Turquoise waters, jerk chicken, reggae, local rum, and everything Bob Marley!

The Caribbean summons your holiday-starved soul… You heed the call but your poor passport needs to get a dang visa (check Wikipedia, or better, contact the Jamaican Consulate in your country to know if you have to obtain one). Citizens of more than 100 countries are exempted from visa or can obtain visa on arrival. Unfortunately, the Philippines ain’t one of them.

Fortunately, I am a permanent resident of Australia, which makes me eligible to apply in the country.

The Jamaican Consulate in Sydney, Australia can be found at:

7/159 Princes Highway
St. Peters
NSW 2044

How to apply for a Jamaican tourist visa in Australia for residents:

Consulate does not accept walk-in visa applicants. An appointment must be made (the consul might not be available). Call +61 (0) 402 205 266 or email marcobb1@yahoo.com.au or marcobb31@gmail.com to set an appointment.

Application may also be submitted through mail. Fill out the application form (which will be sent to you via email), return in a self-address envelope together with the passport for stamping of visa and a Postal Order or Bank Cheque made payable to the Consulate of Jamaica. Though not required, I included a letter of intent and proof of funds for the trip. Make sure your passport is still valid for 6 months.

How much is the price of a Jamaican Tourist Visa? AU$60.

Processing of my visa took less than two weeks. I reckon it could be faster, depending on the indicated travel date. If you personally apply for the visa at the consulate, the visa will be granted right then and there.

The Jamaican Consulate’s the warmest I’ve encountered. The email reply I got about my initial inquiry was signed by the Honorable Consul himself. Also, when my visa was granted, I was informed by the staff through a phone call.

Now that, folks, was a prelude to all the awesomeness that was about to happen in Jamaica.