Consular Services: Jamaican Passport Services
WHAT’S ON THIS PAGE
1. OVERVIEW OF PASSPORT SERVICES
2. HOW TO RENEW YOUR ADULT PASSPORT ONLINE
3. USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PREPARING APPLICATIONS
4. LIST OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND FEES FOR PAPER-BASED:
· First-Time Passport Applications
· Passport Renewal Applications
· Passport Replacement Applications
5. HOW TO REQUEST A JAPANESE POLICE REPORT
6. WHO CAN CERTIFY YOUR DOCUMENTS
❚ OVERVIEW
Jamaicans living overseas can access passport-related services at the nearest Jamaican Embassy, High Commission, Consulate or Honorary Consulate (Overseas Missions).
Overseas Missions assist in collecting and sending the passport applications to the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. PICA is responsible for the processing and issuance of all passports.
The Embassy of Jamaica in Tokyo provides passport related assistance to Jamaican nationals in the following countries: Japan, Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, The Philippines and South Korea.
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THINGS TO NOTE:
1. If you live abroad:
· You cannot apply for passport services by sending your passport application directly to PICA.
· Do not ask a friend or relative to travel to Jamaica with your passport to complete passport processes on your behalf.
Immigration authorities will seize your passport in such cases.
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❚ ONLINE PASSPORT RENEWAL (Adult Passports Only)
If you already have a machine-readable Jamaican Adult Passport, you may be eligible to renew your passport online using the Adult Passport Renewal System created by PICA. Please visit https://passport.pica-online.com/ to access the online renewal system.
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THINGS TO NOTE:
2. If the online process is successful, you will not need to send your passport or any other documents or fees to the Embassy.
3. If you are applying for your first adult passport, you cannot renew your passport using the online system. This applies to adults obtaining their first Jamaican passport and minors transitioning from the 5-year child passport to the 10-year adult passport after their 18th birthday.
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Who can use the online renewal system?
Before you can complete the online passport renewal process, you must first answer a series of questions with YES or NO to find out if you are eligible. Please read each question carefully before responding. Your answer to Question 6 should be YES since they are asking about the new photograph that you will upload to the system.
In general, you may be eligible if you meet the following criteria at the time of your online application:
1. Your current passport was issued after September 2001 and is valid for less than 12 months.
2. Your passport is not lost, stolen or damaged.
3. You wish to use the same signature that appears in your current valid or expired passport.
4. You have not been married or divorced since the current passport was issued.
5. Your name has not been changed by deed poll since the issuance of your current passport.
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THINGS TO NOTE:
4. In some cases, the system may show that you are not eligible to renew your passport online even though you answered the questions correctly. If this happens, you can get in touch with PICA about this problem.
· telephone: +1 (876) 754-PICA (7422) · email: passportonlinesupport@pica.gov.jm
5. If the problem cannot be fixed, you must apply for a new passport through the Embassy.
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What do I need before starting the online process?
If you are eligible to renew your passport online, you will need the following before beginning the process:
1. A stable internet connection.
2. A valid and working email address to receive PICA’s system-generated messages.
3. Your current valid or expired passport.
4. Jamaican Birth Certificate, Adoption Certificate or Citizenship Certificate.
5. A digital passport-sized photograph stored on your computer device.
6. A valid credit card - Mastercard or Visa. Visa Debit cards are also acceptable.
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THINGS TO NOTE:
6. Photograph Upload: You will only need to upload one item when you are applying for the passport renewal online: a digital passport-sized photograph.
7. Please visit a photo studio to have your photograph professionally taken for best results. Ask the photographer for a digital copy of the photograph on CD, a portable data drive, or via email. Click here for a complete list of passport photo requirements in Jamaica.
8. Certificate Information: You will only be required to type in the unique reference number found on the document.
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What else should I know about online passport renewals?
Here are some other things to consider:
1. How much time do I have to apply?
The online passport renewal application must be completed within ten (10) days of starting the process. All incomplete applications will expire after 10 days. Within the 10-day period, you can save your data and come back to the application at any time.
