Cellphones, smart watches, baby food on approved list for US embassy visits

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States Embassy says previously banned cellphones and smart watches will now be allowed inside the embassy following a September 1 advisory. In the advisory, the embassy said visitors attending their visa appointments will now be allowed to take their phones inside the building but will have to abide by rules governing their usage. The list of items that visitors are allowed to carry includes: Cellphones, earbuds, smartwatches.

Medical devices and non-liquid medication (pills), which must be declared before security screening Small quantities of baby formula, baby food, milk Small quantities of diapers Money (bills and coins) Belts Watches Keys Baby carriers and baby strollers that can be folded small enough to pass through an X-ray machine There are certain items, however, that visitors will still not be allowed to enter with, including: Computers, intelligent eyewear, and other electronic devices not specified below Media devices such as compact discs (CD’s), thumb drives, memory cards, flash drives/USBs, headphones, speakers, etc. Cameras or video equipment Flashlights Lighters and matches Weapons (guns, pepper spray/mace, etc.) Knives and other sharp objects Purses and bags larger than 18” x 18” Alcoholic beverages of any kind Liquids, gels, aerosols, oils, lotions, or powder (exceptions above) In the past, cellphones were prohibited inside the building, with visitors reporting having to pay vendors outside the embassy to hold onto electronic devices. KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States Embassy in Jamaica is reminding residents who will be visiting for visa appointments that certain electronic devices, alcohol and other items are strictly prohibited.

In a September 1, 2026 advisory, the embassy said visitors will not be allowed to enter with: Computers, intelligent eyewear, and other electronic devices not specified below Media devices such as compact discs (CD’s), thumb drives, memory cards, flash drives/USBs, headphones, speakers, etc. Declare necessary medical devices and non-liquid medication (pills) before security screening Small quantities of baby formula, baby food, milk Small quantities of diapers Money (bills and coins) Belts Watches Keys Baby carriers and baby strollers that can be folded small enough to pass through an X-ray machine The advice comes amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration in the United States.