A passport is a secure document that is often used to show proof of one’s identity and citizenship. It is also used for international travel. Below are the procedures for applying for a Jamaican passport.
First-Time Applicant (Adult)
Persons residing in Jamaica who have never held a passport MUST appear in person either at the head office of the Passport Immigration & Citizenship Agency (PICA) at 25c Constant Spring Road or to an Immigration Officer situated in the police divisional headquarters in each parish.
The following documents should be submitted for first time applicants:
- A certified application form (forms are available from the PICA offices. You can also click here to apply online
- Valid photo identification
- Two (2) Passport-sized photographs, one of which must be certified
- Birth Certificate/Adoption register/ Certificate of Citizenship
- Marriage Certificate (for women using married name)
- Application Fee. Click here to get information on the fees to be paid.
Applications for Minors
Where an application is being made for a minor, that is, a person under 18 years, one of the parents or a legal guardian is required to complete the application form. Persons appointed as legal guardians should also present the letter from the court conferring guardianship on that individual.
A person acting on behalf of a parent who is overseas, needs a letter of authorization and a copy of the parent’s passport or valid photo ID. Children three years and over are required to appear in person with their parent/guardian for all applications.
To apply, the following documents must be submitted:
- A certified application form (forms are available from the PICA offices. You can also click here to download the form)
- Sections C and E must be completed and signed by parent/legal guardian
- Two (2) Passport-sized photographs, one of which must be certified
- Birth Certificate/Adoption register/ Certificate of Citizenship
- Parents ID
- Application Fee. Click here to get information on the fees to be paid.
Passport Renewal
A passport may be renewed if:
- Expired
- If there are no more pages for visas
- The holder has changed his or her name.
An applicant should submit the following documents:
- A certified application form (forms are available from the PICA offices. You can also click here to download the form)
- Current Passport
- Two (2) Passport-sized photographs, one of which must be certified
- Birth Certificate/Adoption register/ Certificate of Citizenship
- Marriage Certificate (for women using married name)
- Application Fee. Click here to get information on the fees to be paid.
If collecting the passport in person, the applicant is expected to show the receipt received when the application was made. If collecting on behalf of another person, a letter signed by the applicant and a copy of the applicant’s ID must accompany the receipt.
Photo Requirements for Your Passport
When applying for you passport, you will need to submit two (2) passport-sized photographs with your application form. Ensure that your photos follow the guidelines below:
- 2 identical photographs are required
- Photographs should be taken in colour with a matte/dull finish, against a plain background
- Applicants of light complexion should avoid wearing white clothing and should have photographs taken against a pastel shaded background
- Applicants of dark complexion should wear coloured clothing and photographs should be taken against a white background.
- Applicants with grey/white hair should have their photograph taken against a pale blue or pastel background
- There must be no other person or object in the photograph
- There should be no background shadows
- A full frontal pose is required
- There should be no creases or ink marks on the photograph
- Exposed shoulders and chest must be avoided
- Bright coloured clothing is not recommended
- Eye glasses should not have tinted lenses
- Heavy (thick) frames should be avoided
- Headgear is permitted ONLY for religious purposes. Facial features including the outline of the face from the bottom of the chin to top of the forehead must me clearly shown
- Photographs submitted with an application become the property of the Government of Jamaica
Lost/Stolen/Damaged Passport
A Jamaican passport is one of the most important identity documents one can possess and therefore must be kept in a safe place at all times. Once a passport has been reported lost or stolen, it is no longer valid and should not be used for travel. This is to ensure that it is not used for fraudulent purposes. Attempted use of a passport that was reported lost or stolen may result in difficulties and or delays at ports of entry.
If your passport goes missing by any means a formal report should be made to the nearest PICA Location, the Police or in the case of persons overseas the nearest Jamaican Consulate/Mission and the Police as well. This is extremely important to assist PICA in safeguarding your identity and is the first step in getting a replacement passport.
You will be required to make a report at the nearest police station to where the incident occurred. Please note that exhaustive enquiries will be made before a replacement passport is issued. If you need to travel urgently please contact PICA’s Customer Services Unit for further information.
Damaged passports must be presented to PICA’s Customer Service for examination and advice before further use. It is a breach of the Passport Act if a passport is wilfully damaged or mutilated, therefore additional investigations may be carried out to determine how the damage occurred.
For additional information contact:
- Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA)
- 25 Constant Spring Road
- Kingston 10, Jamaica
- Tel: (876) 908-0142