tourist establishment regulations jamaica

Tobacco Control

Who framework convention on tobacco control, protection from exposure to tobacco smoke, regulation of tobacco product disclosures, packaging and labelling of tobacco products.

• Report Breaches of tobacco control legislation

Preventing Tobacco Industry Interference

Measures relating to the reduction of demand for tobacco, measures relating to the reduction of supply of tobacco, implementation of the who fctc.

The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization. The WHO FCTC is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health. The WHO FCTC represents a paradigm shift in developing a regulatory strategy to address addictive substances; in contrast to previous drug control treaties, the WHO FCTC asserts the importance of demand reduction strategies as well as supply issues.

The WHO FCTC was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic. The spread of the tobacco epidemic is facilitated through a variety of complex factors with crossborder effects, including trade liberalization and direct foreign investment. Other factors such as global marketing, transnational tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and the international movement of contraband and counterfeit cigarettes have also contributed to the explosive increase in tobacco use.

As at June 15, 2016, a total of 180 countries have become parties to the WHO FCTC . Jamaica has been a party since July 7, 2005. As with other international treaties, being a party means that in addition to having a moral obligation for the protection of health, the government is legally bound to implement the treaty’s provisions.

The Parties to this Convention, determined to give priority to their right to protect public health, have committed to protect present and future generations from the devastating health , social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke. The Convention provides a framework for tobacco control measures which are intended to reduce continually and substantially the prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. To achieve this objective, the framework includes provisions which addressing both the demand and supply of tobacco products.

The core demand reduction provisions in the WHO FCTC are contained in articles 6­14:

• Price and tax measures to reduce the demand for tobacco, and
• Protection from exposure to tobacco smoke;
• Regulation of the contents of tobacco products;
• Regulation of tobacco product disclosures;
• Packaging and labelling of tobacco products;
• Education, communication, training and public awareness;
• Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and,
• Demand reduction measures concerning tobacco dependence and cessation

The core supply reduction provisions in the WHO FCTC are contained in articles 15­17:

• Illicit trade in tobacco products;
• Sales to and by minors; and,
• Provision of support for economically viable alternative activities.

In Jamaica’s Vision 2030, the Ministry of Health was indicated to be the lead Ministry for implementation of tobacco control legislation. In 2013, the Minister of Health, pursuant to Section 14 and 15 of the Public Health Act, effected the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations, 2013. In the main, the Regulations represent the legislative measures needed to implement 3 of the 7 core non price demand reduction provisions of the WHO FCTC: ­

• Protection from exposure to tobacco smoke – Article 8;
• Regulation of tobacco product disclosures – Article 10;
• Packaging and labelling of tobacco products – Article 11

Document Downloads

Reports on Implementation

• Needs assessment for implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Jamaica ­ January 2015
• A Review of Excise Taxes on Cigarettes In Jamaica February 2015

Useful Links

• Text of the World Health Organization, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
• Guidelines for Implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
• Guidelines for Implementation of Article 6 ­ Price and tax measures to reduce the demand for tobacco
• Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
• Smokefree Spaces

Going Further

Optional exceptions.

• “ No Smoking” Signage

Restrictions on Sale

• Private Residences Give – Clean Air

Smokefree Spaces

there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke

The Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations, 2013 includes specific requirements for the protection of workers, children, and you from exposure to tobacco smoke.

Rationale Tobacco smoke contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals. More than 250 of these chemicals are toxic and at least 69 can cause cancer. There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke.

Given the dangers of breathing in secondhand and tobacco smoke, protection from tobacco smoke is implicit in the right to life and the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

Given the dangers, no worker must be exposed to tobacco smoke in the course of performing their duties. Given the risks, no child should be subjected to having to breathe in these chemicals. Consequently, the Regulations seek to offer protections to these vulnerable groups, as well as the general public.

List of places where smoking is prohibited:

The Regulations therefore prohibit smoking or holding a lit or electronic tobacco product in:

• Enclosed Public Places
• Enclosed Workplaces
• Public Conveyances; and
• government occupied buildings
• health facilities (including pharmacies)
• sports, athletic or other similar facilities (for the use of the public)
• educational institutions
• bus stops and departure and arrival waiting areas at a port or station for any form of transportation
• areas specifically for use by children
• Staff residences and guesthouses
• Outdoor dining and service areas
• National Heritage Sites
• Swimming Pools (Designated as Class A and Class B under the Public Health (Swimming Pools) Regulations, 2000. With the exception of pools for private use or where a pool is exclusively accessible for an independent or private villa or suite)
• Outdoor Markets
• Other outdoor events or activities, being used for gathering by individuals

The 5 metre protective buffer

Smoking or holding a lit or electronic tobacco product is also prohibited within 5 metres (16 feet 5 inches) of all:

• windows and
• ventilation intakes

of any of the above named mentioned places.

