Tourism minister urges passengers to complete C5 Immigration Form online to avoid delays

WESTERN BUREAU:

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is urging incoming passengers, particularly Jamaicans, to complete the new C5 Immigration Form online before arriving in Jamaica to ensure smoother airport processing and reduce delays.

Bartlett’s appeal follows significant delays at Sangster International Airport (SIA) on Saturday, just before the start of the 2024-2025 Winter Tourist Season, due to homecoming Jamaicans failing to complete the C5 Immigration Form ahead of their arrival.

“Yesterday (Saturday) was a little rocky. I heard we had too many planes on the ground and too many people around, so we need to address the issue with the C5 form,” Bartlett told staff at Sangster International Airport on Sunday.

“I’m making the appeal that all our visitors, especially Jamaicans coming home, should fill out the C5 form electronically before their arrival,” the minister urged.

Since September 1 of last year, it has been mandatory for travellers coming to Jamaica to complete the C5 Immigration Form online. The form replaced the traditional paper-based document that was previously provided to passengers onboard their flights.

The Immigration/Customs (C5) Form is a required entry document for all travellers to Jamaica, whether residents or visitors. It allows passengers to input their details in advance, aiming to streamline the immigration process and reduce wait times at the airport.

HISTORIC WINTER TOURISM SEASON

Jamaica is on track to enjoy a historic winter tourism season, with estimates suggesting up to 1.6 million airline seats from around the world.

“We have 178,000 more seats this winter than in any other winter season in history. If 80 per cent of those seats are filled, we will have 1.45 million passengers coming into Jamaica. If we achieve 100 per cent, that number will reach 1.6 million – the largest number of seats ever for a winter season,” Bartlett boasted.

Given these figures, he emphasised the importance of ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for all travellers. He urged visitors to complete the C5 form at the same time they purchase their airline tickets to avoid delays upon arrival.

“If you haven’t filled out the form when purchasing your ticket, make sure to do so before you board your flight,” Bartlett advised. “If necessary, complete the form on your mobile device during the flight to avoid bottlenecks at the airport.”

Bartlett revealed that the recent delays at SIA were largely due to travellers, particularly Jamaicans, who had not completed their C5 forms prior to arriving in Jamaica. He stressed that this issue needs to be addressed as the country prepares for the busiest winter tourism season in its history.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com