Move will create tourism opportunities.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has announced the implementation of a visa waiver program for citizens of the Dominican Republic, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Caribbean tourism cooperation and regional integration.
As of February 4, 2025, citizens of the Dominican Republic now enjoy a visa waiver for travel to Jamaica for visits up to 180 days. This will streamline the travel process and foster greater cultural and economic exchange between the two island nations.
“This visa waiver represents our commitment to breaking down barriers to inter-Caribbean travel, by creating a more interconnected region,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “By facilitating easier movement between our countries, we’re opening doors to new tourism opportunities that benefit both destinations from the cultural exchange to greater economic benefits.”
The policy change is expected to significantly boost multi-destination tourism experiences, allowing visitors to experience the unique cultural offerings of both islands in a single trip.
Visitors can now seamlessly combine Jamaica’s renowned beaches, music, and cuisine with the Dominican Republic’s rich colonial history and diverse natural landscapes.
Senator, the Hon Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce and H.E Angie Martinez, Dominican Republic Ambassador to Jamaica, both endorsed and welcomed the significant move that will allow for greater facilitation of movement, tourism and business between both countries. “This visa waiver represents a historic milestone in Dominican-Jamaican relations,” said H.E. Angie Martinez, Dominican Republic Ambassador to Jamaica. “It opens a new chapter of opportunity for our nations, paving the way for deeper economic ties, expanded business ventures, and stronger tourism collaboration. This decision will be remembered as the moment our countries chose to grow together, fostering greater people-to-people connections that will benefit generations to come.”
The new waiver announcement is expected to open doors to unprecedented multi-destination tourism possibilities, as it will particularly appeal to visitors from North America, Europe, and Latin America seeking more comprehensive Caribbean experiences. Tourism stakeholders from both countries are collaborating on joint marketing initiatives highlighting the complementary attractions each destination offers.
“The increased airlift capabilities will transform how visitors experience the Caribbean,” said the Director of Tourism. “We will immediately begin working closely with our airline partners to ramp up interest and engagement for visitors from the Dominican Republic who want to come to Jamaica.”
JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD
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The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.
Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition, and the destination is routinely ranked among the best to visit globally by prestigious international publications. In 2024, the JTB was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named it ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17th consecutive year. In addition, Jamaica was awarded six 2024 Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. Jamaica was also awarded bronze statuettes for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. It also received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12th time. TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica the #7 Best Honeymoon Destination in the World and the #19 Best Culinary Destination in the World for 2024.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at visitjamaica.com/blog/.
SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (second from left), announced the implementation of a visa waiver program for citizens of the Dominican Republic. This initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation in Caribbean tourism and promoting regional integration. Joining him in this moment are Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill (second from right), Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce; H.E. Angie Martinez (left), the Dominican Republic Ambassador to Jamaica; and Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.
Media Contact:
Kiwayne Jacobs
Jamaica Tourist Board