For clarity, the law defines enclosed as follows:

“Enclosed” means – having a ceiling or roof or a cover which functions as a ceiling or a roof; OR being surrounded or closed off by one curved wall, or on two or more sides by walls or enclosures which function as walls.

Note: Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, such as E­-Cigarettes, are explicitly included in these prohibitions.

The Ministry of Health encourages managers, owners or lessees of premises to choose to go even further than the Regulations require. Therefore, the Public Health (Tobacco Control)(Amendment) Regulations, 2014 adds the provision “ nothing in this regulation shall prevent a manager, owner or lessee of premises from prohibiting smoking anywhere else on their premises. ”

The manager, owner or lessee just needs to post “No Smoking” signs and advise individuals of the additional prohibitions they choose to implement on their premises.

Outdoor Smoking Areas

The Regulations allow proprietors to establish outdoor smoking areas, provided they can, and have met specified conditions related to the area’s design and location; prohibited activities allowed therein; and control of access to the area.

Note: Proprietors are NOT required to establish outdoor smoking areas

Where a proprietor opts to establish an outdoor smoking area, ALL of the following conditions MUST be met:

Design and Location

All such areas shall be:

• be open ­sided ­ no walls, no sides, no form of enclosure
• where covered by a roof, have only such columns as are necessary to support the roof;
• be located at a distance of at least ten metres from any structure or area where smoking is prohibited; (10 metres is equivalent to 32 feet 10 inches)
• be located in an area where access by persons, other than those smoking, is not necessary; e.g. it must be located at least 10 metres away from walkways and areas of entertainment
• be physically separated and structurally unconnected to, areas where smoking is prohibited.

Prohibited Activities

In these areas there shall be no:

• distribution, promotion, branding or sale of tobacco products; or
• form of entertainment, organized by the proprietor,

Control of Access

The operator or proprietor shall ensure that:

• no child is permitted to enter, or stay in, any area described therein;
• users of the area are advised that staff do not serve in the area;
• smoking is prohibited altogether in the area, when it is being cleaned or otherwise serviced by staff.

Note: Owners and operators of businesses may ONLY establish outdoor smoking areas IF ALL 10 of these conditions are met.

Balconies of Tourist Establishments

Generally, smoking is prohibited on the balconies of the guest rooms of tourist establishments. However, proprietors of such establishments MAY determine exceptions, provided such guest room balconies do not exceed 10 per cent of the room stock ­ e.g. in a hotel with 100 rooms, ONLY in 10 rooms may smoking be allowed on the balconies.

In addition, the following other conditions MUST be met.

Proprietors of tourist establishments shall further ensure exempted guest room balconies:

• any room designated for use by non-­smoking guests; or
• b. any other area where smoking is prohibited;
• are located on a block of rooms, which does not include any adjoining room designated for use by non­-smokers;
• are completely, physically separated and unconnected from every other area where smoking is prohibited; and
• are barred from entry into or use by minors.

“No Smoking” Signs

General requirements

Managers, owners or lessees of the places where smoking is prohibited are required to ­Post “No Smoking” signs prescribed by the Regulations:

• at eye level
• in a prominent position at EACH entrance
• in at least one other prominent place

“No Smoking” Signs , as prescribed by the Regulations, shall be posted AT EYE LEVEL: ­

• in a prominent place at EACH entrance (including service entrances) ­

The above represents the minimum signage requirements. As signage is critical to compliance, Managers, owners or lessees Proprietors are encouraged to go beyond these minimum requirements in order to ensure compliance (particularly in areas where breaches are noted).

Requirements for Tourist Establishments

The Public Health (Tobacco Control)(Amendment) Regulations, 2014 prescribes in the case of a manager, owner or lessee of a tourist establishment, the “No Smoking” signs shall be placed at –

• the reception area;
• the entrances to all other main buildings; and
• all dining areas, of the tourist establishment.

*The Public Health (Tobacco Control)(Amendment) Regulations, 2014 gives managers, owners or lessees of premises the option to use either presentation of the “No Smoking” sign included in the Regulations.

Public Conveyances

(e.g. buses, taxis, trains, staff transport)

Managers of public conveyances ­ “No Smoking” signs , as prescribed by the Regulations, shall be prominently displayed in each compartment of Public Conveyances. The sign should be at least 76mm x 229mm in size.

Size of “No Smoking” Signs

“No Smoking” signs must be:

• at least 216mm x 279mm (the size of a letter sized sheet of paper) OR
• at least 76mm x 229mm in size.

