Welcome to Jamaica! Where everything is Irie (meaning “pleasing” in Jamaican Patois). Arriving at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay can be a breeze with the right information on hand. We’ll share some insider tips to make your arrival in Jamaica much easier and get you a transfer from Montego Airport to your hotel as soon as possible. Here’s how to maneuver through Montego Bay airport in 4 easy steps.
1. Deal with Immigration Smoothly at Montego Bay Airport
During your flight, you will receive Immigrations and Customs forms that need to be filled out before you land. It’s best to have these forms and passport ready to present to Immigration officials. If you are arriving from a country that has cholera or yellow fever, you will need to go to the Ministry of Health desk for a quick interview before going through to Immigration. These countries include Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and most South American Countries.
2. Recognize your Luggage Easily at the Baggage Area
Your bags will come out on a conveyer belt that is labeled according to the flight on which you arrived. Be sure to take very colorful, easy-to-identify bags or add something that will help you spot your bags quickly, and just wait until they come to you. Complimentary Carts are available to take your bags through customs. Additionally, you can better plan your route by looking at the Montego Airport map prior to your arrival.
3. Have Everything Ready to Go at Customs
Once you collect your bags, make your way to the customs hall. Utilize the “nothing to declare” line unless you are carrying some gifts or other items that will remain in Jamaica. You will need to present your passport and customs forms. You may be required to do a secondary screening at the discretion of the officer on duty. As you know, it is illegal to travel with any type of firearm, ammunition, fireworks or mace on board. All explosives, weapons (even toy guns) and military camouflage clothing are illegal in Jamaica.
4. Find Your Amstar Representative
As you exit the Customs Hall, you will get to the arrivals area, where an Amstar representative will be waiting for you just past the sliding doors. Your Amstar representative is easy to identify: just look for the smiling face and the blue-flowered Amstar uniform. Please note that our representatives are not permitted to assist with baggage inside the airport and luggage carts are not allowed outside the arrival hall. Only registered “Red Cap Porters” can handle your bags as a part of airport regulation. Expect to tip $1 USD per bag.
More Tips for Your Montego Bay Airport Arrival
1. Arrive with pre-arranged plans:
Pre-booking your Jamaica airport transfer will give you the certainty and security that a trusted and reliable company will be serving you at the airport. You’ll know all you have to do is head for Amstar Desk # 10 inside the arrivals hall and someone will take care of the rest.
2. Dress in layers:
You will definitely feel a rush of heat and a little bit of humidity. Come prepared: wear layers of clothing for the trip so that you can take them off and end up with comfortable, light clothing when you arrive in Jamaica.
3. Choose the right transportation for you:
Choosing the right airport transfer comes down to what you’re looking for. So we have some great options for you.
Shared transfers: A comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle will take you and other guests to your respective hotels. Hotels are grouped by area so that everyone on board is going along the same route and there are never more than 3 stops before yours.
Deluxe private and private transfers: You can choose to have a private or a deluxe private transfer. On both, you will have an immediate departure, direct transportation with no stops on the route to your resort, and personalized meet and greet service. In addition, when booking deluxe, you will be given complimentary bottled water and cold refreshing towels as well as ride in the comfort and luxury of a private car or SUV.
4. Wet your whistle
Remember that hot, humid weather we mentioned? And those cold Jamaican beers everyone promised? You can have one right off the plane when traveling with us. With our added airport transfer supplements, you can make your hotel ride more comfortable by adding a couple of beers, wine, some cool water, a very cold soda pop or some chips to munch in before arriving at your hotel. This service is only available on private and deluxe transfers.
5. Choose VIP Express Service
There is an expedited express service both arrival and departure through Montego Bay Airport, which provides a fast lane through immigration and customs along with access to VIP lounges. This can be booked on the Amstar website or with your Amstar representative in resort.
What other tips would you add for arriving at Montego Bay Airport? Let us know in the comments. Or contact Amstar if you have any questions or special requests before, during or after your Jamaica Vacation!
Written by: Jackie Norman, Groups Operations Manager for Jamaica and a passionate promoter of Jamaica travel and culture.
