The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), says it has seen and increase in passport applications, as pre-pandemic applications amounted to 205,115 for the 2019 to 2020 financial year. However, in 2022/2023, this was 223,933, a 9.2 per cent increase or 18,818 more applications over the pre-pandemic figures.  

PICA is inviting members of the public to take advantage of the various initiatives that have been instituted over the years to make the passport application process more efficient through its various locations across the island in recent months.

The Agency continues to observe that many applicants are walk-in customers and as such, it is urging persons to utilise the different measures that were introduced to reduce waiting time, minimise delays and provide greater convenience to its customers.
Among the measures that have been implemented is an Online Adult Passport Renewal service, which is accessible on its website at www.pica.gov.jm.

PICA says this service allows customers to renew their adult travel document at any time, at their convenience and from any location across the globe. They also note that the applicant will simply complete the application online, upload their passport photo, which does not require certification, and pay the required fees using a debit or credit card.

However, unfortunately, the following persons cannot use the online system: First-time applicants, persons renewing a child’s passport, or applicants who have changed their name or have lost or damaged their passport.

Another initiative that offers convenience to customers is the provision of a Courier Service for the delivery of documents to customers. Both online and walk-in customers can opt to use this service and that the delivery is typically made to any location both locally and overseas.