Note: these are the minimum sizes for the signs. Larger signs are allowed and encouraged.

“No Smoking” signs

• Minimum size: 216mm x 279mm Click here to download
• Minimum size: 76mm x 229mm  Click here to download

Guidance Materials – Protection from Exposure to Tobacco Smoke:

The Regulations prohibit the sale of Tobacco within a FIVE meter radius of the perimeter of the following places where smoking is prohibited –

• Health facilities
• Sports, athletics or other similar facilities for use by the public
• Government occupied buildings
• Childcare facilities and Educational institutions

Private Residences ­- Give Clean Air

The Regulations, as amended in 2014, does not legislate protections in private residences. However, the Ministry of Health strongly encourages householders to Protect your household workers, children and spouses Do not let anyone smoke in your home.

Give Clean Air

• Give Clean Air Flyer – Household Workers
• Give Clean Air Flyer – Children
• Give Clean Air Flyer – Spouse
• Give Clean Air Digital Signage Video

Required disclosures from the tobacco industry

Reporting templates and procedures.

The Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations, 2013, includes requirements for manufacturers, importers, and exporters of tobacco products to make disclosures to the Minister of Health. These requirements for reporting are key to the Government’s capacity to monitor the extent of the tobacco epidemic and produce data needed to inform further tobacco control measures. Manufacturers, importers, and exporters of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) ­ such as E­-Cigarettes are subject to these requirements.

This is one of the core non price demand reduction measures implemented by the Regulations relates to Article 10 of the FCTC ­ Regulation of tobacco product disclosures.

Annual Reports

Pursuant to the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations, 2013, ALL manufacturers, importers and exporters of tobacco products are required to annually disclose the following information to the Minister of Health:

• Business name and address
• the principal place of business; and
• each manufacturing facility, importing warehouse and in-­house laboratory services.
• the locations of all distribution offices; and the transportation units, including fleet and licence numbers.
• National Sales Volumes
• the brands sold or distributed to each customer and the pricing of each brand;
• the distribution and supply chain;
• the prices for each stock­-keeping unit of tobacco product;

Manufacturers, importers and exporters of tobacco products reports should be made using the:

Other Reports

Ingredients

The Regulations also require manufacturers to provide information on ingredients used, by:­

• Product type and for each brand within a brand family
• Quantities of each ingredient per unit of each tobacco product
• Characteristics of tobacco leaves used

Product characteristics

At the request of the Minister, manufacturers and importers shall­:

• Disclose information on design features including the results of tests conducted by the industry
• Submit laboratory reports on tests measuring design features (with proof of accreditation of the laboratory)
• Notify the Minister of any change to design features, and submit the updated information advising when the change was effected

Requirements

Prohibitions, graphic health warnings.

• Sale of Single Sticks and E-Cigarettes

Rotation of Health Warnings

Many people are not fully aware of, misunderstand or underestimate the risks for morbidity and premature mortality due to tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. Graphic health warnings and messages on tobacco product packages have been shown to be a cost ­effective means to increase public awareness of the health effects of tobacco use and to be effective in reducing tobacco consumption. Effective health warnings and messages, and other tobacco product packaging and labelling measures are key components of a comprehensive, integrated approach to tobacco control.

Consequently, the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations, 2013 includes specific requirements for the packaging and labelling of tobacco products in Jamaica. In particular, it requires the inclusion of graphic health warnings covering at least 60% of the principal display surfaces of on tobacco product packaging.

Packs of tobacco products The labels of ALL tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, bidis, tobacco wraps, chewing tobacco, etc, which are intended for retail sale in Jamaica, MUST. Note the placement of 7 of the 10 are explicitly stated.

Therefore, on the Principal Display Panels MUST appear: A Graphic Health Warning

The graphic health warning shall be printed on the package itself and not on the cellophane or detachable outer packaging or by adhesive labels or similar means; be reproduced from the electronic files used to generate the health warnings specified in Parts III, IV and VII of the first schedule of the Regulations; be reproduced in at least four colours

The required files are available from the Ministry of Health:

Other requirements

Other Requirements for Principal Display Panels

On the Principal Display Panels MUST also appear:

• The common name of the goods, e.g. ‘cigarettes’, ‘cigars’, ‘bidis’
• The trade name or brand
• The net contents (e.g. the count of units or volume)

On the side panels of rectangular packages

• The prescribed declaration (for smoked tobacco products)* the Background of declaration may either be yellow or white. For cartons, the declaration area is permitted to be located on any side

On the side Opposite the declaration must appear

• The Manufacture date (in the format mm (or mmm) yyyy
• The Batch Number The manufacture date and batch number shall be printed in black on a white background or by means of contrasting colours surrounded by a 0.5mm thick black border and in a type size of no more than 2mm.

