Important Information Regarding New Jamaican Passports:

The Jamaican Embassy in Washington, D.C and the Jamaican Consulates in New York and Miami,. will begin accepting applications for the new machine-readable Jamaican passports on Monday, June 3, 2002.

Under the new system, passport applications must be submitted to the Embassy or relevant Consulate from where they will be transmitted for processing to the Immigration, Citizenship and Passport Division in Kingston. Processing of applications will be approximately six (6) weeks. Applications sent directly to the Passport Office in Kingston will not be accepted.

The issued passport may be collected from the Embassy or Consulates or mailed at the request of applicants.

There is now a single application form for use by both adults and children. Forms may be obtained from the Embassy or any Jamaican Consulate either in person or requested by mail. Requests by mail should include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Application For a Jamaican Passport: General Requirements

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THE PASSPORT APPLICATION FORM

Eligibility for a Jamaican Passport is based on proof of Jamaican Citizenship. All applicants are therefore required to submit one (or more) of the following documents as applicable:

• Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
• Certificate of Registration
• Certified Copy of Adoption Certificate
• Letter of Certification of Citizenship
• Certificate of Naturalization

Persons claiming Jamaican Citizenship by Descent must have their claim established prior to the submission of their application for a passport. The documents required are:

• Applicant's Birth Certificate
• Proof of Parent's Jamaican Citizenship
• Parent's Marriage Certificate (where applicable)

Applicants are also required to provide one of the following supplementary identification documents:

• National Voter's Identification
• Tax Registration Number (TRN)
• Driver's Licence
• Previous Passport
• Other Identification issued by a competent authority

Any name change must be substantiated by documentary evidence. A Deed Poll or other legal document must be produced to substantiate the change of name. A married or divorced woman, who has acquired her spouse's surname, is required to submit a certified copy of her Marriage Certificate.

Applications for the renewal of a passport must be accompanied by the expired passport. If the renewal is necessary because there are no more available pages, the current passport must be submitted.

CONSENT FOR MINORS

THE APPLICATION FOR A CHILD UNDER 16 YEARS MUST BE COMPLETED BY EITHER THE MOTHER, OR FATHER OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.

Persons under 18 years of age, who are unmarried, require the written consent of the mother and/or the father or a legal guardian, except where such person is a member of the Security Forces. In the event that neither parent nor legal guardian is available, the written consent of the Government Minister responsible for passports is required.

PHOTOGRAPHS

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS SUBMITTED WITH AN APPLICATION BECOME THE PROPERTY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA

Applicants are required to submit two (2) identical copies of a professionally produced photograph taken not more than six months prior to the application, with the following specifications:

• Photographs are not to be stapled to the application form
• The photographs should be taken in colour, against an off-white/cream background
• There should be no reflection from eyeglasses or background shadows
• Photographs should provide a full frontal view of the head, neck and top of the shoulders with ears clearly visible
• The applicant should wear no head covering while taking the photograph except where required for religious purposes
• Applicants who wear headgear for religious reasons must indicate their religion
• The size of the face should be 25mm to 35mm, from the chin to top of head
• When the photograph is cut to a size of about 35mm, there should be a margin of 3mm to 4mm between the head and the edge of the photograph

CERTIFICATION OF APPLICATION AND PHOTOGRAPHS

The application and one (1) photograph must be certified one of the following persons:

• A Notary Public with valid commission; or
• A Jamaican Consular Officer; or
• A Jamaican Honorary Consul

The official who certifies the application is also required to certify the reverse side of one photograph of the applicant, with the following inscription above his/her signature:

"I certify that this is a true photograph of .................." (Insert applicant's name)

NO STAMP OR EMBOSSED SEAL SHOULD BE AFFIXED TO PHOTOGRAPHS

PHOTOCOPIES OF DOCUMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. ALL ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS WILL BE RETURNED.

PERSONAL CHEQUES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. FEES SHOULD BE REMITTED BY MONEY ORDER OR CERTIFIED CHEQUE PAYABLE TO THE EMBASSY OF JAMAICA.

