Jamaican Passport Photo (PICA: 35 x 45 mm, face 25-35 mm, two certified prints): size and requirements

Requirements at a glance

Size

35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches)

Head height

Head 56 to 78 percent of the photo height (The length of the face in the photograph should be 25mm to 35mm (chin to top of head), i.e. 56 to 78 per cent of the 45 mm height, with a 3 to 4 mm margin between the head and the edge; the poster adds that the face covers approximately 65 to 75% of the photograph)

Background

a plain background: white for applicants of dark complexion, a pastel shade for light complexions, pale blue or pastel for grey/white hair

Expression

Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking at the camera

Glasses

Allowed without glare or tint

Head covering

Only for religious or medical reasons; full face visible

Photo age

Taken within the last 6 months

Prints needed

2

We deliver

413 x 531 px (300 DPI), plus a 4 x 6 inch print sheet

What trips people up

• Check

  Size and face: the poster says 'Photographs must be: 45millimetres (length) x 35 millimetres (width)' and the web page 'The length of the face in the photograph should be 25mm to 35mm. There should be a margin of 3mm to 4mm between the head and the edge of the photograph'. That face band (56-78 % of the height) is wider than ICAO's 70-80 %; we centre on it.
• Check

  Background depends on you: 'Applicants of dark complexion should wear coloured clothing and photographs should be taken against a white background.', light-complexioned applicants 'should avoid wearing white clothing and should have photographs taken against a pastel shaded background', and grey/white hair goes 'against a pale blue or pastel background'. Pick the background that contrasts with your skin and hair; no shadows, no other person or object.
• Check

  Two identical prints, 'colour with a matte/dull finish', not more than six months old, 'no creases or ink marks', no embossed seal. One print is certified on the back ('I certify that this is a true photograph of the applicant') by a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, Medical Doctor, Lawyer or Consular Officer; certification itself must be under six months old and the photos dated.
• Check

  Glasses: 'Eye glasses should not have tinted lenses', 'Heavy (thick) frames should be avoided', no reflections, frames must not cover the eyes, and the poster adds 'It is strongly recommended that glasses be removed'. Expression: 'Expression should be neutral. Smiling is not-acceptable.' with mouth closed and both ears visible where possible.
• Check

  Headgear: 'Headgear is permitted ONLY for religious purposes, in which case, Section H of the passport application form must be filled out.' and the face outline from chin to top of forehead must stay visible. Dress: exposed shoulders and chest and bright-coloured clothing are to be avoided; the poster recommends black attire.
• Check

  Prints: the poster recommends semi-gloss photo paper at 1200 dpi from a camera of 8 megapixels or more; our 300 dpi file prints cleanly at 35 x 45 mm. 'Do not affix photo to application form' and avoid paper clips and staples, which damage the image.
• Check

  Where the photos go: applications are lodged at a PICA office, a Jamaican mission or by post (renewals); 'First-time applicants will not be able to apply for their passports using our online service.', and the adult renewal portal's upload rule was not read. Ordinary passports are valid 10 years (over 18) or 5 years (under 18).

Good to know before you pay

Any Jamaican studio that knows PICA's chart will do; use our file when you want to shoot at home and print the two 35 x 45 mm copies yourself.

Frequently asked questions