*For rectangular packages, the declaration area shall be the full side panel, except that for flip top packages, the declaration area shall be the portion of the side panel which is lower than the flip top opening

Requirements for which location is not specified

The following are required to be on each pack, however, placement is not specified.

• The following statement – “Sale only allowed in Jamaica”
• The name and complete address of manufacturer
• The name and complete address of distributor*

*If the tobacco product is manufactured in Jamaica, and the manufacturer acts as its own distributor the name and complete address may be listed just once.

The Regulations PROHIBIT the following markings on packaging:

• Best before, expiry, sell by, or any similar date
• Packaging that in any way promotes the product by any means that is false, misleading, deceptive, or likely to create an erroneous impression about the products characteristic, health effects, hazards, or emissions

Also prohibited are misleading descriptors such as

• ultra light;
• Any other similar words or descriptions; manufacturers are prohibited from using:
• Any graphics or package design characteristic associated with; or likely, or intended to be associated with any misleading descriptor
• a number to differentiate brands within a brand family;
• a number associated with a smoking machine yield

Smoked Tobacco Products

Set A ­Health Warnings

Set B ­ Health Warnings

Smokeless Tobacco Products

Set A ­ Health Warnings

Distribution of Graphic Health Warnings

ALL eight health warnings from the relevant set, must as far as reasonably practicable, be evenly distributed within every case of stock­-keeping units.

Each case must exclusively contain health warnings from the select set. Therefore, it is not allowed for a case to contain health warnings from both SET A and SET B.

Sale of Single Sticks and E­-Cigarettes

Consumers must be made aware of the risks of using any product they acquire, even if unpackaged. Therefore, if you sell individual single sticks of tobacco, or electronic nicotine delivery systems (such as e­cigarettes), you are required to prominently display a sign/poster bearing one of the applicable health warnings from the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations, 2013. Each such health warning shall be at least 216mm x 279mm.

World No Tobacco Day precedes each cycle of exclusive use of a set of Graphic Health Warnings.

Breaches of the tobacco control legislation

If you observe breaches ofthe Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations, 2013 and other Tobacco Control laws, advise of us about it. Note: Issues that require immediate attention should be reported directly to the police. Use our online reporting tool – ­ Click here .

Or contact your parish health department.

• Notifications of interactions

FCTC Article 5.3

“In setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties  shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco  industry in accordance with national law.”

 Notifications of interactions

The following are notices of interactions with the Tobacco Industry

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Public Health Act.

This Act makes provision for with respect to public health in Jamaica.

References - Legislation

Public health (tourist establishments) regulations, 2000..

Keyword: Food quality control/food safety, Hygiene/sanitary procedures, Water supply, Sewerage, Tourism

Source:  FAO, FAOLEX

Public Health (Butchers) Regulations, 1989.

Keyword: Hygiene/sanitary procedures, Meat, Inspection, Packaging/labelling, Food quality control/food safety, Animal health, Slaughtering

Public Health (Meat Inspection) Regulations, 1989.

Keyword: Hygiene/sanitary procedures, Meat, Inspection, Food quality control/food safety, Animal health, Slaughtering

Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations, 1998.

Keyword: Hygiene/sanitary procedures, Processing/handling, Transport/storage, Inspection, Registration, Offences/penalties, Food quality control/food safety

Public Health (St. Mary Parish Council) (Garbage Collection and Disposal) Regulations, 1998.

Keyword: Waste management, Waste disposal, Hazardous waste

Public Health (Nuisance) Regulations, 1995.

Keyword: Water supply

Health and Allied Professions and Services (Miscellaneous Penalty Provisions) Act, 2011 (No. 7 of 2011).

Keyword: Food quality control/food safety, Hygiene/sanitary procedures, Offences/penalties, Quarantine, Animal health, Pesticides

Delete record "Public Health Act."

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Challenges for Health and Tourism in Jamaica

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David V.M. Ashley, Georgiana Gordon-Strachan, Mary Helen Reece, E.C. Deanna Ashley, Challenges for Health and Tourism in Jamaica, Journal of Travel Medicine , Volume 11, Issue 6, 1 November 2004, Pages 370–373, https://doi.org/10.2310/7060.2004.19206

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Ashley D . Risks to travelers by region and environmental factors: Caribbean and Middle America 2001 Hamilton, ON BC Decker .

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The authors have no financial or other conflicts of interest to disclose.