Specific Requirements for Adults:

RENEWAL OF PASSPORT/DAMAGED PASSPORT

• Completed passport application form
• Two (2) identical colour photographs one of which should be certified by the Certifying Official who signs Section F
• Expired Passport
• Certified copy of Birth Certificate
• Certified copy of Marriage Certificate, where applicable
• Certified copy of Death Certificate, where applicable
• Certified copy of Adoption Register, where applicable
• Divorce Judgment, where applicable

If born abroad, instead of the Birth Certificate, please submit one of the following:

• Certificate of Naturalization
• Letter of Certificate of Citizenship
• Certificate of Registration

PROCESSING FEE- US$80.00
CONSULAR SERVICE CHARGE- US$10.00

MAILING FEES WITHIN THE US:

FEDERAL EXPRESS- US$14.00
EXPRESS MAIL- US$13.00
REGISTERED MAIL- US$ 9.00

LOST/STOLEN PASSPORTS

• Completed passport application form
• Two (2) identical colour photographs one of which should be certified by the Certifying Official who signs Section F
• Certified copy of Birth Certificate
• Certified copy of Marriage Certificate, where applicable
• Certified copy of Death Certificate, where applicable
• Certified copy of Adoption Register, where applicable
• Divorce Judgment, where applicable
• Police Complaint Report

If born abroad, instead of Birth Certificate, please submit one of the following:

• Certificate of Naturalization
• Letter of Certificate of Citizenship
• Certificate of Registration

In addition to ONE of the following supplementary documents:

• Jamaican Drivers' Licence
• Cancelled Jamaican Passport
• National Voters' Identification Card
• Work Permit bearing a photograph from the country of residence
• Passport from country of residence
• Citizenship Certificate from country of residence
• Identification indicating permanent residency
• Driver's Licence from country of residence
• Other identification issued by a Federal/State/City authority which has an expiration date (subject to approval by a Consular Officer)
  

PROCESSING FEE- US$160.00
CONSULAR SERVICE CHARGE- US$10.00

MAILING FEES WITHIN THE US:

FEDERAL EXPRESS- US$14.00
EXPRESS MAIL- US$13.00
REGISTERED MAIL- US$ 9.00

FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

• Completed passport application form
• Two (2) identical colour photographs one of which should be certified by the Certifying Official who signs Section F
• Certified copy of Birth Certificate
• Certified copy of Marriage Certificate, where applicable
• Certified copy of Adoption Register, where applicable

If born abroad, instead of the Birth Certificate, please submit one of the following:

• Certificate of Naturalization
• Letter of Certificate of Citizenship
• Certificate of Registration

In addition to ONE of the following supplementary documents:

• Jamaican Driver's Licence
• National Voter's Identification Card
• Work Permit bearing a photograph from the country of residence
• Passport from country of residence
• Citizenship Certificate from country of residence
• Identification indicating permanent residency
• Driver's Licence from country of residence
• Other identification issued by a Federal/State/City authority which has an expiration date (subject to approval by a Consular Officer)
  

PROCESSING FEE- US$80.00
CONSULAR SERVICE CHARGE- US$10.00

MAILING FEES WITHIN THE US:

FEDERAL EXPRESS- US$14.00
EXPRESS MAIL- US$13.00
REGISTERED MAIL- US$ 9.00

Special Requirements for Minors

RENEWAL OF PASSPORT/DAMAGED PASSPORT:

• Completed passport application form
• Two (2) identical colour photographs one of which should be certified by the Certifying Official who signs Section F
• Expired Passport
• Certified copy of Birth Certificate
• Certified copy of Adoption Register, where applicable
• Parent's ID/Guardian's ID (along with letter of guardianship for the latter)
• Letter of Certificate of Citizenship, if born abroad
  

FEES:

PROCESSING FEE- US$50.00
CONSULAR SERVICE CHARGE- US$10.00

FEDERAL EXPRESS- US$14.00
EXPRESS MAIL- US$13.00
REGISTERED MAIL- US$ 9.00

LOST/STOLEN PASSPORTS:

• Completed passport application form
• Two (2) identical colour photographs one of which should be certified by the Certifying Official who signs Section F
• Certified copy of Birth Certificate
• Certified copy of Adoption Register, where applicable
• Parent's ID/Guardian's ID (along with letter of guardianship for the latter)
• Police Complaint Report

FEES:

PROCESSING FEE- US$50.00
CONSULAR SERVICE CHARGE- US$10.00

MAILING FEES WITHIN THE US:

FEDERAL EXPRESS- US$14.00
EXPRESS MAIL- US$13.00
REGISTERED MAIL- US$ 9.00

FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

• Completed passport application form
• Two (2) identical colour photographs one of which should be certified by the Certifying Official who signs Section F
• Certified copy of Birth Certificate
• Certified copy of Adoption Register, where applicable
• Parent's ID/Guardian's ID (along with letter of guardianship for the latter)

FEES:

PROCESSING FEE- US$80.00
CONSULAR SERVICE CHARGE- US$10.00

MAILING FEES WITHIN THE US:

FEDERAL EXPRESS- US$14.00
EXPRESS MAIL- US$13.00
REGISTERED MAIL- US$ 9.00

Please find your state in the list below, and forward any passport application requests/completed application forms to the appropriate Consular Office:

Jamaican Consulates in the United States:

List of Honorary Consuls in the United States:

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The Jamaican Constitution does not specifically contain provisions for dual nationality. At the same time, it does not prohibit citizens of Jamaica from acquiring the nationality of another country. However, pay close attention to the notes on the inside cover of your Jamaican passport, which states in part that:

• "when in the country of their second nationality, such persons cannot avail themselves of the protection of the representatives of Jamaica against the authorities of the foreign country, and are not exempt by reason of possessing Jamaican citizenship, from any obligation (such as military service) to which they may be liable under foreign law."

