A Jamaican passport is one of the most important documents you will ever hold. Whether you're applying for the first time, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost passport, this guide covers everything you need to know in 2025.
Types of Jamaican Passport Applications
- First-time applicants — applying for a Jamaican passport for the first time
- Renewal — your current passport has expired or is expiring within 6 months
- Replacement — your passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged
- Child passport — applying for a passport for a minor under 16
Who Issues Jamaican Passports?
All Jamaican passports are issued by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA). Applications can be submitted at PICA's offices in Kingston and Montego Bay, at any High Commission or Embassy abroad, or through an authorised agent.
Documents Required — Adult First Application
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Original Jamaican birth certificate. Must be the current format. |
| National ID or existing passport | If you have one |
| TRN (Taxpayer Registration Number) | Required for all applicants |
| Two passport-sized photographs | Coloured, white background, taken within last 6 months |
| Completed PICA application form | Available at PICA offices or pica.gov.jm |
| Application fee | See fees below |
Documents Required — Child (Under 16)
For a child's passport you will need the child's birth certificate showing both parents' names, both parents' TRNs and IDs, a completed application form signed by a parent or guardian, and passport photos of the child.
⚠️ Both parents must consent for a minor's passport application in most cases. If one parent is absent, a court order or sworn affidavit may be required explaining the other parent's absence.
Passport Fees (2025)
| Type | Fee (JMD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passport (first/renewal) | $5,500 | 3–6 weeks standard |
| Child passport (under 16) | $3,500 | 3–6 weeks standard |
| Emergency/express service | Additional fee applies | 24–72 hours |
| Lost/stolen replacement | $5,500 + police report fee | 3–6 weeks |
Applying From Overseas
Jamaican citizens living abroad can apply for a passport at any Jamaican High Commission or Embassy. In the UK this is the Jamaican High Commission in London. In Canada, the Jamaican Consulate General in Toronto. In the US, the Jamaican Embassy in Washington DC or consulates in Miami, New York, or Los Angeles.
Contact your nearest High Commission
Book an appointment — walk-ins are often not accepted. Processing times may be longer than applying in Jamaica directly.
Gather documents
Same documents as above. Some High Commissions may require additional notarization of certain documents.
Submit and pay
Fees may be collected in local currency (GBP, CAD, USD) at the current exchange rate.
Collect or receive by mail
Your passport will either be available for collection at the High Commission or mailed to you depending on their current procedures.
Renewing a Jamaican Passport
You can renew your Jamaican passport once it has expired or is within 6 months of expiry. The process is similar to a first application but you also submit your existing passport. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months validity remaining for travel — don't wait until it has already expired.
Lost or Stolen Passport
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must first report it to the police and obtain a police report. You then submit this report alongside a new passport application. A lost passport fee applies in addition to the standard passport fee.
✅ Tip: Keep a certified photocopy of your passport stored separately from the original. This significantly speeds up the replacement process if the original is lost or stolen.
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Sources: Relevant Jamaican government agencies and official sources. Last verified April 2026.