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License a Hotel - JAMPRO

Secure approvals, register a factory, secure electricity connections, secure water & sewerage connection, access a well, license a hotel, license an attraction, register a film project, secure sez status, secure cannabis licence, establish a telecoms operation, register a farm, get a quarry licence, obtain a mining lease, license a hotel.

Today, tourism is one of Jamaica’s leading industries with more than three million visitors welcomed to our shores each year. The elements of the tourism product are varied and includes accommodation, transportation, attractions and tours, dining and entertainment (inclusive of festivals and events), and the support services.

Jamaica’s Tourism Accommodation product has a wide variety of hotels and resort complexes that cater to specific niche needs of groups and meetings, families, couples or sport/adventure types.  They include intimate small-scale villas, apartments and guesthouses and a combination of self-catering and/or bed and breakfast facilities all of which provides a viable option for every traveller.

All tourism entities operating in Jamaica, including Hotels, Resort Cottages and other tourism accommodation entities, are required to be in possession of a Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Licence as per Section 23A of the Jamaica Tourist Board Act (1955).

The JTB is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism (MOT).  It has as its mission the development and marketing of the tourism industry so that Jamaica remains the premier Caribbean tourist destination. Before applying for benefits under the incentives framework, you are required to be in possession of your JTB Licence.  See the categories of licenses issued by the JTB. 

How to License a Hotel

The process.

Understand more about the process…

Based on the Act, no person shall operate a tourist accommodation enterprise unless a licence has been granted. Tourism accommodation enterprises operating in Jamaica are therefore required to be licenced as either a “Hotel” or as a “Non-Hotel” (Resort Cottages/Guest Houses/Apartments/Villas) accommodation.

A "tourist accommodation" is defined as a hotel, resort cottage or any other premises or any vehicles, boats, ships or places where accommodation is offered to tourists for reward. 

• A "hotel" means an establishment falling within any of the categories of buildings prescribed within the meaning of section 2 of the Tourist Board Act, the operation of which is, or upon completion is intended to be licensed by the Tourist Board under the Tourist Board Act.
• A "resort cottage" means subject to section 16 (1) (b) any building containing not less than two furnished bedrooms, a furnished living room, bathroom facilities and facilities for the preparation and consumption of meals, and used for the accommodation of transient guests, including tourists, for reward.

The Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) has the mandate of developing and improving Jamaica’s tourism product.  One of the major roles of the TPDCo is to maintain quality in the industry and ensure destination integrity and assurance. This is done through the establishment, inspection and monitoring of standards of all entities operating in the industry.

Applications for a licence shall be made to the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) through the TPDCo, and if a licence is granted, it will be subject to the following:

• may be granted for an indefinite period or subject to any power of the Board to revoke or suspend such licence; and
• may be granted either unconditionally or subject to such restrictions and on such conditions as may be specified in the license.

Once the requisite documents are in place then the relevant TPDCo regional office will make arrangements for a Product Quality Assessment of the facility to be conducted.

For more information on how to apply for your JTB Hotel/Accommodations License, see the next steps of this business process guideline.

Complete the relevant form(s) and provide any supporting information/documents…

Visit Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) Limited in Kingston, or any of the regional offices located in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Mandeville to collect your application form for licensing your Hotel and other non-hotel accommodation enterprises. Forms are also available on the TPDCo’s website for download, printing and completion.

Application Requirements: You are required to complete and submit the application form along with the other required documentation to the TPDCo.  In order to ensure your submissions are processed expeditiously, please verify that all the information is completed fully, and the required supporting documents/information are submitted along with your applications.

Accommodation Entities: The process of licencing a tourism accommodation entity operating in Jamaica as a “Hotel” or as a “Non-Hotel” (Resort Cottages/Guest Houses/Apartments/Villas) accommodation requires the submission of an application form including various legal, regulatory and technical details of the proposed hotel.  The following must be submitted:

Hotel Accommodation Licence Application Form to be completed in duplicate: (2 copies)

• Application Form - See form Application for Hotel Licence .

Other Supporting Information to be included in the application for submission.

• Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) - TRN for your company is required.  Get your TRN?  F ind out more .
• Tax Compliance Certificates (TCC) - TCC for your company should be submitted.  Get your TCC?   Find out more .
• List of Company Directors
• Certified Copy of Proof of Ownership : Land Title - certified copy of the Land Title
• Property Tax Certificate - from Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ).
• Project Brief - to capture and define the core project objectives, scope, deliverables, budget and schedule.
• Surveyors ID - to be completed by a Commissioned Land Surveyor . 
• Copy of Public Liability Insurance Certificate .
• Copy of Certificate of Incorporation - The company name on all documents should match exactly the name on the certificate.  How to register a business .
• Registration of Business Name - copy of registration (where applicable i.e. if Business Name is different from the name of the Company).
• Letter of “Good Standing ” – Companies Office of Jamaica.
• Letter of “Non-Objection” - for Planning/Building Approvals from the relevant local planning authority (Municipal Corporations).  Find out how to get your Construction Permissions .
• Copy of Fire Certificate - requires an inspection by the Jamaica Fire Brigade.
• Copy of Public Health Certificate
• Copy of Valid F ood Handler’s Permits - required by all persons working in a food handling establishment, regardless of their position - Regional Health Authority.
• Evidence of Proper Security arrangements - Security Contract (certified personnel).
• Security Approval - from the Police Tourism Liaison Section of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
• Copy of CPR, First Aid certificates and Lifeguard licences for employees assigned as Lifeguards
• Copy of relevant Environmental Approvals - from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). Find out how to get your Environmental Approvals .  
• Copy of Beach Licence (where applicable) from NEPA
• Copies of Work Permits (where applicable).  Obtain your Work Permits .
• Copy of Public Health Swimming Pool Permit

Non-Hotel Accommodation Licence Application Form to be completed:

• Application Form - See form Application for Non-Hotel Licence .
• Same as for “Hotels” above - see list of supporting documents provided above.

All forms need to be completed fully and signed and stamped where required. 

This process may also be done concurrently with your application to access your tourism incentives under the Productive Inputs Relief (PIR) incentives regime.

For more information, contact the Product Quality Unit of TPDCo at [email protected] or 1 (876) 968-3441; 968-1909; or Visit TPDCo .

Submit your completed application…

Submission Requirements:

Once your application form and any relevant supporting information/documents have been completed, signed, stamped and certified where required; you will need to visit TPDCo to submit your application for Hotel/Accommodations Licence.  All requests should be addressed to the Manager of the Product Quality Unit at the TPDCo.

The address and contact information for the TPDCo is indicated below: Tourism Product Development Company Limited Head Office - Kingston: The Tourism Centre, 4th Floor 64-70 Knutsford Boulevard Kingston 5 Jamaica, W.I. Tel: 1 (876) 968-3441; 968-1909; 968-3626 Fax: 1 (876) 929-8269; 754-9135; 920-4854 Email: TBD

Regional Offices Montego Bay: Jamaica Room - Block G, Montego Bay Convention Centre Montego Bay, St. James Jamaica, W.I. Tel: 1 (876) 979-7987/9 Fax: 1 (876) 971-8812 Email: [email protected]

Ocho Rios: Office # 3 Ocean Village Shopping Centre Ocho Rios, St. Ann Jamaica, W.I. Tel: 1 (876) 974-7705 Fax: 1 (876) 974-2586 Email: [email protected]

Negril: NEPT Building Norman Manley Boulevard Negril, Westmoreland Jamaica, W.I. Tel: 1 (876) 957-3962 Fax: 1 (876) 957-3052 Email: [email protected]

Mandeville: The Ashlar, Suite #5 71 Manchester Road Mandeville, Manchester Jamaica, W.I. Tel: 1 (876) 962-6316; 961-6182 Fax: 1 (876) 961-6182 Email: [email protected]

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Pay the relevant processing fees…

There is no fee associated with your application for your Accommodations Licence.  Further, if granted, your Licence will be granted for an indefinite period with no expiry date.

Hotel Licence Processing Time: It takes approximately one (1) month to process your Licence as the Board of the Directors of the Jamaica Tourist Board meet once a month to review and approve Licences.  Your submission must be made in advance of the meeting (usually by the first Friday of the month) in order to be considered.

• Hotel Licence - approximately one (1) month.

Additional steps required for approval…

Once your application(s) has been submitted there are some additional steps that the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) will need to undertake as a part of their own due diligence processes.  This may include the following:

For Hotel/Accommodations Licence Applications:

• Review and assessment by TPDCo: carried out on the application and supporting documents.
• Site Visit: to be undertaken by TPDCo. Assessments are two (2) fold and look at both the regulatory and standards elements of the development.
• Applications are processed: and recommendation presented to the JTB Board at its monthly meeting for a decision.
• Licence approved by JTB : Applicant is notified of grant of approval.

If no objections are received the applicant is advised of the grant of the licence; a licence document is prepared, and your formal Hotel/Accommodations Licence will then be issued.  The licence granted is subject to the terms and conditions that the Board specifies in the licence and shall be for such period as may be specified in the licence.

