Jamaica Passport Photo Requirements
Jamaica's passport photo rules come from the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA). They fix the face length rather than an overall frame size, and they vary the background by complexion. Verified against the official PICA page (pica.gov.jm), September 2026.
The official specification
| Number | 2 identical photographs |
| Recency | Not taken more than 6 months before submission |
| Finish | Colour, matte/dull finish, plain background |
| Face length | 25 mm to 35 mm (chin to forehead) |
| Head margin | 3 mm to 4 mm between the head and the edge |
| Overall size | Not published officially |
| Pixels / DPI | Not published officially |
Because the official page gives face length and head margin only, do not infer an overall photo size, a pixel size or a DPI from them.
Background depends on your complexion
- Light complexion: avoid wearing white clothing; take the photo against a pastel shaded background.
- Dark complexion: wear coloured clothing; take the photo against a white background.
- Grey or white hair: take the photo against a pale blue or pastel background.
Certification
The photographs must be certified by a Consular Officer, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, Medical Doctor or Lawyer.
Preparing the file
- Crop to the face-length and head-margin proportions with the image cropper and compare against the photo size chart.
- Review the face and framing on your own device with the passport photo checker.
- Print at physical size with the print sheet, or set exact pixels with the image resizer.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos does Jamaica require?
Two identical photographs. At least one should be certified by an approved person.
How recent must the photo be?
It should not have been taken more than 6 months before you submit the application.
What size is the photo?
The official page sets the length of the face (chin to forehead) at 25 mm to 35 mm, with a margin of 3 mm to 4 mm between the head and the edge of the photograph. It does not publish an overall photo size in mm or inches, so no overall size is asserted here.
What background colour should I use?
It depends on your complexion. Light complexion: avoid white clothing and use a pastel shaded background. Dark complexion: wear coloured clothing and use a white background. Grey or white hair: use a pale blue or pastel background.
What finish should the photos have?
Colour photographs with a matte or dull finish, against a plain background.
Who can certify the photos?
A Consular Officer, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, Medical Doctor or Lawyer.
Source: Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Jamaica (pica.gov.jm), "Photo Requirements" and FAQ pages — retrieved 2026-09-29. Requirements change, so confirm the current rule on the official page before you apply.