To put it simply, a Jamaican who acquires United States citizenship will be subject to all the responsibilities of such citizenship and cannot claim any exemption based on his or her Jamaican nationality.

Under Jamaica's Constitution, a person will therefore not automatically lose his or her citizenship on obtaining that of another country. In fact, his Jamaican citizenship will remain in force unless it is surrendered, and its surrender is approved by the Government of Jamaica.

Under the Constitution of the United States, among other oaths to be taken, a person must pledge to "renounce all allegiance" (i.e., give up rights to any state or sovereignty of which he was before becoming a US citizen.)

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The applicant should be of full age and capacity who is either a national of a foreign country or has been assured of such nationality on the condition that he/she renounces Jamaican Nationality.

Procedure:

The forms should be read carefully, then completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public or someone authorized to administer Oaths.

The application should be submitted to the Ministry of National Security, Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Division, 25 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10.

Required Documents:

• Birth Certificate;
• Jamaican Passport;
• Evidence of other nationality; or proof of other nationality will be required upon the loss of Jamaican citizenship;
• Two (2) passport-sized photographs certified by a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public or someone authorized to administer Oaths.

Cost:

A fee of J$30,000 is required on application.

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The applicant should be a citizen of Jamaica by birth, descent, or adoption who has renounced that citizenship.

Procedure:

The application should be made (in duplicate) on the Restoration of Citizenship Form R5, which is obtainable from the Jamaica Printing Services, 771/2 Duke Street, Kingston.

The Form should be read carefully, and then completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, or someone authorised to administer Oaths.

The application must be submitted to the Ministry of National Security, supported by the following documents:

Cost: A fee of J$15,000 is required on application.

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General Cases:

The US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is required to submit the following documents to effect the removal of Jamaican nationals:

• Written request for travel document;
• I-205 - Warrant of Arrest
• I-217 Information for Travel document
• I-862 Notice To Appear (NTA) or I-221:Order to Show Cause for older cases
• Immigration Judge's Order (I. J's Order)
• Eight (8) photographs
• Two sets of fingerprints
• Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) - the first page of Immigrant's Visa Package with the deportee's photograph, or the appropriate adjustment form stamped approved, e.g. Form I-485

Administrative Removal (By INS District Director):

• I-851 - Notice of Intent to Issue a Final Administrative Removal Order;
• I-851A - Final Administrative Removal Order, along with 1,2,3,6, and 7 above.

Re-entry Cases:

• I-871 - Notice of Intent to Reinstate Prior Order
• I-205A - Warrant executed at the time of departure along with 1,2,3,5,6 and 7 above (Copy of previous travel document issued if available)

Prior to issuing Travel Documents, the consular representative must be satisfied beyond any reasonable doubt that the detainee is a Jamaican. Any Jamaican photo I.D. issued by the Government of Jamaica, e.g. (passport, drivers license valid or expired) national identity card (voters card), certified copy of the new birth certificate issued by the Registrar General's Office and a Tax Registration Number (TRN) will enhance the removal process.

In cases where a deportee is undocumented and his identity and/or nationality is not clearly established, an interview will be conducted.

Mental & Serious Illness Cases:

• Full medical history of the deportee including his/her diagnosis, treatment and progress in hospital and prognosis;
• His/Her social support system in the State where he/she presently resides; and
• The names and addresses of relatives in Jamaica who are willing to offer social support.

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You can download a birth or marriage certificate application form from the Registrar General's Department. After completing the form, mail it in with US$45 for regular service (2-4 weeks processing time) or US$65 for express service (3-10 working days after receipt of application.) Remember to fill out the form completely before mailing. The Registrar General's Department accepts international money orders only.

You can also request the form by mail, telephone, or fax:

Registrar General's Department

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The following are the requirements of the Government of Jamaica for the shipment of human remains into Jamaica:

• Official Certificate stating the cause of death.
• Official Certificate stating that the deceased did not die from a communicable disease.
• A statement from the person authorised to prepare the remains, indicating the manner and method of preservation.

