit at MLSS’s Investigation and Surveillance Unit.

Family Reunification Visa

Jamaica issues a family reunification visa. However, you have to be a close family member, either a spouse of a dependent, to be eligible to apply for a family reunification visa to move to Jamaica from the USA for a long term stay.

In addition, the family members who are living in Jamaica, also have to fulfill a few criteria. These include them to be –

  • A permanent Jamaican citizen or resident
  • Living in Jamaica and eligible to join you
  • They must not have any criminal convictions in the country
  • Not considered to be a threat to national security or public order
  • Proof of income/fund that shows they can support themselves and you

Amazing!!

“This company moved me from NY to Jamaica! What an amazing experience! I was so worried about my items being damaged and worried about having issues with customs. I was assured that they would handle everything with care. They held true to their word. The packaging was amazing! They took pride in making sure that I was a satisfied customer. I am completely and utterly satisfied with his company. I would defiently recommend this to everybody in need of a good moving company. Thank you for relieving me of so much stress! “

– Kelsea Dance

Top 5 reasons to move to Jamaica from the USA

  • A dreamy tropical island to settle to
  • · Vibrant music scene and birthplace of reggae music
  • · Lip-smacking cuisine which is as vibrant as the musical scene
  • · Affordable cost of living for daily cost and housing both
  • · Good educational opportunities