Jamaica arrival procedures
Airport pickup, flights, and visas for your trip to Jamaica
We have all the information you need to know for your trip, from helping with visa queries to walking you through a placement induction on your first day in Jamaica. Our hassle-free approach means you can concentrate on what really matters, making a difference at your placement.
Arrival airport and pickup in Jamaica
You’ll arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston. Our friendly Projects Abroad driver in Jamaica will be at the airport waiting to welcome you. They will have clear Projects Abroad signage, and you will be taken care of every step of the way from when you land.
From Kingston, you’ll drive to Mandeville, where our main Projects Abroad Jamaica offices are based. On the way, one of our staff members will call the driver to speak to you personally, and welcome you to Jamaica. We cover the cost of all transfers to and from the airport.
Booking your flights to Jamaica
Searching for flights online is easier than ever, but it can still be a time-consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating process. If you need support, our staff have in-depth knowledge of all our destinations. We’ll let you know which airport you’ll be flying to and recommend the best way to get there.
We can advise you on booking the best return flights, ensuring you have the safest, most convenient, and most cost-effective flight options, no matter how complex your travel plans are. Find out more about the flight booking process.
Visas requirements for your volunteer project or internship in Jamaica
One of the perks of volunteering with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated visa team who have up-to-date information on visa requirements for all of our destinations around the world. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will talk you through the process. Once you apply, you’ll also get a link to your own MyProjectsAbroad webpage, which will include all the necessary visa information.
To volunteer in Jamaica, you need a visa. Please consult your nearest Jamaican embassy to confirm the exact cost of a visa. We can help you locate the nearest embassy to you. The visa application usually takes up to 10 working days.
If you are planning to volunteer in Jamaica for longer than 30 days, the immigration process is very specific. You will need to apply for a Work Permit Exemption (WPE) from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Jamaica. We will help you with this process, and tell you exactly which documents we need to apply on your behalf.
It can take up to eight weeks to process your WPE application. We therefore highly recommend that you send us all your WPE supporting documents to our team a minimum of three months prior to your departure to Jamaica. The team in Jamaica will submit your WPE application on your behalf at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. A fee of 163 USD will be added to your Projects Abroad invoice to cover the processing fee.
Upon arrival in Jamaica, you’ll receive a 30, 60, or 90-day entry stamp at the discretion of the immigration official on duty. If you need to stay for longer than the duration of your entry stamp, you will need your WPE to apply for an extension. Our team in Jamaica will help you with this process. The extension fee is approximately 77 USD.
Your induction and orientation in Jamaica
Your driver will take you from the airport straight to your host family. You’ll meet your host parents, and will be given time to settle in and get comfortable. Our driver will also give you your induction pack. This contains all the information you need, like a map of the town with important places highlighted.
If you arrive on a weekday, your official induction will begin the following day. If you arrive during the weekend, your induction will take place on the Monday.
We’ll pick you up from your host family in the morning, and take you the Projects Abroad office for your induction. Our main Projects Abroad office in Jamaica is based just north of the centre of Mandeville. It’s very accessible and is easy to find.
During your induction, we’ll explain to you how our projects in Jamaica are run. We’ll also show you where useful services are available, such as:
- Internet cafés
- Post office
- Where to change your money
- Other important sites and landmarks
We’ll also show you exactly how to get to each place from your host family. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Your first day at your volunteer or internship placement in Jamaica
You don’t need to worry about starting your project work immediately. We’ll make sure your first day is spent learning about what you’ll do and getting used to being in a different country.
When it’s time to visit your placement for your first day, our staff in Jamaica will show you exactly how to travel there from your host family. All project-related transport costs are covered by your programme fees.
You’ll have more than enough time to get to know the project before you begin your work. You’ll meet the placement supervisor and the rest of your new colleagues. One of our staff members will then take you for a delicious Jamaican lunch. After lunch, you’ll spend some more time at your placement to further orientate yourself.
You’ll start your official work on your second day.
Support, safety, and backup
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.