Jamaica Passport Photo Requirements 2026: PICA 35x45 mm Size, 25-35 mm Face Length, and Certification Notes
Jamaica passport photo requirements from PICA: two identical 35x45 mm photos, six-month recency, 25-35 mm face length, plain background guidance, and certification handling.
Quick answer for Jamaican passport photos
PICA asks for two identical passport photographs for a Jamaican passport application. Its photo poster specifies a photo size of 35 mm wide x 45 mm high. The photos should be recent, in colour, printed with a matte or dull finish, and taken against a plain background.
| Requirement | PICA rule |
|---|---|
| Printed size | 35 x 45 mm |
| Number of photos | Two identical passport-sized photographs |
| Recency | Not more than 6 months before the application |
| Face length | 25-35 mm from chin to top of head |
| Top margin | At least 2 mm from top of head, including hair, to the photo edge |
| Background | Plain background, with complexion-specific guidance |
Background colour depends on the applicant
The Jamaican guidance is more specific than a generic white-background rule. PICA says light-complexioned applicants should avoid white clothing and use a pastel shaded background. Dark-complexioned applicants should wear coloured clothing and use a white background. Applicants with grey or white hair should use a pale blue or pastel background.
The shared rule across all of those cases is simple: the background should be plain, without objects, patterns, chairs, flowers, other people, or shadows.
Crop, face length, and print quality
The face length should be 25-35 mm from chin to the top of the head. PICA also says there should be a margin of no less than 2 mm from the top of the head, including hair, to the edge of the photograph. That means the photo should be a close portrait, not a loose head-and-torso image.
- The applicant should look directly at the camera.
- The image should be sharp and high quality.
- Lighting should be even, with no face or background shadows.
- Bright-coloured clothing is not recommended.
- Headgear is allowed only for religious purposes, with facial features visible.
- Do not add embossed seals to the photograph.
Certification and dating notes
PICA's public page includes certification guidance for passport photos, including that certification should not be older than six months and that photographs must be dated. The exact certification handling can depend on whether you are applying locally, overseas, for a first passport, or for a renewal. Keep the application form and PICA checklist together when you prepare the final prints.
How to prepare a Jamaica passport photo in Passlens
- Use a 35x45 mm passport-photo workflow.
- Set face length between 25 and 35 mm, with at least 2 mm above the head.
- Choose the background colour that matches PICA's complexion guidance.
- Export a print-ready file and print two identical copies on high-quality photo paper.
- Check whether your application route requires one or both photos to be certified and dated.
