An application for a passport can only be made within the locale of the applicant. Applications are, therefore, facilitated through the Jamaican consulates, embassies and high commissions in various parts of the world for the convenience of Jamaicans overseas.

Addresses and contact numbers for the various overseas missions may be obtained in the blue pages of Jamaica's telephone directory.

The process of applying for a passport through an overseas mission is similar to that done locally. The application form may be obtained via www.PICA.gov.jm or from the nearest mission. The form must be certified and accompanied by two photographs, no more than six months old.

Supporting documents include

For first-time applicant:

Birth certificate

Marriage certificate (where applicable)

A valid photo identification card.

Persons replacing a lost passport are required to report the matter to the police, as well as the nearest mission. They are also required to submit the same documents required by a first-time applicant.

For renewal of passport:

Birth certificate

Marriage certificate (where applicable)

Expired passport.

The processing time for applications made overseas is 20 working days and the cost per application is as follows:

Renewals (adults) - US$80/£50

Replacement (adults) - US$160/£100

Renewals (minors) - US$50/£30

Replacements (minors) - US$100/£50.

The passport will be sent to the consulate office from which the application is made.

Q. I have been a guardian for a child for some time now and wish to apply for her passport. How do I go about this process?

To make an application for a child for whom you are a guardian, you must present proof of your appointment as legal guardian as granted by the courts. You then need to submit the application along with a photo ID of the guardian and the child's birth certificate.

Where the parents are deceased or whereabouts unknown, the following are required:

Death certificates (where applicable)

A letter from the child's school

A declaration form which can be obtained from the PICA offices in Kingston and Montego Bay, as well as from the mission nearest to the applicant if overseas. The declaration must be signed by a justice of the peace.

An interview will then be conducted, after which a decision will be taken.

If the parent(s) of the child is/are living overseas, the applicant should obtain a notarised letter from the parent(s) giving permission to apply for the passport. The letter must be presented with the application.

In addition, notarised copies of pages 1-5 of the parent's passport are required.

Where the guardian is experiencing problems or is unable to provide any of the above, he or she may visit the Customer Service Unit at PICA to have the issue addressed.

Please remember, when you are applying for a passport for a minor, you will need:

Birth certificate/certificate of citizenship/adoption certificate

Certified application form

Sections C and E must be completed and signed by parent/legal guardian

Parent's ID

Two photographs (one of which must be certified)

Fee - $1,500 /$80/£50.

Send all your questions, comments and suggestions on everything related to immigration, passports and citizenship to editor@gleanerjm.com and the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency will respond.