Jamaican passport renewal: Everything you must know

Renewing a Jamaican passport doesn't have to be complicated. This article is your ultimate guide, breaking down the process into simple, manageable steps. Whether in Jamaica or another country, we provide detailed insights to help you renew your Jamaican passport hassle-free.

We will explore the necessary documentation, the application process, and passport fees. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear understanding of the Jamaican renewal process, ensuring a seamless experience.

When requesting a Jamaican passport renewal

There are a few common circumstances that require a Jamaican passport renewal:

• Your passport has expired or is close to its expiration date,

• You have run out of pages for stamps and visas,

• There’s been a change in your details, like a name change after marrying.

You must gather the correct documents and walk through the passport renewal process in any of these situations. The application differs slightly for adults and minors and depends on your location.

Jamaica passport renewal requirements

Whether you're renewing a passport for an adult or a minor, you must provide specific documents. These requirements aim to verify your identity and citizenship, ensuring the integrity and security of your travel document. Below, we've outlined the required documents and guidelines for passport photos.

Renewing adult passport: Required documents

To renew an adult Jamaican passport, you will need the following documents:

• Original passport – Your current or expired passport.

• Original birth certificate – The original Jamaican Birth Certificate or a National Birth Certificate along with a Jamaican Citizenship Certificate or a National Birth Certificate and Adoption Register.

• Two identical photographs. Check the guidelines below.

• If there has been a name change, you must submit a Deed Poll registered at an appropriate authority, such as the Royal Courts of Justice in London, UK Deed Poll Service, or the Registrar General’s Department in Jamaica.

• Married women should submit their Marriage Certificateusing their married name. Divorced women wishing to use their married name must provide their divorce judgment (Decree Absolute).

Renewing minor passport: Required documents

For renewing a minor's Jamaican passport, the following documents are required:

• Original passport – The minor's current or expired passport.

• Original birth certificate – As the adults, it must be the original Jamaican Birth Certificate or a National Birth Certificate along with a Jamaican Certificate of Citizenship or a National Birth Certificate and Adoption Register.

• Two passport-size photographs.

• Parent's ID – The parent's valid government-issued ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, permanent residency identification, or Jamaican electoral ID.

• Legal guardians must submit a care order or a notarized letter of consent from the parent, along with their ID.

Jamaica passport photo requirements

The photographs of your Jamaican passport application play a crucial role in the identification process. You must submit two passport-size photos, and one of these, along with Section G of the passport application form, must be certified by the same certifying official.

The acceptable officials include a notary Public or Consular Officer, Medical Practitioner, Solicitor/Lawyer, Minister of Religion authorized to perform marriages, Head Teacher, Dentist, and Bank Manager. For in-person visits at the High Commission, Consulate, or Consular Surgeries, certification must be by a Consular Officer or the Honorary Consul.

Additionally, ensure passport photos meet the following criteria:

• Photos should not be more than six months old.

• Dimensions should be 35-45 mm in width.

• Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photograph.

• The photos should reflect your natural skin tone with appropriate brightness and contrast.

• They must be colored, identical, and printed on high-quality paper at a high resolution.

• If taken with a digital camera, ensure it's high-quality and printed on photo-quality paper.

• Eyeglasses should not obscure the eyes.

• Eyes must be open and visible.

• The background should be plain and light-colored, with the subject wearing darker shades of clothing.

• Uniform lighting is required to avoid shadows or flash reflections.

• Red-eye photographs aren’t acceptable.

• No stamps or seals should be used on the photograph. Only one photograph should bear the inscription, “I certify that this is a true photograph of the applicant.”

How to apply for a Jamaican passport renewal

You can apply for a Jamaican passport renewal in different ways, depending on your location and preference. Below, we outline the steps for applying online, in person, or by mail, ensuring that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Applying online for Jamaican passport renewal

For adults applying within Jamaica, renewing a passport online is a convenient option. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Visit the website of the Jamaican Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA). Log in and complete the passport renewal application form with accurate and up-to-date information.