2. How soon will I get my passport if I apply online?
According to PICA, you should receive your new passport in twenty (20) business days after payment. You can track the status of your online application at any time by visiting https://passport.pica-online.com/PICA_ONLINE/#CheckStatus. This timeline does not apply to paper-based applications and the status checker cannot be used for applications made through the Embassy. See the section on paper-based applications for a note on processing times.
3. Where will my passport be sent?
If you are applying from overseas your passport will be delivered to the mailing address provided at the time of your application. Avoid the mistake of entering a Jamaican mailing address or choosing the pick-up option.
❚ PAPER-BASED PASSPORT APPLICATION SERVICES
This section lists the documents and fees required when applying for, renewing, or replacing adult or child passports through the Embassy of Jamaica in Tokyo using paper-based applications.
IMPORTANT: Once you have gathered all the necessary paperwork for your passport application, please send us scans of the signed application form and all supporting documents (including passport-sized photographs) to mail@jamaicaembassy.jp.
Our team will review your application documents and provide any comments or instructions as required.
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Here is some useful information to consider when preparing your application documents.
· PASSPORT APPLICATION FORM: Print each page of the passport application form on a single sheet and read the instructions page carefully before filling in the information. Watch this instructional video about completing the form.
· TRANSLATIONS: If your supporting documents are not in English, you must provide an English translation together with the original documents. PICA will only accept documents that were professionally translated. Here is a list of translation professionals compiled by the Japan Association of Translators https://jat.org/translators. Some company options include Samurai Translators and Honyaku Center Inc. The Embassy of Jamaica does not provide translation services.
· CORRECTING MISTAKES: If you make a simple mistake, you can draw a straight line through it then write in the correct information. Depending on the number of mistakes, you may need to re-do the entire page. Do not use correction fluid (Wite-Out).
· SIGNATURES: Applicants that are 12 years or older must sign within the signature box on page two of the application form. This is the wide box that can be seen at the top of the page in the middle. Your application will not be processed if this is not signed. Electronic signatures are not accepted.
· APPLICATIONS FOR MINORS: If the passport application is for your child or ward who is under 18 years of age, you must sign Section C and Section E of the passport application form. The application will not be processed if these 2 sections are not signed. IMPORTANT: The signature of the parent or guardian written on the form must match the signature on the ID that he or she will submit. Electronic signatures are not accepted. Persons appointed as legal guardians must present the letter from the court conferring guardianship on that individual. A person acting on behalf of a parent who is overseas will need a letter of authorization and a copy of the parent’s passport or other valid photo identification.
· PHOTOGRAPHS: Unsatisfactory photographs are among the leading causes of delayed passport applications. Please use the services of a professional photo studio for best results. This is especially important when photographing babies. Read more about PICA’s photo requirements here. A Japanese version of the requirements can be found here.
· PROCESSING TIME:The processing time for applications varies with PICA’s workload. Therefore, we normally consult the Agency about their turn-around time when the applications arrive in Jamaica. There are no expedited options for overseas passport applications. Please monitor the expiry date of your current passport so that you can apply for a new one in a timely manner. However, if you have an emergency situation, please let us know when submitting your application for review.
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❚ REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND FEES
· In this section, you will find the full list of documents and fees that are required depending on the passport service you need.
· Applications will not be processed if all the documents and full payments are not received. We reserve the right to request additional and/or updated information during the processing of the application.
· Fees must be provided in the currencies that are shown. The processing fee is paid to PICA Jamaica and the Embassy charges an additional, non-refundable consular fee. This fee covers the cost to certify the necessary documents and the postal or courier charges for return mail.
· Consult the Embassy if you are unclear about the payment methods.
FIRST-TIME PASSPORT APPLICATIONS
· All persons born outside of Jamaica, who have a claim to Jamaican citizenship by descent, whether through parents or grandparents, must formally apply for Jamaican Citizenship.
