Jamaica

Visas & Work Permits

Crews who are entering Jamaica on Western passports can enter visa-free for periods of up to 180 days, depending on the country.

Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.


Film Location Permits

A film license is required for filming in Jamaica, which allows access to public locations all over the island. This can be obtained with the help of a local service producer or fixer.

Location specific permits are usually arranged on a parish level. Government departments can move slowly in Jamaica, so allow plenty of lead time for film location permits, especially if street closures or large set-ups are required.

Filming in national parks and markets requires separate permits.

Many locations allow free use, if there is a tourism benefit.


Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Jamaica is not an ATA carnet country.

In Jamaica, some camera equipment is available locally, particularly in Kingston. All other equipment needs to be brought in from abroad.

When to Film

Jamaica has a tropical climate with year-round conditions ideal for film shoots. When it does rain, showers are short and heavy, followed by sunshine. The rainiest weather occurs in May and June, and later in October and November. Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur between July and November.

Jamaica is a predominately Christian country, so those holidays are observed. Rastafarianism originated in Jamaica and continues to be practised by some.


Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Jamaica.

Costs in Jamaica are comparable to the rest of the Caribbean. The greatest cost is the possible need to bring in key crew and equipment.

In Jamaica, the equivalent of VAT is known as GCT (General Consumption Tax). At the time of writing, it is set at 15%.

Tax Incentives

At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up-to-date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.

At the time of writing, the UK has a Film Co-Production Treaty with Jamaica. Details can be found on the BFI website.

There is also the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement.