CARICOM agrees to hassle-free travel

Jamaicans travelling to other CARICOM countries for business, study, tourism, or personal affairs are to enjoy hassle-free travel.

In a media release yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said member states had agreed to a number of steps to promote free movement in the region.

The news comes months after a number of incidents affecting Jamaicans travelling in the region were highlighted in the media.

"Recent incidents have demonstrated that Jamaican nationals travelling within CARICOM are frequently experiencing difficulties in gaining entry to several countries of the region," said the ministry.

Jamaicans travelling to CARICOM countries must be in possession of the following:

A valid passport with at least six months validity;

A return airline ticket;

An adequate amount of money to meet living expenses;

Information (name, complete address and contact details) for their accommodation;

The name and full details of their host or sponsor;

Where possible, documentation confirming the purpose of the visit;

The name and telephone number, preferably the mobile number, of anyone meeting them at the airport.