How to Apply
Applying for a Jamaican Passport or Visa.
The Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency (PICA) regulations and guidelines govern all applications for passports and visas. The Consulate facilitates the application process, but PICA is the final authority. An applicant for a passport or a visa should present all required documentation at the time of the application. Applicants MUST submit (a) legibly completed application form in full which must be signed in all applicable places; and (b) accompanied by requisite documentation and identification (before continuing, see notes regarding documentation and photo identification)
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IMPORTANT Notes regarding Vital Records Documents, Photo Identification & Photographs Examine all your documents carefully before submitting your application. Make sure that they are the original issued by the proper authority* (photocopies or copies certified by a Notary Public will not be accepted – no exceptions). Documents will be returned on completion of application process along with passport or visa. Proper authority: All supporting documents (birth, death, marriage, divorce, name change, adoption, et cetera) must be CERTIFIED copies issued by the Official records office in the district where the event occurred, e.g. Registrar General’s Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics/Records, County Court, and must bear the original seal / stamp and a signature of the issuing authority.
Photo Identification In exceptional instances, the Consulate may request additional photo identification to support an application. In such instances, a notarized copy of the document will be requested, but the Consulate reserves the right to request the original document, which will be returned to the applicant at the end of the application process. Photographs The Jamaican Passport Agency has strict photo requirements. Please read carefully the specific for passport / visa specifications. Failure to comply will lead to extensive delay in processing application (s) Further Information on Jamaican Passport can be found on this Web site as to supporting documentation applicants should submit with their Passport /or Visa application. It is the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate to an Officer that they meet the requirements of the Jamaican Immigration Regulations. Decisions are made based on the supporting documents submitted and on the information provided in the application form, which the applicant declares to be true. |
PASSPORTS
Processing period:
Processing time is based on final approval of all requirements by the Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency (PICA) in Jamaica.
Walk -in 20 - 30 working days
Mail-in – 60 - 90 working days
If for any reason additional information or documentation is required, this will delay the processing period beyond 90 days. You can receive updates from the office at any stage of the process, and get approximate dispatch date for Passport / or Visa including a USPS tracking number by contacting the following:
Telephone (305) 374-8431 ext. 225 or 226 or 235 between 2:00 and 5:00pm only.
Payments:
Mail-in (a) money order or cashier’s cheque (checks) payable to the Consulate General of Jamaica - Miami
Walk-in (a) money order or cashier’s cheque (check) payable to the Consulate General of Jamaica – Miami; or (b) cash – exact fee only
Cancellations:
Cancellation of an application must be requested in writing (no exceptions) and signed by the applicant. In the case of minors, this is to be done by the parent/guardian who applied on the minor’s behalf.
Refunds:
Refunds are not automatic and are only payable depending on the stage of the process of an application. In cases where refunds are approved, only a portion of fees will be repaid. Requests for refunds must be done in writing and signed by the applicant. In the case of minors, this is to be done by the parent/guardian who applied on the minor’s behalf.
Mail-in & Walk-in Guidelines for Passport Applications
Your passport will be returned to you via US Postal Service (Express Mail).
US Postal Service will not deliver to P.O. Box numbers and a regular mailing address is required with Street Address &/or Apt Number, and ZIP Code where applicable, for the return of your documents.
VISAS
Walk-in Applications
Visas are normally processed within 24 – 48 hours or 5 – 7 working days depending on the country of citizenship. For the latter category, the Consulate is required to send off application to the Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency in Jamaica (see list of countries which require the 5 – 7 days approval process – no exceptions) Applicants holding a passport from one of these countries must therefore apply two weeks in advance.
Mail-in Applications
Visas are usually are processed within five (5) days or 7 – 10 working days from the date received in the Consulate, depending on the country of citizenship. For the latter category, the Consulate is required to send off application to the Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency in Jamaica (see list of countries which require the 7 – 10 days approval process – no exceptions) Applicants holding a passport from one of these countries must therefore apply two weeks in advance.
Applicants can receive updates from the office at any stage of the process, and get approximate dispatch date for Visa including a USPS tracking number by contacting the following:
Telephone (305) 374-8431 ext. 225 or 226 or 235 between 2:00 and 5:00pm only.
Mail-in (a) money order or cashier’s cheque (checks) payable to the Consulate General of Jamaica - Miami
Walk-in (a) money order or cashier’s cheque (check) payable to the Consulate General of Jamaica – Miami; or (b) cash – exact fee only.
Cancellations:
Cancellation of an application must be requested in writing (no exceptions) and signed by the applicant. In the case of minors, this is to be done by the parent/guardian who applied on the minor’s behalf.
Refunds:
Refunds are not automatic and are only payable depending on the stage of the process of an application. In cases where refunds are approved, only a portion of fees will be repaid. Requests for refunds must be done in writing and signed by the applicant. In the case of minors, this is to be done by the parent/guardian who applied on the minor’s behalf.
Jamaican Passport /or Visa issuing office provides comprehensive information on this Web site as to supporting documentation applicants should submit with their Passport /or Visa application. It is the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate to an Officer that they meet the requirements of the Jamaican Immigration Regulations. Decisions are made based on the supporting documents submitted and on the information provided in the application form, which the applicant declares to be true.