Jamaican authorities have announced enhanced procedural requirements for the cross-border transportation of human remains, implementing a standardized transit permit system for both bodies and cremated ashes. The Kingston and St Andrew Public Health Department issued formal guidance outlining that all human remains entering Jamaica must now be accompanied by an official transit permit obtainable through local health departments at a cost of J$10,000.
The regulatory framework designates specific jurisdictional oversight based on port of entry. The St James Public Health Department will process permits for remains arriving through Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, while the Kingston and St Andrew Public Health Department handles permits for entries via Norman Manley International Airport, Central Sorting Office, and Kingston Sea Port.
Documentation requirements vary depending on the nature of the remains. For complete bodies, officials mandate presentation of a death certificate, embalming certificate, overseas transit permit, non-communicable disease documentation, copy of the deceased’s identification, and flight itinerary confirming entry port. Cremains require a death certificate, cremation certificate, and flight itinerary.
The regulations similarly govern export procedures, requiring a death certificate, embalmer’s affidavit for bodies, cremation certificate for ashes, and flight itinerary specifying exit port. Authorities encourage individuals with additional inquiries to contact their respective local public health departments for clarification on these updated protocols.