Travelling from Toronto to Jamaica and back during COVID-19

While I don’t recommend travelling during a pandemic, I had a some family related matters that required my physical presence. This post is less about that and more about the process and how it played out. I travelled between June and July 2021 but returned before the July 5, 2021 changes.

Leaving Canada

Each country has specific Covid test requirements that must be met before entry. Jamaica only requires an Anti-gen test but at the time of leaving I could only find a PCR Test for travel. It was over CAD$200 and had to be scheduled to ensure it falls within the 3 day window before the flight departed. The result was emailed to me on the day before the actual flight but I had to call them to follow up.

Before leaving, you need to get a Jamaica travel authorization. This needed to be completed within 7 days of departing but that could change by the time you are reading this.

Jamaica Cares, health safety for visitors, tourism workers and local communities (visitjamaica.com)

As this was still during the time of the mandatory hotel stay in all circumstances, the airport was not that crowded but I did arrive at the airport with more than two hours to spare.

There may have been one or two persons behind me. It was fairly empty. It was required to show the result of the negative test result at all check points.

A lot of places were closed but there were still a few opened spots to purchase food.

There were a lot of available seats

The seating area in the actual boarding hall was more crowded but this area was right next to it. The flight was more packed than I expected but there was spacing between groups of people. As I was travelling alone, this resulted in 3 seats by a window all to myself.

As I arrived fairly early, there was quite a bit of time spent just looking around.

I had an isle seat closer to the front but not in business or first class.

The two seats next to me including the window seat were free and it was a wonderful rainy day.

The flight was about 4 hours and the time passed surprisingly quickly.

Landing in Jamaica

After landing, the standard process of de boarding, collecting bags and going through customs ensued. They did verify why I was travelling, that I had a travel authorization, where I will be staying and confirmation that I will be quarantining for the required period. As my visit was fairly short, I was quarantined for the entire duration of my visit but this was a part of the plan.

This is the view after exiting the Airport.

The temperature was much warmer, in the region of about 34C.

As I would be quarantining at one location, I would not be going on the road again before going to get the Covid test required before leaving.

Travelling along the Palisadoes Strip on the way from the airport with a view of Kingston Harbour and the hills.

Travelling along Barbican Road in Kingston on the way from the Airport.

I stayed at the same location for a few days as I was unable to leave. Below are a few of the images I took with whatever free time was available.

A view of the mountains with dramatic clouds

It rained a few times. You can tell by looking at the hills in distance after hearing the rumble of thunder. Eventually the hills disappear completely in grey as the rain approaches and the heavy drops on the roof begin.

There were quite a few plants, flowers and trees in the yard.

Strolling around the yard presented scenery such as this in the afternoons.

Preparing to return to Canada

Returning to Canada before July 5, 2021 required a negative Covid PCR test. It was also recommended to install the ArriveCAN app ahead of time, and create an account and fill out all the required details for your return. Creating a SwitchHealth account for the purposes of the Covid test results was also required. I did not create this until I was in the line at the airport when back in Canada as I was not aware that it was required ahead of time.

It was also required to book a 3 day stay with an approved Quarantine Hotel to stay right after landing. I called a hotel and booked it without issue. If I was unable to find space at an approved Hotel, the laws at the time would require that I reschedule the flight or face a fine.

There are many places that offer PCR Covid tests but some require appointments. I was unable to secure an appointment at the last minute from somewhere nearby but discovered that there was walk in testing at the Airport. Each country will have specific requirements for when the test should be taken but in this case it was within 72 hours of departure time. It is a good idea to factor in delays if possible. The test was in a similar price range to the test in Canada of approximately CAD$200.

Returning to the Norman Manley International Airport on a rainy day for a PCR Covid test about 68 hours before my departure.

The parking is paid so keep that in mind if you will be driving.

The first step was to sign up under the white tents across from the Parking lot. After that, I was directed to a building to verify additional details and then to the side of the building to the actual test. The entire process was fairly smooth and I received the test result a day or two later.

I decided to stop on the way back from the Airport along the Palisadoes Strip to take a few images.

It had been raining all afternoon and the sky was still overcast so the images were fairly bland.

Leaving Jamaica

After getting to the airport about two and a half hours before departure, the regular check in process ensued and occurred as it normally does.

This image is from the food area eating Island Grill while waiting for boarding time.

Walking through various halls in the Norman Manley International Airport

Waiting until boarding time arrived.

While in the line to board, I snapped this image. Personnel checked everyone’s boarding pass and Covid test results.

There wasn’t much of a delay to take off after boarding

A shot of the blue skies and ocean as the plane passed the north coast of the island.

I had received these on the first flight as well. The brown packet has various kinds of wipes and sanitizers to keep me safe.

A shot of the piece of a rainbow

An eerie shot of unnaturally tall and stylistic condos by Humber Bay with the Downtown core of Toronto in the distance

Landing in Canada

View out the window after landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport which is really located in Mississauga.

After collecting my luggage, I eventually joined a line in which they had me create a SwitchHealth Account. After creating the account, they preformed another Covid test and gave me this take home test to perform on day 8. The SwitchHealth account allowed me to see the results of the test I just did as well as have a video call with a nurse on day 8 to take this Covid test. The box includes a bag and shipping label. After taking it, they scheduled it to be picked up on day 9 from my front door by courier.

There were various barriers defining where you should walk

All travelers had to show their hotel booking information and wait until a shuttle from the hotel or a taxi came to carry them directly to the quarantine hotel.

Hotel Quarantine

This was a shot will in the shuttle on the way to the hotel from the Airport. The 3 night hotel stay charge was a little under CAD$900 including the shuttle ride from the airport and three meals per day. Unfortunately, they charge you for the 3 nights upfront and even if you receive your result ahead of time, you are unable to get a refund on the remaining amount. I received my negative test result after just one night. I stayed an extra night since it was evening and I had already paid but did not stay for the 3rd night. Once you receive the negative test result, you are free to check out of the hotel.

The clean the room thoroughly and seal it. I basically broke the seal when I opened the door.

I don’t agree with the no refund policy but the room was quite comfortable and had a nice view.

The bathroom was very clean and you could call the front desk for any items that are not present.

Entertainment was limited to television and a view of the golf course. I did have the option to request limited time outside to walk around but never got around to it.

I can’t remember if this was lunch or breakfast one day. They basically leave the tray on the floor and knock. By the time you get to the door, they are almost always gone, similar to deliveries from Amazon when they ring the door bell.

This was definitely dinner on one of the days.

I can not comment on how healthy it was and I have a fairly basic palette so take my opinion with a grain of salt but I found the meals quite enjoyable.

A view of a rainbow arching over the golf course.

After the second night, I left the hotel and continued the remainder of my 14 day quarantine at home.

On day 8th, I setup a table as the requested in their instruction video for the day 8 Covid test.

Right after doing the 8th day test and placing the box in the shipping bag.

The entire travel process went surprisingly well even with all the added procedures. This is likely due to there being a lot less travelers during that time due to the mandatory hotel quarantine.