Current Information

eAPIS is Mandatory

The Advance Information on Private Aircraft Arriving and Departing the United States Final Rule requires that pilots of private aircraft (or their designees) transmit notices of arrival and/or departure and traveler manifest information to CBP electronically a minimum of 60 minutes prior to departure through eAPIS or another CBP-approved electronic data interchange system.

Electronic transmissions are now mandatory. See https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/

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Jamaica Updates - November 2009

General Aviation flights are much easier and less expensive into and out of the General Aviation Centre (GAC) at Norman Manley International, rather than through I.A.M. JetCenter at Sangster International. Sangster is now privatized, and quite expensive vs. Norman Manley which is still under Government operation. After entering Jamaica through Norman Manley, you only need a Coastwise Clearance, which you would get from Customs, to be able to continue on to other airports more convenient to your destination.

Boscobel airport is only a 10 minute drive to Ocho Rios. This airport is currently undergoing re-development (runway extensions both ends, new terminal building, new parking ramp, addition of Customs and Immigration facilities) and it should become an AOE by early 2010.

Ken Jones airport has been downgraded by the Airports Authority, with limited administrative and CFR services being provided. The runway is still in good condition.

The runway at Negil is rated as fair, with some cracks and uneven spots.

There is a plan to close Tinson Pen airport and relocate the operators to a yet-to-be-started new facility. No fuel here! 

Information provided by Chris Douglas, City Air Charters, Tinson Pen --
Thanks, Chris!

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Sandals Emerald Bay to Open January 2010

Sandals Resorts International purchased the former Four Seasons Resort on Great Exuma. They have taken over the existing marina, tennis center, spa, and Greg Norman designed championship golf course, and will open 190 luxury oceanfront rooms and six restaurants in January, 2010.