Jamaican Passport Application Process: Everything You Need to Know

A passport serves as a secure travel document, essential for international travel and providing proof of identity and citizenship. Obtaining a passport is necessary for both local and overseas residents, facilitating travel and identification. In this article we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the passport application process in Jamaica, covering both first-time applicants and renewals. From the necessary documents to submission procedures, we’ll outline each step clearly to ensure a smooth application experience for all applicants. Whether you’re applying for the first time as an adult on behalf of a minor, or renewing your passport, this guide offers valuable insights into the process. 

Application Process for First-Time Adult Passport

To apply for a first-time adult passport, you will need to gather the following required documents:

1. A certified application form 
2. Birth Certificate/Adoption Certificate or Jamaican Citizenship Certificate
3. Two (2) identical photographs (NB: only one photograph needs to be certified and this should be done by the same certifying official who certified your application)
4. A valid Government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license, voter ID).
5. Proof of name change, if applicable (Marriage Certificate, Deed poll, Divorce Decree, Court Order)

Once you’ve gathered these documents, you can submit your application form along with the required documents to the nearest PICA office or Jamaican Consulate/High Commission if you’re applying from overseas.

First Time Minor Passport

To apply for a first-time minor passport, the parent/legal guardian must obtain and complete an application form on behalf of a minor (below age 18) and have it certified. He/she must submit the application form along with the following required documents:

1. The minor’s Birth Certificate/Adoption Certificate or Jamaican Citizenship Certificate
2. Two (2) identical photographs (NB: one photograph must be certified by the same certifying official who certified the application)
3. A valid Government-issued photo identification or passport for the parent/legal guardian (Example: driver’s license, voter ID)
4. Proof of name change if the name has been changed (Marriage certificate, Divorce decree, Deed poll or Court Order)

The parent/legal guardian applying is required to complete sections C and E of the application form. Section G is to be certified in the name of the parent/guardian who is applying. The completed application along with the required documents should be submitted to the nearest PICA office or Jamaican Consulate/High Commission if applying from overseas.

Applying for an Adult Passport while Overseas

To renew an adult passport while overseas, applicants should visit the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) online application portal to start the process. The following documents are required:

1. Your Expired Passport: The applicant must possess their expired passport.
2. Jamaican Citizenship Document: This could be a Jamaican birth certificate, adoption certificate, or citizenship certificate.
3. Passport-sized Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph must be uploaded on the PICA portal.
4. Payment Method: Visa, MasterCard debit or credit card is required to make payment.
5. Email Address: An active email address is necessary for receipt of relevant notifications and alerts.

Submission Process

The online passport renewal option is exclusively available to adult applicants renewing their documents. First-time passport applications, however, cannot be completed online. Additionally, individuals who received their last passports as minors (below age 18), those who have changed their names, and those replacing lost, stolen, or damaged passports are ineligible for online renewal. Upon completion of the online renewal process, the application will be processed within 20 working days upon receipt in Kingston.

Renewing An Adult Passport

To renew an adult passport through regular channels, applicants must obtain and complete an application form. If there have been no changes to the applicant’s name, they must fill out the Simplified Adult Renewal Passport Application Form. However, if there has been a name change, the applicant must complete and certify the regular passport application form. Along with the application form, applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Submit Current Passport: Applicants must submit their current passport.
2. Provide Passport-sized Photographs: Applicants must provide two identical passport-sized photographs. Certification is only necessary if there has been a change in the applicant’s name, and only one photograph needs to be certified.
3. Present Proof of Name Change: If the applicant’s name has been changed, they must provide supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate, deed poll, divorce decree, or court order.

Renewing A Minor Passport

For renewing a minor passport, the parent or legal guardian must obtain and complete an application form on behalf of the minor (below age 18). The application form must be submitted along with the following documents:

1. Minor’s Birth Certificate/Adoption Certificate or Jamaican Citizenship Certificate
2. Provide Two Identical Photographs: One photograph must be certified by the same certifying official who certified the application.
3. Present Government-issued Photo Identification: A valid government-issued photo identification or passport for the parent/legal guardian is required.
4. Show Proof of Name Change: If there has been a change in the minor’s name, supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, deed poll, or court order must be provided.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport

If a passport is reported lost or stolen, it becomes invalid and should not be used for travel to prevent fraudulent activities. Attempting to use a reported lost or stolen passport may lead to complications or delays at entry points. Before applying for a replacement passport, you must report the loss, theft, or damage to PICA. 

Replacement Process

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, you must submit the following documents:

• Completed Application Form
• Official Report from the Investigation and Surveillance Unit, PICA
• Birth Certificate/Adoption Certificate or Jamaican Citizenship Certificate
• Two Identical Photographs: One photograph must be certified by the same certifying official who certified your application.
• Valid Government-Issued Photo Identification: E.g. a driver’s license or voter ID.
• Proof of Name Change: Provide documentation such as a marriage certificate, deed poll, divorce decree, or court order.

If the passport belongs to a minor, refer to the documents required for a minor’s passport.

Damaged Passports

Damaged passports must be examined and assessed by PICA’s Customer Service Unit before further use. Willfully damaging or mutilating a passport is a violation of the Passport Act, and additional investigations may be conducted to determine the cause of the damage.

Passport Fees

Passport fees for various categories, including regular and replacement for both adults and minors, are outlined below. Processing times vary based on the application location, with different durations for Kingston (7 working days), Montego Bay (14 working days), and Portmore & May Pen Tax Offices (11 and 14 working days, respectively). Overseas applications typically take 20 working days upon receipt in Kingston for processing. Expedited services are available for local applications. Visit PICA’s website for more information

When collecting the passport in person, applicants must present the receipt issued during the application process. If collecting on behalf of someone else, a signed letter from the applicant and a copy of their ID must accompany the receipt.