The human remains shall be subject to the following measures:

• Thorough washing with an effective disinfectant; disinfection of all orifices; packing of all orifices with cotton saturated with an effective disinfectant; wrapping in a sheet saturated with an effective disinfectant; and placing in an impervious coffin.

OR

• Proper embalming (arterial and cavity and encasement in a plastic container which has been sealed by heat, or by adhesive materials prior to the placement in a non-impervious coffin). If the cause of death was from a quarantinable disease, then it should be placed in an impervious coffin.
• The impervious coffin must be sealed.

Cremated Remains:

• Death certificate
• Certificate of cremation. Evidence connecting the death certificate with the importation must be produced.

Remains of a Jamaican Diagnosed with HIV/AIDS:

• The cause of death must be stated on the Death Certificate.
• The embalmer's report must be furnished as the body must be embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed casket.

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Property in Jamaica may be bought for the purpose of agricultural, commercial, industrial, or residential development.

There are certain steps and guidelines involved in the purchase of property in Jamaica:

• The purchaser must identify the property which is desired for purchase. Property may be identified through any real estate agent registered with the Real Estate Board of Jamaica. Agents are usually listed in the telephone directory, and in in local newspapers. The purchaser can choose whether the property will be purchased through an agent or not.
• Set an appointment to view the property.
• An "Offer to Purchase" is then signed, instructing the agent to make an offer on your behalf (if the purchase is being handled through a real estate agent.)
• If the offer made by the prospective buyer is accepted, a down payment is required.
• Where a mortgage is required to complete the purchase (after a down payment/deposit has been made), then the buyer must consult a financial lending institution to make the necessary arrangements.
• A Sales Agreement will be signed between the purchaser and seller, either at the agent's office or an attorney's office.
• If the purchase involves obtaining a mortgage, the time in which to complete the transaction is three months from the date of signing. If it is a cash purchase, the time should be agreed upon by the purchaser and seller.
• There is no agreement between the purchaser and seller until the Agreement for Sale is signed.
• Having completed the transaction, application for the property title should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar of Titles, 23-1/2 Charles Street, Kingston.

If you intend to build on the property, the following guidelines must be followed:

In order to build on property in Jamaica, the individual must first have a title for the property in question. If the property is in Kingston or St. Andrew, the application for permission to build must be made to the Kingston & St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC). If the property is in the rural area, then application should be made to the Parish Council in the parish where the property is located.

The written application must be accompanied by the following documents:

• A design of the building, drafted by an approved architect;
• A site plan which shows the boundaries of the lot;
• A quantity surveyor's report showing the costs involved in the construction of the building;
• The situation of the building on the land;
• A topographical survey of the land, if it is not flat.

If all of the documents above are prepared before the application for the building permit is submitted, and are accompanied by the title at the time of application, then the application process will be completed expeditiously.

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In order to be considered a Returning Resident under the laws of Jamaica, and benefit from the concessions relating to personal and household effects and/or tools of trade, you must satisfy the following conditions:

• Be a Jamaican national who has attained the age of eighteen (18) years;
  
• Have been resident overseas for not less than the past three consecutive years;
  
• Be returning to Jamaica to reside permanently.
  

Three special cases have been identified:

• Non-Jamaican male spouses of women who qualify as Returning Residents will be afforded the same concessions as their wives. This provision had previously applied only to non-Jamaican female spouses of Returning Residents.
• Students who have attained the age of eighteen (18) years who have studied abroad for more than one (1), but less than three years will qualify for concessions in respect of tools of trade; some normally dutiable items which may be new or used; and used household effects.
• Jamaicans who gave up their citizenship (and can provide proof of that previous status) who wish to return home will be granted the status of a Returning Resident, with the attendant benefits.

Eligibility for concessions as a Returning Resident is formally established by the Customs Department. This must be done after your arrival in Jamaica, and before you begin the process of clearing your personal and household effects and/or tools of trade.

It is necessary for you to attend a brief interview at the Returning Residents Unit of the Customs Department at the Head Office. In order to establish your eligibility you will be required to submit:

• Your passport;
• Such documentary evidence as may substantiate your residence outside of Jamaica for more than the past three years;
• Such documentary evidence as may substantiate your intention to re-establish permanent residence in Jamaica;
  In the case of students, you will also have to provide a letter from your university, college, or educational institution confirming the duration of your course of study or time spent at that institution.
• Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration Form (C.27), given on arrival at the airport in Jamaica.
  

Please note that whereas the Tools of Trade concession may be granted to each qualified individual within a family, the duty concession on household and personal effects is limited to one allowance per family unit.

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