Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter in an attempt to clarify the policy regarding visitors (not residents) and the “value” of personal items that may be taken to Jamaica.

I am a frequent traveller to Jamaica and I have never felt the need to be more informed about this matter until my recent experience at the Norman Manley International Airport a few weeks ago. I was on vacation there just after Christmas, but unfortunately my aunt passed away hours before my departure and I had to return in a short period of time to attend the funeral. Due to time constraints and the financial convenience for my family, my fiancé and I decided to have a small family wedding during the same period.

On my arrival at Customs I was informed that due to the ‘high value’ of my wedding dress, I would be charged duty for it. This seemed extremely bizarre to me as this was my personal dress and not something I intended to sell. She also opened my suitcases and began to estimate the value of my other personal items, that were clearly the same sizes as I had just visited the island three weeks prior and was not bringing gifts for anyone. The only items I had that were not for me was my husband’s tuxedo and shoes for our wedding. I find it hard to believe that visitors to the island would have to pay duty on their personal items exceeding what I was told by the Custom’s officer is US$500. If that is the case, I would have had to arrive with no suitcases and modify my attire as what I was wearing on arrival was already above the allowance.

The Customs Declaration form states: “All residents 18 yrs and over are entitled to US $500 duty-free allowance per trip on items not for resale or in commercial quantities.” This, from my understanding, does not apply to me. She requested the phone number of the minister who would be officiating the ceremony in order to verify that the information I gave was correct. She then allowed me “the courtesy” of exempting my dress.

I would greatly appreciate clarification on this issue as I do not want to encounter this problem in the future. I do not have a problem paying duty on gifts exceeding a specified amount, however, paying duty on my items that I purchased for my personal use that will return home with me is totally absurd and will definitely impact my decision on future travel to Jamaica. Thanks in advance for your assistance in understanding this policy.

Francine Hamilton

francinehamilton1@gmail.com