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Entering by boat: Jamaica

What to do to enter Jamaica by sea: the procedures, the papers to present and the ports where you can clear in.

Based on official sources, checked on 28 October 2026.

The steps

  1. Fly the Q flag and report your arrival at once; do not dock without Customs permission.
  2. Customs, immigration (PICA) and health usually come aboard: crew list, passports, vessel papers, stores list.
  3. To cruise the coast: give your itinerary and get the Coastwise Clearance (USD 150, 6 months).
  4. On departure: outbound clearance with Customs and immigration.

Papers to have on board

  • Passports for the whole crew
  • Visas, if your nationality requires them
  • Crew list
  • Boat papers (registration certificate)
  • Ship’s stores declaration
  • Vaccination certificates
  • Outward clearance from the previous country

Good to know

  • The Coast Guard advises entering at Kingston, Montego Bay or Port Antonio; the north coast is preferred (fewer reefs).
  • Clearance is free on weekdays 09:00-16:30; a charge applies outside those hours.
  • Importing animals is strictly prohibited.
  • Check in with Customs at every port; unauthorised stops can be fined.

Ports of entry

The ports where you can clear in, and the services available there.

Prepare your arrival with Hullteam

In the app, free: the map of every port of entry and its offices with their contacts, the crew list and the entry forms filled in for you, ready to print or send to an agent.

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Sources

This information is gathered from public sources and sailors’ experience. It does not replace the country’s authorities, whose word is final: check before you leave.