· They must first establish their claim to Jamaican citizenship in order to submit a successful passport application. The applications for citizenship and the first-time passport can be submitted at the same time.
· Applicants who previously acquired Jamaican citizenship by descent or other categories, and already have their citizenship certificate, can directly apply for the passport.
First-Time Passport Application (Adults)
Applies to adults obtaining their first Jamaican passport or minors transitioning from a child passport to an adult passport when they turn 18. You cannot use the online service if you are applying for the first time.
1. Completed Jamaican Passport Application Form
2. Jamaican Birth Certificate, Adoption Certificate or Citizenship Certificate
3. Two (2) recent and identical passport-sized photographs
4. Valid government-issued photo identification - E.g., Passport, Driver’s Licence, Voter Identification Card
5. Proof of name change: Marriage Certificate or Deed Poll or Divorce Certificate (Decree Absolute) or Court Order if applicable
6. Proof of marital status change: Marriage Certificate or Divorce Certificate (Decree Absolute) if applicable
7. PICA Processing Fee: $80 United States Dollars
8. Embassy Consular Fee: \6,000 Japanese Yen if you reside in Japan OR $82 United States Dollars if you reside overseas
First-Time Passport Application (Minors)
Based on Jamaican law, a minor is anyone under the age of eighteen (18) years. For all passport related services involving a minor, the application form must be completed by the child’s parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian must sign Section C and Section E.
1. Completed Jamaican Passport Application Form
2. Jamaican Birth Certificate, Adoption Certificate or Citizenship Certificate
3. Two (2) recent and identical passport-sized photographs
4. Valid government-issued photo identification for the parent or legal guardian that will sign the application form - E.g., Passport, Driver’s Licence, Voter Identification Card
5. Jamaican Birth Certificate, Adoption Certificate or Citizenship Certificate of the parent if applicable
6. Proof of name change if applicable
7. PICA Processing Fee: $50 United States Dollars
8. Embassy Consular Fee: \6,000 Japanese Yen if you reside in Japan OR $82 United States Dollars if you reside overseas
PASSPORT RENEWAL APPLICATIONS
· You can renew your Jamaican passport if the travel document will expire in less than 12 months (i.e., less than 365 days) from the date of expiry printed in your passport.
· In a case where your passport is valid for more than 12 months, the passport replacement process will apply. The requirements for this process can be found in the next section.
Passport Renewal Application (Adults)
Your passport can be renewed through the nearest Jamaican Overseas Mission: if you are not eligible to use the online adult passport renewal system; if you run into difficulties after starting the online process, or if you prefer to use the paper-based application for other reasons.
1. Completed Simplified Adult Renewal Passport Application Form
2. Current valid or expired Jamaican passport
3. Jamaican Birth Certificate, Adoption Certificate or Citizenship Certificate
4. Two (2) recent and identical passport-sized photographs
5. Proof of name change: Marriage Certificate or Deed Poll or Divorce Certificate (Decree Absolute) or Court Order if applicable
6. Proof of marital status change: Marriage Certificate or Divorce Certificate (Decree Absolute) if applicable
7. PICA Processing Fee: $80 United States Dollars
8. Embassy Consular Fee: \6,000 Japanese Yen if you reside in Japan OR $82 United States Dollars if you reside overseas
Passport Renewal Application (Minors)
Passport renewal applications for anyone under 18 must be submitted through an Overseas Mission. The online adult passport renewal system cannot be used to renew passports for minors.
1. Completed Jamaican Passport Application Form
2. Current valid or expired Jamaican passport
3. Jamaican Birth Certificate, Adoption Certificate or Citizenship Certificate
4. Valid government-issued photo identification for the parent or legal guardian that will sign the application form - E.g., Passport, Driver’s Licence, Voter Identification Card
5. Two (2) recent and identical passport-sized photographs
6. Proof of name change (if applicable)
7. PICA Processing Fee: $50 United States Dollars
8. Embassy Consular Fee: \6,000 Japanese Yen if you reside in Japan OR $82 United States Dollars if you reside overseas
PASSPORT REPLACEMENT APPLICATIONS
All lost, stolen or damaged passports for adults and minors must be replaced through the nearest Jamaican Overseas Mission. Passport replacements may also be necessary:
· if you have used up all the pages in your passport more than a year before travel document expires,
· in special immigration cases where you are required to have more than one (1) year validity in your passport.