2. Pay the passport fees online using a VISA or Mastercard card.

3. Print it and take it to a certifying official for verification. The list of acceptable certifying officials includes Notary Public, Medical Practitioners, Solicitors/Lawyers, and others as specified by the PICA.

4. With your application form certified, schedule an appointment at the nearest PICA office to present it along with the current passport and other required documents.

You can choose to pick up your passport at the nearest PICA or to receive it at your address.

Applying for Jamaican passport renewal in person

Renewing your passport in person is the only option for adults overseas or minors in general. Here's how to proceed:

1. You must schedule an appointment at one of PICA’s local offices or, if overseas, the nearest Jamaican Consulate/High Commission.

2. Fill out the passport renewal application form available at the office. Ensure that all details are accurate and complete.

3. Provide proof of Jamaican citizenship and identity, such as your original birth certificate, National Identity Card, and any other requested documents.

4. Pay the passport fee. Inquire about the exact amount and acceptable payment methods since they can change according to the location.

The Jamaican government will notify you when the passport is ready so you can pick it up at the PICA’s office, consulate, or mission where you applied.

Applying for Jamaican passport renewal by mail

This option is only available for Jamaican adults. Besides the requirements above, the applicant must include a self-addressed registered envelope with the application to return original documents. Here are the steps to apply for a passport renewal by mail:

1. Complete the passport renewal application form, which can be found on the PICA’s website. Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.

2. Pay the passport fees online with a credit or debit card (VISA or Mastercard).

3. Have your application certified by an authorized official, as listed under the online application process.

4. Send your certified application with the necessary documents to either a Jamaican High Commission/Consulate nearest to you (for overseas applicants) or to the local address provided by PICA for residents in Jamaica.

Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your passport and documents by mail.

Jamaica passport processing fee

The Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA) of Jamaica has different fees for the renewal of Jamaican passports according to the applicant's location and chosen processing time. Click here to check the current Jamaican passport fees.

Processing time of Jamaican passport renewal

Renewing your Jamaican passport involves different processing times based on where and how you submit your application. Knowing these times helps plan your application submission, especially if you have upcoming travel plans. Here's a breakdown of the processing times:

• Kingston Head Office: Regular applications take seven working days.

• Regional Offices: Applications have a processing time of 14 working days.

• Portmore Office: The processing time here is 11 working days.

• Expedited Services in Kingston: For an additional fee, applicants can avail of same-day, next-day, or three-day processing at PICA's headquarters.

• Expedited Services at Outposts: Five-day and seven-day expedited processing options are available at PICA outposts.

Note that expedited services aren’t available for overseas applicants.

Contact Information: PICA’s, Jamaican Consulate General and Embassy

Contacting the Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA) offices and Jamaican Embassies and Consulates can be crucial when you need assistance with passport renewals or have queries regarding immigration and citizenship matters. These offices provide valuable information, guidance, and support throughout the application process. Below is the contact information for the main offices:

PICA’s general information

• Telephone: 876-754-7422

• Email: [email protected]

PICA’S Head Office

• Address: 25C Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10

PICA Regional Office

• Address: Shop 9, Annex at Fairview, Alice Eldemire Drive, Bogue Estate, Montego Bay, St. James

PICA Mandeville

• Address: Shop 26, James Warehouse Complex, 24 Hargreaves Avenue, Mandeville, Manchester

PICA May Pen

• Address: Courthouse Property, 7 Windsor Avenue, May Pen

PICA St. Ann's Bay

• Address: St. Ann’s Bay Post Office, 9 Main Street

PICA Port Antonio

• Address: Port Antonio Post Office, Harbour Street

PICA Waterloo Road (Citizenship & Immigration)

• Address: 8 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10

Overseas applications

Those overseas must contact the nearest Jamaican Embassy or Consulate for specific queries related to passport renewal and other consular services. Check the Jamaican Embassy and Consulate Information for further details.

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