Collect your approved document(s)…

Once the review and assessment process has been completed and if your documents, any applicable tests and site investigations are in order; the JTB/TPDCo will notify you that your application for your Licence has been granted and that you may visit the TPDCo to collect your document.  At the end of the process you would have received the following:

• Your JTB Hotel/Accommodations Licence

Process Quick Tips

• Access to incentives offered to JTB licensed entities under the Fiscal Incentives (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act
• A licence granted in respect of any tourist accommodation shall, subject to any power of the Board to revoke or suspend such licence, be granted for an indefinite period; and may be granted either unconditionally or subject to such restrictions and on such conditions as may be specified in the license.
• 12 or more rooms
• Water Park facilities
• Eco-tourism and nature tourism elements
• Beach access
• Sewage and industrial wastewater treatment facilities
• Water treatment facilities, including water supply and desalination plants
• Dredging, excavation, clearing and reclamation of beach

For more information about licensing a hotel… Visit TPDCo .

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Explore The Island Guide

Subscribe to e-newsletter, book your trip, entry requirements, good to know.

Entry requirements differ for travellers depending on your country of citizenship and/or residency.

U.S. Citizens traveling to and from Jamaica must present a valid passport when leaving and or re-entering the United States.  Residents must present their Alien Resident Card (Green Card) together with passport of country for which they hold citizenship.

Canadian Citizens: Valid passport or a government-issued identification with photograph, along with an official birth certificate. Canadian residents must present a Canadian Permanent Resident Card and a passport showing country of citizenship.

All visitors are required to travel with a return ticket or onward ticket for entry into Jamaica.

For more information on the specific documents needed to travel to Jamaica visit the Travel Documents  page on the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency's website  Visitors traveling via airlines can also go to  www.iatatravelcentre.com  to review travel document requirements.

Unconditional Landing: Unconditional Landing is a facility offered to foreign nationals to stay in Jamaica. The Unconditional Landing is a type of extended stay which allows persons who are Jamaican by birth, by descent, or naturalization to work and attend school in Jamaica. This stay is also offered to CARICOM Nationals. Applications can be submitted to the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency with the requisite documentation.

Travel Requiring Visas The Jamaican Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates are happy to assist travelers to Jamaica for business and leisure purposes. You may connect with the nearest office, from the links below, to apply for your travel documents for Jamaica. 

Jamaica Embassies and High Commissions

Consulates and Consulates-General

Online Passenger Declaration (C5) Form

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Updated List of Exempted Persons

Members of the public are being reminded that the nightly curfew, which began on Saturday, August 22 at 8:00 p.m., also marks the start of a three-day, no-movement period as stipulated by the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, in a press conference on Thursday, August 19.

During the three-day period, 52 categories of persons have been granted leave to traverse to and from work.

These include members of parliament, councillors, judges, persons working in the healthcare sector, persons working in the oil and gas industry, and farmers. Persons who will be travelling to and from vaccination sites are also exempt.

Exceptions have also been provided for persons working in the tourism sector and persons journeying to and from hotels, including persons entering and departing the island.

Persons transporting persons in the exempt category are also covered.

The Police are however, reminding all persons who fall into the exempt categories to ensure that they have proper identification, and where necessary, authorization letters, to establish the legitimacy of their claim when stopped by the Police.

Persons can also seek clarification from their local Police or contact the JCF COVID Response Centre at 876-702-5102, 876-702-6, 876-702-5108-9.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force thanks Jamaicans for their compliance with the provisions of the Disaster Risk Management Act and encourages all persons to continue to comply as we face this latest threat from COVID-19.

The full listing of exempted persons is below:

1.      The holder of any of the following offices—

(a) the office of Governor-General;

(b) office as a member of either House of Parliament;

(c) office as a member of the Judiciary.

2.      Employees of the Houses of Parliament.

3.      Permanent Secretaries, the Chief Personnel Officer, the Solicitor-General and the Chief Parliamentary Counsel .

4.      Any member of a security force, the municipal police or the Major Organised Crime and AntiCorruption Agency.

5.      Any person employed in service concerning the provision of health, water, food, electricity, public works, sanitation, firefighting, civil aviation or telecommunications.

6.      Veterinary surgeons, licensed under the Veterinary Act.

7.      Immigration officers and customs officers.

8.      Correctional services officers.

9.      Persons employed in the transportation of agricultural produce or livestock or employed in the poultry industry (including catching crew, poultry processing, plant staff and the staff of feed mills).

10.   Persons employed in the sugar cane industry.

11.   Persons employed to “tourist establishments” as defined by the Public Health (Tourist Establishments) Regulations, 2000.

12.   Persons employed in services connected with oil-refining and with the loading, distribution, transportation, or retail, of petroleum fuel, liquefied natural gas or any renewable energy source.

