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10 Best Countries To Visit On A Jamaican Passport in 2019

Let me first make mention of it. This is my third version of “Best Countries to Visit on A Jamaican Passport” and I am so excited to share. It is almost becoming a yearly tradition where I dish out the details improved and updated. Every time around this time of year, I become somewhat dormant, somewhat quiet on social media as I prepare some of my most read cornerstone articles. This is one of them.

I find it necessary to share these details as I truly believe the Jamaican passport is more valuable, more useful and more important than we might believe. While I prep myself for a year another of travels (here’s a teaser ) Aruba, Italy, Cuba, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Peru, Turkey — I want to go ahead and share 10 Best countries to visit on a Jamaican Passport in 2019.

saint-johns-anitgua-barbuda

1.Moscow, Russia 

If it’s visa-free then I am all in for it.  Believe it or believe it not! But, the facts are in and  Russia just became visa-free for Jamaicans earlier this year. Also to add, it’s a direct flight straight outta Campton, I meant Montego Bay. It is a direct flight straight out of Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The Nordwind Airlines is now scheduled with direct flights between Montego Bay and Moscow coming in and out every 10 days until April of 2019. If you’ve ever thought about visiting Russia well, here’s your chance. Flights go in and out on Tuesdays and Fridays. Did I already make mention that it is also visa-free?

moscow-russiavia Nikolay Vorobyev

2.Tel Aviv, Israel 

I can’t begin to express how much of a bucket list item Israel is. For years, Israel has been a visa-free country for Jamaicans and possibly free-visa for most Caribbean nationals just waiting to be explored by us. So much history, culture and architecture.

Though most flights depart from U.S-based airports, going along with this option will only defeat the purpose of it being truly visa-free if you do not have currently hold a valid U.S visa.

No U.S visa? Get ready for the Multi-City adventure. Travel from the Kingston or Montego Bay airport to Panama (PTY). From Panama, you’ll be able to board your next flight to Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV) along with a quick layover in Caracas (Venezuela) with Turkish Airlines.

If you currently hold a U.S visa, you can connect via Miami, New York & Los Angeles with direct flights to Tel Aviv. Jamaicans are allotted a whole 90 days to enjoy the wonders of Israel. The Dead Sea anyone?

jerusalem-israel

3.Istanbul, Turkey 

While you are on that side of the world, you can consider hopping over to Istanbul, Turkey which is somewhat a visa-free travel country for Jamaicans as well. Here is how Turkey is a little different, if you’re Jamaican, travelling on a Jamaican passport you will need to acquire an eVisa which is really simple. The process takes place online with a $20 fee and is only required to be done 48hrs before your departure. A 90-day allotted time is again granted.

Turkey is vast, thick in culture and rich in gastronomy. I will be visiting Istanbul in this coming year. If you’ve ever been, share some of your favourite tips in the comment section below. Also, if you like to join in on the adventures, be sure to follow my Instagram Account here: TheWorldUpCloser

turkey-mosque turkey

4. Mexico 

As of current, Jamaicans are granted visa-free travel access to 84 countries. Which means you can now visit these countries for tourism purposes without having to apply for visas prior to your departures. Though these countries are meant to take away the hassle of applying for visas, at least access to 75 of these countries require you to transit through a country that a visa is required for. This somewhat defeats the process of it being truly visa-free. But, here’s the way around it with Panama being one of our gateways.

Travelling to Mexico, this country makes my list every year since I started recommending Best Countries to visit on a Jamaican Passport. It is absolutely one of my favourites. In terms of proximity, Mexico is not very far from Jamaica, in fact, we both share the Caribbean Sea — yet it so different. The culture, the people, the food, the history, the music; at some point please be sure to visit Mexico.

Getting here from Jamaica is pretty easy. You will travel via Panama (PTY) with Copa Airlines and then on to Mexico.  Jamaicans are allocated 180 days to explore the country which is way much more than just Cancun and Tulum. (:

To add, domestic flights within the country is affordable. This gives you the access to travel around and see the different sides of Mexico.