· if you get married and decide to change the name in your passport more than a year before travel document expires.
Passport Replacement Application (Adults)
The online process cannot be used for this type of application.
1. Completed Jamaican Passport Application Form
2. Official Police Report (if lost, stolen)
3. Letter of explanation (if damaged)
4. Jamaican Birth Certificate, Adoption Certificate or Citizenship Certificate
5. Valid government-issued photo identification - E.g., Driver’s Licence, Voter Identification Card
6. Two (2) recent and identical passport-sized photographs
7. Proof of name change: Marriage Certificate or Deed Poll or Divorce Certificate (Decree Absolute) or Court Order if applicable
8. Proof of marital status change: Marriage Certificate or Divorce Certificate (Decree Absolute) if applicable
9. PICA Processing Fee: $160 United States Dollars
10. Embassy Consular Fee: \6,000 Japanese Yen if you reside in Japan OR $82 United States Dollars if you reside overseas
Passport Replacement Application (Minors)
The online process cannot be used for this type of application.
1. Completed Jamaican Passport Application Form
2. Official Police Report (if lost, stolen)
3. Letter of explanation (if damaged)
4. Jamaican Birth Certificate, Adoption Certificate or Citizenship Certificate
5. Valid government-issued photo identification for the parent or legal guardian that will sign the application form - E.g., Passport, Driver’s Licence, Voter Identification Card
6. Two (2) recent and identical passport-sized photographs
7. Proof of name change (if applicable)
8. PICA Processing Fee: $100 United States Dollars
9. Embassy Consular Fee: \6,000 Japanese Yen if you reside in Japan OR $82 United States Dollars if you reside overseas
❚ HOW TO REQUEST A JAPANESE POLICE REPORT
This section provides information about requesting a report from the Japanese police to support your passport replacement application if your travel document was lost or stolen.
If you lose your passport, please visit the nearest police station to request a Certificate of Lost Property. This is written as 遺失届出証明書 (遺失届) in Kanji or Ishitsutodokede Shōmeisho in Romanized characters.
General Information - Japan National Police Agency (NPA)
The NPA website explains the general steps to request the certificate
https://www.npa.go.jp/bureau/soumu/ishitsubutsu/otoshimono/en/lost-road.html.
Guidance on Procedures by Prefecture
The requirements for each prefecture may differ to some extent. Please visit the following NPA link for a list of police stations by prefecture https://www.npa.go.jp/bureau/soumu/ishitsubutsu/otoshimono/todofukenishitubutu.html. Click on your prefecture and you will be directed to relevant police webpage explaining what you will need to apply for the certificate there.
Required Information for the Application
Here is a Sample of the Lost Property Report Application Form used by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. The police in your area may use a different form. Please confirm this with them. In any case, you will be asked to fill in the same basic information on whichever form is provided.
Translation of the Certificate of Lost Property Report
An English translation of the certificate is required. You may use the services of any certified translation professional or company in your area to translate the document. The Embassy of Jamaica does not provide translation services.
Here is a list of translators compiled by the Japan Association of Translators https://jat.org/translators. You can filter the search based on your prefecture. Previous applicants have also submitted documents that were satisfactorily translated by Samurai Translators and Honyaku Center Inc. You can explore these options as well.
❚ WHO CAN CERTIFY YOUR DOCUMENTS
FOR OVERSEAS APPLICANTS: The following persons, who need not be citizens of Jamaica, may certify the applications if you do not use a Consular Officer at one of Jamaica’s Overseas Missions:
1. Justice of the Peace
2. Attorney-at-Law
3. Notary Public
4. Medical Doctor
5. Minister of Religion authorized to perform marriages