Coronavirus Jamaica – What you need to know.
Book your Jamaica vacation today. Please see our Coronavirus Jamaica information below.
With Coronavirus, Jamaica has been affected like most countries by the tragic pandemic. The Jamaican government and tourist board have taken strict measures to protect against the spread of Coronavirus Jamaica. And to ensure that tourists can still visit this Caribbean paradise, in safety and without fear. Jamaica reopened its borders for tourism on June 15 2020 and the island has now what officials have called an “extensive” set of operational protocols for health and safety. Most notably, travellers are being screened via temperature checks at the airport on arrival in Jamaica.
“With the help of international experts and a dedicated task force, we have developed protocols that allow us to safely reopen our borders,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “We are confident that as we restart our economy, Jamaicans will work together to ensure a safe, secure and seamless experience for our tourism workers, their families, and visitors, while preserving the authentic experiences travellers seek when they visit our shores.”
Green Castle Estate is arguably the safest place in Jamaica. It has also remained popular with tourists looking to escape Coronavirus. Jamaica established resilient corridors to provide tourists both domestically and internationally with a clear and safe area which they can stay and still enjoy the many benefits Jamaica has to offer. There have been no instances of Covid 19 by any guests at Greencastle during the pandemic.
Why is Green Castle in Jamaica, safe for tourists to book their vacations?
At Greencastle we have prepared carefully for when we reopened in mid August 2020. This has resulted in creating a safe and hygienic environment for both staff and guests within our vast private 1600-acre estate complete with a tropical rainforest. Greencastle has distinct advantages that other locations and hotels do not have in Jamaica. At Greencastle we have limited the number of guests that can stay with us. We have 12 cottage rooms that can be booked for guests to enjoy on their trip to Jamaica. These cottage rooms range from single ensuite hotel rooms, to luxury double hotel rooms. Should guests wish to book for their family, friends, wedding or a corporate event, we are also able to offer the full villa or cottage for booking. By limiting the number of guests this helps reduce the potential risk of Coronavirus Jamaica, and helps ensure our guests peace of mind.
All rooms are on the ground floor, with access for guests from outside via a private entrance. Why is this important? By reducing the risk of high contact areas such as corridors and stair rails guests are unlikely to ever risk being in the same vicinity or touching the same surfaces. Once again this helps protect against the transmission of Coronavirus Jamaica.
Our team at Greencastle clean all areas of the hotel, including all surfaces regularly. Our team also has screens in reception. You will see our teams using protective equipment, such as masks. Masks assist with reducing the potential for germs to be passed orally when guests are talking to us. This is done for guests’ safety and there is no need for alarm. There is also sanitiser for guests to use in public areas to ensure peace of mind and guest safety. This is part of the stipulations for approved businesses by the Jamaica Tourist Board. Staff are screened on a daily basis including temperature checks. The property is thoroughly cleaned with disinfectant including high touch surfaces such as door knobs and railings. All bed linen and towels are washed in at least 60ºC/140ºF. Contactless Check in and Check out are made available to all guests. We keep all rooms vacant for 48 hours after guests have left us, and once cleaned to further protect you. This ensures that all surfaces are cleaned and sanitised and follows health professionals recommendations.
As a result of putting in place specific procedures relating to cleaning and ensuring guests safety, Greencastle has been granted special permission to open by the Jamaican tourist board.
Green Castle is also lucky to be situated on a 1600 acre / 6.5km2 square kilometre eco estate. This private estate is solely for the use of our guests and staff. This means if you wish to stretch your legs, you can enjoy the natural beauty free from any worries about Coronavirus Jamaica. Within our estate we have many hikes and trails you can enjoy. We have a couple of hikes and trails on our estate which are listed amongst the 10 best hikes in Jamaica. We have hikes and trails for all people to enjoy. With the various responses across the world, there has been a real surge in people focusing on their fitness. Whatever your fitness level there is a hike or trail on our estate for you to enjoy whilst improving your fitness and increasing your lung capacity. We also offer guided tours for bird watching on the Greencastle estate. With over 100 migratory birds, and 28 endemic Jamaican species to spot on your tour, you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of your surroundings whilst taking your photos without worrying about coronavirus Jamaica.
We have considered the specifics relating to Greencastle and the distinct advantages it has in relation to space and are fortunate in having, more than most, a great opportunity to create a wonderful experience whilst adhering to new safety and hygiene policies. There have been no instances of Covid 19 by any guests at Greencastle during the pandemic.
www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorisation When you select GUESTHOUSES you will see the Greencastle business name which is Taino Hills Estate (Greencastle, St Mary). This demonstrates we are fully compliant with the Jamaica Tourist Board to take guests. Visit Jamaica also showcases the steps and procedures the approved locations have had to implement to protect guests from Coronavirus Jamaica. The Jamaica Tourist board and the government introduced resilient corridors within Jamaica, to help ensure guests safety and peace of mind in relation to Coronavirus Jamaica. We have explained what the resilient corridors mean below.
What is the resilient corridor in Jamaica?
The resilient corridor was created by the Jamaican authorities to allow trained and approved businesses to reopen during the Coronavirus pandemic, to tourists. These businesses, such as Green Castle Estate Nature Lodge, must commit to providing a safe environment for tourists, with extensive cleaning systems implemented by the staff. Only businesses that have been trained and assessed are allowed to reopen for guests to stay. There are two corridors open in Jamaica. The Northern corridor, which Green Castle eco hotel is part of. This stretches from Negril to Port Antonio. The Southern corridor runs from Milk River to Negril.
What happens if you cannot visit Jamaica due to Covid 19?
If you contract Covid 19, or any of the people travelling with you contract Covid 19 before you fly to Jamaica, which results in you needing to cancel your flights or holiday, Greencastle has procedures in place to ensure you do not lose your money. We are committed to providing the very best experience for our guests and we wanted to put this in place so you did not have to worry. Our update to our cancellation policy is below and will be in place throughout the time the world is faced with Covid 19. In the event that you need to cancel please contact us as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Cancellation Policy Update
We provide a full refund less any bank transfer fee, up to seven days before arrival if due to Covid restrictions in originating country or in Jamaica. We provide a full credit if you cancel within seven days of arrival for a booking to be taken within two years. The Covid-19 Cancellation Policy relates only to accommodation and tours, as flights are not booked with or through Green Castle.
What happens if I contact Covid in Jamaica?
In the highly unlikely event that you contact Covid either on your journey to Jamaica, or whilst you are visiting Jamaica within the resilient corridor, GreenCastle has your safety as our top priority. Greencastle offers guests the perfect opportunity to quarantine if they come into contact or contract Covid 19. On the rare chance this may happen, Greencastle has isolated a series of rooms for people to isolate in, to protect partners, family or friends that might also be travelling at the same time. Greencastle can call a doctor at any time to assist with any concern or issue. As with all international travel please ensure you take out medical travel insurance before you travel. Our dedicated team will liaise with anyone locally that you require as well as ensure you get immediate attention from a medical professional if you feel unwell. There have been no instances of Covid 19 by any guests at Greencastle during the pandemic.
What are the requirements to enter Jamaica?
All entrants to Jamaica must fill out a pre travel health authorisation registration. This is in addition to the customs and immigration form. Currently residents from US, Brazil, Mexico and the Dominican Republic also need to supply a negative Covid test taken 9 days before they arrive in Jamaica. When these are submitted as part of the authorisation registration, the government will issue a travel approval document. Please print this before arriving at the airport, airlines will not accept any travellers to board flights without prior proof of authorisation.
Is it safe to fly to Jamaica during the Covid pandemic?
Yes it is safe to travel to Jamaica during the Covid pandemic. If you are uncertain please contact your doctor or take medical advice but airlines, the Jamaica Tourist Board and Green Castle have put in place stringent measures to protect guests against Coronavirus Jamaica. Airlines have restricted movement on planes, as well as implemented their own set of cleaning procedures to help kill Coronavirus. Masks are frequently required to be worn at all times on planes, again to avoid the potential risk of transmission of the virus. At airports, passengers will be subject to temperature checks again for peace of mind. Travellers will be required to show evidence of a recent test to ensure they do not have symptoms or the Coronavirus, before they fly. These measures and more, implemented by the Jamaican tourist board and Greencastle, have been designed to ensure guests can still enjoy a relaxing vacation in Jamaica, without worrying about Coronavirus Jamaica.
Do I need to isolate or self-quarantine when I return from my Jamaica vacation to Green Castle.
There is ever-changing advice. We have identified the links below that will give you the latest information when you are returning;
If we can be of any further help please Contact us.
Greencastle has gone to every length and will continue to do so to ensure guests are fully protected against coronavirus Jamaica. It has been an incredibly stressful year for all the world. The need to unwind, relax and improve your mental health is essential for all people. Guests can entertain themselves on the Green Castle estate, such as relaxing by the pool, enjoying the tropical sun and getting a tan whilst reading a book, or sipping on an ice cold beer or Jamaican rum cocktail.
On our secluded and private natural estate, guests can also enjoy the healthy benefits of hiking with many walks and trails. Whilst hiking or walking on the estate, you can enjoy bird watching. Hearing the birdsong and seeing these beautiful animals in their natural habitat is incredibly soothing and rewarding. Green Castle can offer guided tours to give the best opportunity of seeing all the beautiful birds, such as the Streamertail, Potoo and Jamaican owl to name but a few. Guests can also visit the eco beach to enjoy a swim in the tropical Caribbean sea. If you wish to visit the Blue Mountains, Kingston or Ocho Rios, our team are happy to arrange a guided tour, or we can arrange transport to any destination you desire. This will be with experienced drivers who also will be following the Coronavirus Jamaica safety protocols. If you wish to hire your own vehicle, Greencastle has free parking on site. Your wish is our command and we cannot wait to see you on your vacation to Jamaica.