To visit Mexico you will need to book two separate flights including for your return:

1. Flight 1: Kingston or Montego Bay to Panama (PTY)

2.Flight 2: Panama (PTY) to Mexico (MEX)

Guadalajara, Mexico

5.Nairobi, Kenya 

At some point, you have it make it over to the Motherland. Kenya comes in with another 90 days to skylark and gallivant on its land. (:

Though, there is absolutely no flight from the Caribbean that gets you over to Kenya, many Jamaicans and Caribbean Nationals frequent places such as New York City, including myself. If you are reading this, then this is for you.  You can fly directly from New York City to Nairobi, Kenya with Kenya Airlines. Anyone else for Kenya 2019?

Read: Travel Insurance for Jamaicans

kenya-africa

6. Georgetown, Guyana 

Guyana comes in as one of the best countries to visit on a Jamaican passport in 2019 as it is visa-free, it’s a direct flight and it is also off the beaten path. Famously known for its dense rainforest and its interesting culture as it is shared between South America and the Caribbean, Guyana is a haven for those who are looking to truly experience the local culture.

For a country that is so rich in culture, I truly believe it deserves more travellers and particularly, more travellers from the Caribbean. You can visit here directly from Kingston with Caribbean Airlines.

guyana-south-america

7. Serbia 

For the first time in years, Jamaicans can finally visit Europe without any form of European Visas. Earlier this year, Serbia became visa-free for Jamaicans with a 30-day limit in any given year.

Though you will need to visa to visit the neighbouring countries in the Balkan States (Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania,) Serbia will be one less country you will need to apply a visa for.

serbia-the-balkans

8. Panama 

In terms of accessibility and travel time, Panama happens to one of the better countries to visit on this list for the coming year. It is a direct flight from Montego Bay & Kingston, it is visa-free and with a flight time of just over 2hrs.

The beaches here are spectacular and if you are looking to brush up on your Spanish, this is a good place to start.

panama-central-america

9. The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao)

The ABC Islands are the 3 western-most islands of the Leeward Antilles which is otherwise named Dutch Caribbean. The Caribbean coast here is nothing like what I have ever seen before.

Though a visa is required to visit the Dutch Caribbean, if you are a holder of the valid U.S, British or Schengen visa you can possibly consider visiting these islands as apart of your next Caribbean getaway as anyone of these visas work.

curacao-williamstead

10. South Africa 

South Africa is also one of the countries that will make the list every year. I have previously mentioned how much of a complete package South Africa is and every year, it becomes more and more of a bucket list item.

If South Africa happens to be on your list of places to visit in 2019. Make it happen!

You can also consider making this a multi-city trip as South Africa is way down beneath.

Here is the route:

From Kingston or Montego Bay travel via Panama. From Panama, you can fly to Brazil.

From Sao Paulo, Brazil you can fly directly to Cape Town, South Africa.

Also, if you wondering, Brazil is also a charm. I love it down there and I am already thinking of adding to my list of places to visit in 2019 for the third time.

south-africa-capetownvia Finding Dan | Dan Grinwis

There are so many different countries I have mentioned in both my 2017 and 2018 articles. If you are looking for more recommendations, be sure to check out the links below. Also, if you’d like to suggest a few other countries to visit in 2019, please do so below. I’ll be reading and responding. (:

 

Happy Travels!

 Read Next: Visa-Free “First World ” Countries You Can Visit On A Caribbean Passport

Best Countries to Visit on a Jamaican Passport in 2018 

Best Countries to Visit on a Jamaican Passport in 2017

 

For live updates, be sure to check out my Instagram account: @theworldupcloser

  • Shere
    May 17, 2020

    I am deported back to Jamaica and want to travel to Russia is work easy there is it easy to for rental or open business. To start life over

  • Trecia J
    January 19, 2020

    Thanks!

  • Rainie
    June 24, 2019

    Hi, you mind elaborating on the process of traveling to South Korea for a Jamaican? i know it is visa free but do i have to pay a fine at the S.Korean airport?

  • Andre powell
    May 21, 2019

    Hi Shea for the persons that have never traveled before that isplanning to go places like Mexico, Panama those places is a hotel available.

  • Andre powell
    May 21, 2019

    Hi Shea I’m currently in Jamaica, I have a friend in the us we both planning to go Mexico but how would I get there and what the cost and which embassy would I depart from cause I’m in Kingston?

    • Gee
      Andre powell
      August 4, 2020

      To go to mexico: flight from Kingston to panama then another flight from panama to mexico but you will of to book your two flights on return tickets

  • Andre
    May 21, 2019

    Hi Shea I’m currently in Jamaica, I have a friend in the us we both planning to go Mexico but how would I get there and what the cost and which embassy would I depart from cause I’m in Kingston?

  • Dave Carter
    May 5, 2019

    Hi Shea, I am soaking up all of your valuable information and Photos of the world that you are sharing with us. I am YouTuber and I am planning to make my first solo travel to the Philippines but I don’t have a USA visa for transiting. What is your best advice for me? Also, I wish you started a Youtube Channel so we can follow your wonderful life on videos.

  • Rox-Ann
    April 8, 2019

    Girl I love this, these information are awesome. Love what you are doing. Thanks for the information.

  • Oneil
    March 5, 2019

    What about Thailand

  • Gavin Palmer
    February 28, 2019

    Very informative. I will definitely explore these

  • PS
    February 24, 2019

    Turkey is sooooooo…….beautiful. Jamaican currently living in Turkey, along the Mediterranean —-summers are beautiful(but ridiculous hot). If like me and you cant swim, this is the place to learn, the salt content in the water is ridiculous you float without trying.

    My recommendations though, travel beyond Istanbul. If you can hop on and off a bus an move around-ensure you go to Goreme and do the balloon tour in Kapadokya. Go to Denizli and do Pamukkale. My favourite thing to date is skiing in Palandoken which is by the Black Sea region in Erzurum.

    Once you leave Istanbul get ready for the stares and the paparazzi moments *grin* Turkish people are extremely helpful in my experience, and if you attempt to speak the language they beam with such pride.

    Planning on Russia and South Africa soon…

  • Damon
    February 18, 2019

    Hi Shea,
    Thanks for sharing. I’m also a Jamaican. I’ll be going to Mexico soon, I’ve done my research and it seems nice just wish that I could take a direct flight with no long layovers

    • Shea Powell
      Damon
      February 19, 2019

      Hi Damon… You will enjoy Mexico! At this time, there are no direct flights from Jamaica to Mexico. You will either have a stopover in Panama or Miami.

  • Tariq
    February 14, 2019

    You can fly to Africa and Middle East, by going to Panama. Booking a flight through Air France-KLM connecting through Amsterdam/ Paris Visa Free and then onto your destination in Africa, Middle East or Asia. Great. Service through KLM.

  • Tina
    February 6, 2019

    Hey girl! I’m a Jamaican wanting to go to Durban South Africa and when I look up the cost for flights, all the routes have a layover in the US. Is there any way I can get there without stopping somewhere I’m going to need an in transit visa/visa?

  • Kenisha Prendegast
    January 26, 2019

    I’m so excited about this!!! Thank you for the new updates chica! Happy 2019!

  • Everol George
    January 22, 2019

    It’s a good thing I started following you. Now I’m confident enough to start solo travelling to these places.

  • Marlyn
    January 15, 2019

    The area looks gorgeous and your photos just confirm that. I want to strat traveling solo in the near future!!

  • Suieann Spencer
    December 27, 2018

    Hi I just want to know how can u go from kin to Serbia what’s the exact route I can’t find it with just my Jamaican passport

  • Maveisha
    December 16, 2018

    Hi Shea,

    Any info on Visa requirements for Jamaican passport holders wanting to go to Thailand?

    • Shea Powell
      Maveisha
      December 16, 2018

      Hi Maveisha,

      For Thailand, a visa is required. The process is fairly simple and can be applied for in Kingston.

      • Claudine deer
        Shea Powell
        April 5, 2019

        I would love to go South Africa this year I would like to know the. Cost and all it will cost me thanks in advance

    • Toni
      Maveisha
      January 10, 2019

      I second this. I live in Australia but not a citizen. just spent Christmas in Thailand and I was able to apply by mail in Australia. I transited through Malaysia and when I found out I didn’t need a visa, I spent 5 days there. loved it!

  • Simone
    December 15, 2018

    Hi Shea,
    Is there a direct flight from Florida to Kenya. I’m currently vacationing in Florida. I search but no info.

    • Shea Powell
      Simone
      December 15, 2018

      Hi Simone,

      I checked but it seems as if there ore stopovers in Europe or Doha if you’re flying out of FL.However, you could fly from MIA with a stopover in AMS (no visa is required for stopovers) then you’re on to Nairobi. (:

  • Tariq
    December 14, 2018

    Hola:,
    Also note to you can connect to many countries flying from Kingston to Panama to Netherlands (via KLM) to (visa free African, Middle Eastern or Asian Countries). No visa needed to transit through Netherlands.

  • kadia
    December 14, 2018

    Hi Shea,

    Great post as usual. Love the content.
    You’re an inspiration and I took your advise and went Mexico earlier this year, It was AWESOME!

  • Nigel
    December 14, 2018

    Your articles always inspire me. I like the pics too. You are therapy. Do you Vlog? Are you writing a book? These would be million-sellers!

    BTW, I would like to visit Cuba, Costa Rica, Chile, and any African country – especially Uganda and Angola.

  • Rick
    December 14, 2018

    Hi Shea, believe it or not it’s 12:15 a.m. in the morning and I just finished reading your article that popped up in my email inbox. Your articles are very rich and interesting. While going through them it’s like you have taken me on an adventure and in the process I see traveling far more interesting than I once thought.

    Believe it or not I have never traveled before and your articles have inspired me to make this adventure a reality very soon. Thanks for the heightened interest that your articles have evoked in myself as well as other Jamaicans.

    Keep up the good work now and best wishes for the coming year (2019).

    Regards,
    Rick

  • Kayla
    December 13, 2018

    You are truly an inspiration to those like myself with wanderlust!, thank you so much for sharing

  • SONIKA
    December 13, 2018

    You are going to love Portugal, Spain and Cuba! Been to all 3 for my 28th and 29th bday. Portugal was magnificent and flew to Madrid, Spain for a day for just a tour and came back to Portugal. It was magical. Cuba now, I felt such at home. I walked the dirt packed street and the malecon late at night eating shop food and not knowing a lick of Spanish to get me by. Walking from old Habana to new Habana was great and I cant get lost now in Havana because there is church that is used as compass to find your way back to the center! Next year its Bali for me and 2020, South Korean and Japan for 2 weeks. Best of luck on your trips!

  • Hugh J
    December 12, 2018

    Hi, great content. I think Guyana should not be on the list since it’s a Caricom country. Visa free travel was established with the signing of the Treat of Chagaramas.

    • Shea Powell
      Hugh J
      December 12, 2018

      Hi Hugh,

      I couldn’t imagine featuring an article like this and not include a few of our own that are completely visa-free. I often do recommend Intra-Caribbean travel. It is a great start of those who currently do not hold a US visa but still has an interest in travelling. This year, Guyana makes the list. (:

  • Sharon M.
    December 11, 2018

    Hi Shea,

    I just want to say I absolutely love your content. Thank you so much for sharing with such preciseness and details. You always seem to amaze me. It’s also good to see a Jamaican girl travelling the world trying to help other Jamaicans to do the same.

    Keep up the good work.

    • Shea Powell
      Sharon M.
      December 12, 2018

      Thank you so much for stopping by, Sharon. (:

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