KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett says the implementation of a visa waiver for visitors from the Dominican Republic to travel to Jamaica will streamline the travel process and foster greater cultural and economic exchange between the two island nations.

The waiver came into effect on February 4 and is for visits up to 180 days.

“This visa waiver represents our commitment to breaking down barriers to inter-Caribbean travel, by creating a more interconnected region,” said Bartlett. “By facilitating easier movement between our countries, we’re opening doors to new tourism opportunities that benefit both destinations from the cultural exchange to greater economic benefits.”

The government of the Dominican Republic had urged the Jamaican government on previous visits to lift the visa restrictions.

READ: Dom Rep’s visa waiver plea

Dominican Republic Ambassador to Jamaica Angie Martinez also endorsed and welcomed the move.

“This visa waiver represents a historic milestone in Dominican-Jamaican relations,” said Martinez, “It opens a new chapter of opportunity for our nations, paving the way for deeper economic ties, expanded business ventures, and stronger tourism collaboration. This decision will be remembered as the moment our countries chose to grow together, fostering greater people-to-people connections that will benefit generations to come.”