Jamaica Passport Photo

Besides serving as a mark of citizenship, a passport is the leading travel document used to travel internationally. This guideline will go through a Jamaican passport application basics, including passport photo requirements and tips.

Table of contents

• Jamaican passport application
• Documents required for Jamaican passport application
• Jamaican passport photo requirements
• Get your Jamaican passport photo online

Jamaican passport application

In general, there are three ways to apply for a Jamaican passport:

• Offline at your local Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA) office. PICA accepts all sorts of passport applications, including first-time applications, replacements, renewals, and applications for minors.
• Apply at the nearest Jamaican High Commission or Consulate. Jamaican citizens who are currently abroad can renew an expired passport while not in Jamaica. To do so, apply at your nearest Jamaican diplomatic mission.
• Online. You can also apply for a Jamaican passport electronically at the PICO portal. However, this service is available only for renewal, as first-time applicants need to confirm their identity in person.

Documents required for Jamaican passport application

The documentation needed to submit for a Jamaican passport depend on your age group.

For adult applicants in Jamaica:

• Proof of citizenship: birth or adoption certificate or Jamaican Citizenship Certificate;
• Two identical photographs, fulfilling Jamaican passport photo specifications;
• A valid Government-issued photo identification;
• Evidence of name change if it has taken place (marriage certificate, deed poll, divorce decree, court order);
• Processing fee;
• If renewing: your old/current passport.

For minor applicants:

• The minor’s proof of citizenship: birth or adoption certificate or Jamaican Citizenship Certificate;
• Two identical photographs, fulfilling requirements;
• A valid Government-issued photo identification or passport for the parent/legal guardian;
• Proof of name change (if applicable);
• The parent/legal guardian applying is required to complete sections C and E of the application form;
• Processing fees;
• If renewing: the minor’s old/current passport.

For application:

• Your expired passport;
• Proof of citizenship: birth or adoption certificate or Jamaican Citizenship Certificate;
• Passport-sized photograph;
• Visa/MasterCard debit or credit card for payment;
• An email address for receipt of relevant notifications and alerts.

Jamaican passport photo requirements

For your passport application to be accepted, make sure that your passport photos meet the Jamaican standards listed below.

Jamaica passport photo size

The required size is 35 mm in width and 45 mm in height. Meanwhile, the height of the face from the chin to the top of the forehead in the photograph should be 25mm to 35mm. There should be a margin of 3mm to 4mm between the head and the top edge of the picture.

Here is an example:

Jamaica passport photo background

Jamaica has quite specific criteria for ID photo backgrounds, depending on your appearance. The point is that your face, hair, and clothing should contrast well with the background.

• Applicants with dark complections must choose a white background;
• Applicants of light complexion must be photographed against a pastel-shaded wall: beige, pale pink, etc.
• If you have white or grey hair, take a photo against pale blue or grey background.

Jamaica passport photo dress-code

Passport photo clothing rules are also quite strict. The essential requirement is not to expose the shoulders and chest. Applicants with dark complections should wear colored clothing (but too many bright colors are not recommended). If you have light complections, you should avoid white clothing. Any headwear is only allowed for religious purposes.

Can I wear glasses in Jamaica passport photo?

Prescription glasses are allowed, as long as they don’t obscure eyes and don’t have thick frames or tinted lenses. Sunglasses are prohibited.

Other important Jamaica passport picture criteria

• The pictures must be no older than six months;
• Photos have to be in color;
• There should be no distortions or marks on the submitted photos;
• If submitting printed photos, use matte photo paper only.

Get your Jamaican passport photo online

No matter which way you’re applying for your Jamaican passport, a valid passport photo is vital to ensure that your application is processed as efficiently as possible. A valid photograph needs to fulfill all the requirements explained above.

To get one quickly, you can jut use Visafoto, which has been helping people around the world get photos for various identification documents. Just take a picture of yourself under good lighting, with proper posing and clothing as explained above. Then Visafoto will take care of the technicalities.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID. Choose the background option that suits you the most for the best result.

The original picture:

The pictures you will get:

With Visafoto, the Jamaican passport photo price is $9 only.

How to print a digital photo for Jamaica passport application?

Whether you need it in a digital format or printed, Visafoto has got your back. You will get not only a digital photo file but also a template ready for printing, so you don’t need to worry about formatting your image to get it printed right. Use this guideline to print your Jamaican passport photo correctly.

My passport photo was not accepted. What to do?

This rarely happens to Visaphoto users: images processed by our software are accepted 99.7% of the time. However, please contact our 24-hour technical support if something has gone wrong. We'll replace the photo free of charge or refund you the full amount for the service!