The Caribbean island state of Jamaica was part of the West Indian Federation from 1958 to 1961 before gaining independence from Great Britain in 1962. Switzerland recognized the new state immediately and has maintained diplomatic relations with Jamaica from the beginning. In 1963, Switzerland opened a consulate general in the capital, Kingston (today an honorary consulate). Diplomatic business is carried out via the Swiss Embassy in Havana (Cuba). In 2010, 160 Swiss citizens were living in Jamaica, and some 300 Jamaican citizens were living in Switzerland.

The volume of trade between the two countries is modest. From 2008 till 2010, Switzerland and Jamaica engaged in a cooperation effort for the purpose of enhancing the protection of intellectual property (geographical designations of origin).