13.   Persons employed in services connected with the loading and unloading of ships and with the storage and delivery of goods at, or from, docks, wharves and warehouses operated in connection with docks or wharves.

14.   Persons employed in the provision of public transportation by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company or the Montego Bay Metro Company Limited.

15.   Persons whose duties involve the hearing of emergency matters before a court, as determined by that court.

16.   Persons employed to the courts.

17.   Any attorney-at-law attending at police stations or lock-ups, or appearing before a court, for the purposes of legal representation of a client of that attorney-at-law, or attending to a client of the attorney-at-law in the case of an emergency arising due to the SARS–CoV-2 (Coronavirus COVID-19) pandemic.

18.   Persons employed in the maintenance of the infrastructure for the provision of business process outsourcing services.

19.   Persons employed to the media (such as journalists, television or radio presenters, camera operators, announcers, engineers, technicians and newspaper delivery personnel).

20.   Persons employed to businesses providing private security.

21.   Persons employed to the Jamaica Printing Services Limited.

22.   Persons employed to the Toll Authority established under the Toll Roads Act.

23.   Persons employed to courier services.

24.   Persons employed in the bauxite or alumina industries.

25.   Persons engaged in the transportation of manufactured products.

26.   Persons employed in Factories as defined in the Factories Act.

27.   Mayors and Councillors of Municipal Corporations, or the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technical Officer or Inspector of the Poor, of a Municipal Corporation or City Municipality.

28.   Persons employed to the Independent Commission of Investigations.

29.   An employee of a Ministry, Department or Agency of the Government who is designated in writing in the form set out as Form 3 of the Fifth Schedule, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Chief Personnel Officer or the Head of the Department or Agency (as the case may require) to be key personnel involved in the operations of the Ministry, Department or Agency of the Government.

30.   An employee of the Bank of Jamaica designated in writing in the form set out as Form 3 of the Fifth Schedule, by the Governor of the Bank of Jamaica, or a person authorised by the Governor to make such designations, to be key personnel of the Bank of Jamaica.

31.   Persons employed or contracted, to undertake construction, by a person to whom a licence or permit to carry out such construction is issued under any law.

32.   Persons employed or contracted to catch, land or process fish, pursuant to a licence or permit issued under the Fisheries Act.

33.   Duties in respect of the urgent need to care for livestock, fish or other animals or crops.

34.   Persons employed to the Cabinet Office, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry with responsibility for finance and the public service, Tax Administration Jamaica, the Accountant General’s Department or eGov Jamaica Limited.

35.   Members of the personal staff of the Governor-General .

36.   Persons designated in writing, in the form set out as Form 4 of the Fifth Schedule, by the Speaker of the House of Representatives as persons whose duties include responding to emergency matters requiring the attention of a member of the House of Representatives.

37.   Persons employed to a funeral home or mortuary.

38.   Persons employed or contracted to Food for the Poor, or the Red Cross, and engaged in packaging or distributing supplies.

39.   The Director-General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and persons authorised in writing by the Director-General.

40.   The Integrity Commissioners and persons employed to the Integrity Commission.

41.   Members of a tribunal and persons employed to a tribunal.

42.   Seafarers, as defined in the Shipping Act.

43.   Persons employed in any of the establishments are permitted to operate under paragraph 14(10).

44.   Persons who— (a) are en route to an airport for the purpose of travel; or (b) having arrived in Jamaica, are en route from an airport to their intended abode or place of residence.

45.   Persons employed to a business in the business processing outsourcing sector.

46.   Persons employed to a financial institution, as defined in the Banking Services Act, to maintain infrastructure in the provision of financial services.

47.   Persons employed in any service or activity designated in writing, in the form set out as Form 5 of the Fifth Schedule, by the Minister with responsibility for national security, with the prior approval of the Cabinet, as an exempt service or activity under this sub-paragraph.

48.   A person transporting a person referred to in any of the other items of this paragraph, provided that the first-mentioned person returns to that person’s abode or place of residence immediately after providing such transportation.

49.   A person for the purpose of receiving vaccination against the SARS – CoV-2 (Coronavirus COVID-19), or a person employed in administering such vaccinations.

50.   Farmworkers, for the purpose of flight processing or testing for the SARS – CoV-2 (Coronavirus COVID-19) .

51.   Persons employed at a pharmacy, for the purpose of dispensing prescription drugs and “over the counter” drugs, but not for any purpose connected with the sale of any other items.

52.   Persons authorised under the E-Commerce National Delivery Solution Programme (ENDS).

53. Money transfer and remittance agents

54. Persons employed at, or who operate farm stores