frequently asked question

Proof of citizenship: Original birth certificate or adoption certificate.
For applicants born outside of Jamaica, a certificate of registration, naturalization or letter of certification or citizenship should be submitted.
Proof of identity: Driver’s licence, voter’s ID or work/student ID subject to approval by the Passport Officer and two photographs, one of which should be certified by the Certifying Official who signed the application form..

What documents should I present if I am renewing my passport?

Original birth certificate or other proof of Jamaican Citizenship, expired passport, two photographs (one of which should be certified by the Certifying Official who signed the application form).

What is the CARICOM Passport?

The CARICOM Passport is an official travel document that can be used for travel within and outside the Caribbean. It will now become the standard issue for the Jamaican passport.

What is the validity of the passport?

The Jamaican passport is valid for ten years for an adult and five years for children 17 years and under.

What measures do I take if my passport has been lost / stolen?
Report it immediately to the nearest police station or to the Passport Office.
What privileges do I gain from having a CARICOM Passport?

The introduction of the document will facilitate smoother processing of CARICOM nationals transiting the region. It is intended to foster a greater sense of community within the region and would be a tangible demonstration of one’s membership in the Caribbean family.

Who can certify the application form and photograph?

There are a number of persons including Justices of the Peace, School Principal, Bank Manager, Dentist, and Attorney-at-Law. See section 4.1 for a complete list.

Why is identification required if I am applying for a passport for the first time or replacing my passport ?
It is needed to prove the identity of the applicant beyond a reasonable doubt.
Would I need to obtain a CARICOM Passport before my current passport expires?

Persons with a valid passport, who wish to have a CARICOM Passport, may do so. This will be treated as a renewal of your document, which means that the passport being renewed will be cancelled and returned where there is a valid visa. If you do not wish to change a valid passport you may continue to use it until it expires. Holders of the blue hand-written passports are being encouraged to apply for a CARICOM Passport, even if their current document is still valid.

Can I send my application to Jamaica to be renewed if I am overseas?
No. Applications should be submitted through the nearest Jamaican Mission to the applicant.
I am a minor and my parents are abroad, deceased or cannot be located, how do I go about applying for a passport?

Contact the customer service section of the Passport Office for further information. The telephone nos. are as follows: 754-5249, 754-5092, 754-4675, 906-4402, 906-1497, 906-4329 or visit the office in person if it is convenient to you.

Would the process, requirement and cost for obtaining a CARICOM Passport remain the same?

The process, requirement and cost for obtaining the CARICOM passport will remain the same as was previously required.

Do I need to give my thumbprint?
No, it is only a requirement for persons who are unable to write.
If I am a divorced woman and wish to keep my married name, what documents should I present to renew my passport?

Original divorce decree or marriage certificate along with the birth certificate, expired passport, two photographs, one of which should be certified by the certifying official who signed the application form.

How long does it take to process the passport?

Kingston – seven (7) working days
Montego Bay – fourteen (14) working days
Overseas applications (submitted through the Jamaican Missions) – twenty (20) working days
Express Services Available from our Kingston Offices Next Day and Three working days

If I am a married woman, what documents should I present to renew my passport?

Original marriage certificate, birth certificate, expired passport and two photographs. Married men need not present marriage certificates.

Is it necessary to take my child to the passport office?

No. However, all children over the age of three years must make an appearance at the Immigration Office. If you reside in the rural areas, you may visit the nearest Divisional Office of the Jamaica Constabulary Force with the child, where the Immigration Officer examines the applications, then encloses the documents in a sealed envelope. You should not open the envelope. Thereafter, the application should be submitted to the Passport Office, 25 Constant Spring Road for processing. If you reside in the Corporate Area you should visit the Passport Office.

Is the old birth certificate accepted by the passport office?
Yes, the Passport Office accepts the old as well as the new birth certificates.
What do I need to do if I need to travel urgently and my passport is expired?

Contact the Customer Service Section of the Passport Office for further information at the following telephone numbers: 754-5249/754-5092/754-4675/906-1497 or the nearest Jamaican Mission if overseas.

What documents should I present along with the application for a lost/stolen passport?

Police report, Birth Certificate, Supplementary ID, Two photographs, one of which should be certied by the Certifying Official who signed the application form and the original marriage certicate where applicable.

CITIZENSHIP FAQ

Who can submit an application on my behalf?

Attorney, Grandparents **(only) (not persons authorized by parents) **once authorized in writing by the parent.

Can my application be made online?
No. 8 Waterloo, local outpost offices, Embassies and consulates.
Are photocopied documents acceptable?
No, only originals are to be submitted.
Can I use my laminated document in support of my application?
Laminated documents are not acceptable.
How long can I be married to a Jamaican before I can apply for citizenship by virtue of Marriage?
There is no waiting period for applicants to submit an application.
I am a Canadian national, do I have to Pledge the Oath of Allegiance?
Only Non-commonwealth nationals are required to do so.
Do I have to be living in Jamaica to apply for Jamaican citizenship?
Only if you are applying for Registration (Adult) and Naturalization.
If my parent is a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public can he/she certify documents being used in my citizenship application?
Close relatives, ie, parents, grandparents, brothers or sisters are NOT allowed to certify.
I was born in Jamaica and am trying to procure a copy of my birth certificate. The Registrar General’s Department has advised that my birth was never registered. How do I obtain proof of citizenship?

Persons who claim to have been born in Jamaica but whose birth was never recorded can apply for a document to identify them as a citizen of Jamaica. This process is referred to as Citizenship in case of Doubt. Registrar Generals Department also does late registration.

Does Jamaica recognize dual nationality?
Yes, Jamaica recognizes dual citizenship.
How to apply for a certified copy of a certificate of Jamaican Citizenship

QUALIFICATION:
The applicant should have been granted an original Certificate of Jamaican Citizenship. PROCEDURE:
1. A letter applying for a Certified Copy should be addressed to:-
The Chief Executive Officer Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency 25c Constant Spring Road Kingston 10
The letter should state the Name, Address and File Reference Certificate number of the applicant. The applicant is required to state what has happened to the original Certificate of Citizenship and why the certified copy is required.
2. The letter should be accompanied by the following documents:- (i.) Recent Police Report on the status of Original Certificate;
(ii.) A Certified Passport sized photograph of applicant;
(iii.) Parent’s photo I.D. if applicant is a minor; (iv.) The appropriate fee (See fee structure below)
3. Compliant applications are processed within 5 working days
4. COST Applications submitted locally will attract a non-refundable fee of JMD$5000.00. Payment for local applications will only be accepted in Jamaican dollars.
Fees for the various foreign currencies are accepted but are only applicable to applications submitted through the Jamaican High Commission Consulates/Embassies.
The required costs are quoted as follows: USD$100.00; CAD$110.00; GBP£60.00; EUR€74.00

What is the length of time for obtaining Jamaican Citizenship?

The processing time for citizenship is dependent on the category of the application: Applications for Citizenship by Descent are processed within 25 working days Applications for Citizenship by Virtue of Marriage are prepared for submission to the Minister for approval within 24 months Naturalization will be processed and prepared for submission to the Minister for approval within 24 months Registration (Commonwealth citizens) will be processed and prepared for submission to the Minister for approval within 24 months Registration (Minors) will be processed and prepared for submission to the Minister for approval within months24

Where can I apply?

Applications are accepted at 8 Waterloo Rd, all outpost Offices (see locations), Embassies and Missions.