Jamaica Makes Testing More Accessible For Canadians

Canadians travelling to Jamaica will now benefit from more accessible and affordable PCR testing services while in the destination thanks to the continued lobbying efforts of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

Jamaican officials have partnered with two private laboratories on the island to provide Canadian residents returning home with access to seamless in-hotel PCR tests at a discounted rate.

Canadian visitors will be able to book their required pre-departure COVID-19 molecular test directly through Baywest Wellness Clinic and Technological Solutions Limited (TSL) for US$75 (inclusive of taxes), a reduction of more than 50% off the previous PCR testing price.

Visitors must schedule their test through a dedicated online laboratory portal in order to qualify for this exclusive rate.

Tourists staying at a licensed hotel in Jamaica’s Resilient Corridors can schedule a PCR test to be conducted on property via a convenient concierge service. Visitors staying in a private villa, guest house, or residence can book an in-person appointment at the closest Baywest or TSL laboratory location.

Travel agents will also be able to book PCR testing on behalf of their clients in advance.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett said that: “Jamaica’s new in-hotel PCR testing and reduced pricing will be a game-changer for Canadian travellers visiting the destination. This effort is the latest initiative in our ongoing Jamaica CARES program, a comprehensive destination-wide commitment to providing all travellers with a safe and seamless experience while visiting our beautiful island.”

Donovan White, director of tourism, Jamaica, said that: “The upcoming fall and winter seasons are critical for Jamaica’s tourism sector, and the JTB is proud to have negotiated improved COVID-19 testing options for Canadian travellers on island.”

And White added: “All of our partners in Jamaica and Canada are very appreciative that visitors in the destination will now have access to sophisticated PCR testing in the comfort of their hotel at a heavily discounted rate.”

Canadians travelling to Jamaica can book PCR tests online through two dedicated booking platforms:

• Baywest Wellness Clinic: https://getwellnow.io/covidtesting
• TSL: https://www.tsltech.com/pcr-test-canada/

The online platforms capture all the necessary information required to re-enter Canada, including travel dates and the location of the test. Payment for the service will be processed online at the time of booking via credit card.

Test results from Baywest and TSL will be emailed directly to clients 24- to 48-hours following the sample collection.

Angella Bennett, regional director, Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board, pointed out that: “The JTB has been working very hard to collaborate with the country’s accredited laboratories to facilitate more accessible and affordable testing for our Canadian visitors.”

Bennett continued: “We are very excited to bring this long-awaited enhanced service to the market and make travelling to Jamaica even more seamless for Canadians this winter.”

As per Canada’s current travel guidelines, all passengers aged five and up regardless of vaccination status must provide proof of a COVID-19 negative molecular test result to enter the country.

Valid tests must be performed within 72 hours of their scheduled flight departure time.

For more information about Jamaica’s current entry protocols and testing services for Canadian travellers, go to visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization.