Jamaican Passport Photo Requirements from the US
PICA (Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency) requires 35×45mm photos — not the US 2×2 inch format. Here is everything Jamaican-Americans need for passport renewal from the US.
Jamaican passport photos are 35×45mm — not the US 2×2 inch.
A standard US passport photo (2×2 inch / 51×51mm square) will be rejected by PICA. Ask photo centers specifically for '35 by 45mm' or 'international passport photo' — not the default US size.
Full PICA Photo Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45mm (width × height) |
| Background | Plain white or light gray |
| Color | Full color |
| Expression | Neutral or natural slight smile |
| Eyes | Open, looking at camera |
| Glasses | Not recommended / prohibited |
| Head covering | Not permitted |
| Hair | Must not cover face |
| Head size | Face fills 70–80% of frame |
| Paper | Good quality photo paper |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
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How to Renew a Jamaican Passport from the US
Collect your current or most recent Jamaican passport (original), 2 printed 35×45mm passport photos, and any supporting documents. If your name has changed since your last passport, bring legal name change documentation. First-time applicants need proof of Jamaican citizenship (birth certificate).
Download the official passport application form from pica.gov.jm or pick it up at your nearest consulate. Fill it out completely and legibly. Do not sign the form until instructed to do so at the consulate — some consulates require you to sign in the presence of a consular officer.
Contact or visit the website of your nearest Jamaican consulate to schedule an appointment. In-person visits are required for biometric enrollment. New York and Miami have the longest wait times — Atlanta and Los Angeles typically have faster availability.
Bring your complete application package, original documents, 2 printed 35×45mm photos, and payment. The consulate will collect your biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo). Keep copies of everything you submit.
Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks. Some consulates offer mail return for completed passports; others require in-person pickup. Contact your consulate to clarify before your appointment. Emergency processing may be available for documented imminent travel — ask when booking.
Jamaican Consulate Locations in the US (5 locations)
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Jamaican Passport Photo FAQ
What size is a Jamaican passport photo?
Jamaican passport photos must be 35×45mm (width × height) — the same international standard used by the UK, EU countries, India, and South Korea. This is different from the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format. Most US pharmacies and photo centers can produce 35×45mm on request — ask specifically for 'international passport photo' or '35 by 45mm' to avoid being given the US-only 2×2 inch format.
Can I renew my Jamaican passport from the US?
Yes. Jamaican nationals in the US can renew their passport at the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of the four Consulates General in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Jamaica's Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) also has an online portal at pica.gov.jm where some applicants can begin or supplement their application. An in-person visit to a consulate is required for biometric enrollment.
What background is required for a Jamaican passport photo?
Jamaican passport photos require a plain white or light gray background — uniform, without patterns, shadows, or other people. The background must be clearly distinct from the applicant's face and clothing. For the cleanest result, a pure white background is safest, as it meets the requirements for both Jamaican and other international passport standards.
What are the full Jamaican passport photo requirements?
Full Jamaican passport photo requirements from PICA: 35×45mm size (not 2×2 inch), white or plain light gray background, color photo, frontal view with head straight, neutral expression or natural slight smile, eyes open and clearly visible, no glasses, no head coverings (except religious exceptions), face fills approximately 70–80% of the frame, taken within the last 6 months, printed on good quality photo paper. Both ears should be visible and hair should not cover the face.
Where is the nearest Jamaican consulate in the US?
Jamaica has 5 consular locations in the US: the Embassy in Washington, D.C. and Consulates General in New York City (serves the largest US Jamaican community, in the Bronx/Brooklyn area), Miami (serves South Florida), Los Angeles (serves the West Coast), and Atlanta (serves the Southeast). The New York consulate has the highest volume and often has the longest appointment wait times — if you are in the New York metro area, book well in advance.
How long does Jamaican passport renewal take from the US?
Jamaican passport renewal from the US typically takes 4–8 weeks from the date of application at a consulate. Processing times vary by consulate volume — New York and Miami tend to be slower due to higher demand. Urgent renewal may be possible if you have documented imminent travel — contact the consulate directly to inquire about expedited processing.
Can I use a US passport photo for a Jamaican passport?
No. US passport photos are 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — a square format. Jamaican passport photos must be 35×45mm — a portrait (taller than wide) format. The dimensions are different enough that a US-format photo will be returned at the consulate. You need photos specifically sized at 35×45mm. A standard photo print shop in the US should be able to produce these on request.
What documents do I need to renew a Jamaican passport from the US?
Documents for Jamaican passport renewal from the US: current or most recent Jamaican passport (original), completed passport application form (available at pica.gov.jm or your local consulate), 2 identical 35×45mm passport photos, proof of Jamaican citizenship if not apparent from documents, evidence of US residence or legal status (if applicable), and the renewal fee (contact your consulate for current USD fee). Some consulates may require additional documents for name changes or first-time applicants.