Jamaica has confirmed that citizens of 16 African countries, including South Africa and Ghana, can travel to the Caribbean nation without a visa, while Nigeria is not among the eligible countries. According to Jamaica’s Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), the visa-free arrangements largely apply to African countries that have existing agreements with Jamaica, many […]

Jamaica has confirmed that citizens of 16 African countries, including South Africa and Ghana, can travel to the Caribbean nation without a visa, while Nigeria is not among the eligible countries.

According to Jamaica’s Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), the visa-free arrangements largely apply to African countries that have existing agreements with Jamaica, many of them through Commonwealth ties. Eligible countries include South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and The Gambia.

Despite also being a Commonwealth nation, Nigeria remains on Jamaica’s visa-required list, meaning Nigerian passport holders must still obtain a visa before travelling to the island. Jamaican authorities have not announced any changes to Nigeria’s visa status.

The updated list has sparked conversations across Africa, with many Nigerians expressing disappointment over the exclusion, while others have called for stronger diplomatic engagement and reciprocal travel agreements between both countries.