Jamaica and Israel have taken a significant step in strengthening their diplomatic relationship with a newly signed agreement abolishing the need for visas for short visits between the two countries. The historic agreement, signed by Jamaican Prime Minister Hugh Shearer and Israel’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Abraham Sarlouis, allows citizens of both nations to travel visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. 

Published Wednesday, December 6, 1967

 
Agreement to abolish short-visit visas signed

Between Jamaica, Israel
 
An agreement was signed yesterday morning between the Government of Jamaica and the Government of Israel, abolishing the need for visas for short visits between both countries.
 
Signing on behalf of the Government of Jamaica was the Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs, the Hon. Hugh Shearer, and for the Government of Israel, its new Ambassador to Jamaica, Mr. Abraham Sarlouis.
 
The signing ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office, and present were the Minister of Legal Affairs, the Hon. Roy McNeill; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. James Lloyd; the Acting Chief of Protocol, Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Beverley Dodd; and the Consul for Israel in Jamaica, Mr. Aaron Matalon.
 
Citizens of both countries will now no longer need visas for purposes of visits lasting less than 90 days.
 
The opportunity was taken to sign the agreement during Mr. Sarlouis’ call on the Prime Minister to present him with copies of his letters of credence.
 
Mr. Shearer took the opportunity during the meeting to inquire about various Israeli diplomats he has met through his association with the United Nations.  He also paid tribute to the work that was done in Jamaica by the former Israeli Ambassador, Mr. Benjamin Varon, who, he said, had begun the early discussions concerning the abolition of the need for visas between Jamaica and Israel.

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