A passport is a legal document issued by the government of a country to its citizen. The primary purposes of a passport are international travel, and it also serves as a means of identification. A passport also gives access for one to cross the country’s border. Getting a passport in Jamaica is relatively straightforward. Here we will go through the steps you should take to receive to Jamaican passport.
There are three ways to apply for a Jamaican passport. You can apply:
- Online, if renewing and over 18 years old, you can apply via the online passport application portal.
- By visiting the passport office and apply over the counter.
- By visiting the passport office and apply via the drop-box service.
Jamaican Passport Adult
If you are an adult applying for a Jamaican passport for the first time, there are some standard documents required in other to complete the process. These requirements are:
- Processing fee
- A Birth Certificate, in some cases, an Adoption Certificate or Jamaican Citizenship Certificate.
- Two identical photographs. Usually, the requirement is that the pictures not be over six months old. The same official that certified your application should also certify these photos.
- A government-issued identification, in the form of driver’s license or national ID.
- In the instance of a name change, they will need evidence proving such. Evidence provided can be in the form of Divorce Decree, Marriage Certificate, Deed poll, or Court Order.
Jamaican Passport Child
Applying for a passport for a minor may be slightly different, here we highlight the steps for you to apply for a Jamaican passport for a minor.
You will need:
- Processing fee
- A Birth Certificate, in some cases, an Adoption Certificate or Jamaican Citizenship Certificate.
- Two identical photographs. Usually, the requirement is that the pictures not be more than six months old. These photos should also be certified by the same official that certified your application.
- Parents or legal guardian’s government-issued identification, in the form driver’s license or national ID.
- In the instance of a name change, evidence proving such will be needed. Evidence provided can be in the form of Divorce Decree, Marriage Certificate, Deed poll, or Court Order.
- Parents or guardian needs to full out sections C and E of the Passport application form.
Well, now that you have all the documents, we have some helpful pointers to keep in mind, these tips should assist when applying for a Jamaican Passport.
A Jamaican passport can take anywhere from seven (7) to fourteen (14) days, with expedited services available at an additional cost.
Tips
Please note that first-time applicants can not apply for a passport online. For persons renewing, however, they can apply online and pay by a Visa, Master debit, or credit card.
Please note that when completing a child’s application, Section G of the form is to be certified by an official using the name of the parent/guardian applying.
In all cases, when applying for a minor, the minor must be present and accompanied by the parent or guardian that fill out the application form.
When reapplying for a passport, a birth certificate is not required. Neither are you required to certify your documents or photograph unless, in the case of a name change.
After you have got the required documents and paid your fees, you submit the documents for processing, and congratulation, you are on your way to getting a Jamaican Passport.
