Amid the increase in applications, the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) is inviting persons to take advantage of the various initiatives that have been instituted over the years to make the passport application process more efficient.

This, as the agency has been experiencing a steady increase in the number of applications for passport being submitted through its various locations across the island in recent months.

According to the agency, pre-pandemic applications amounted to 205,115 for the 2019 to 2020 financial year. However, in 2022/2023, this was 223,933, a 9.2 per cent increase or 18,818 more applications over the pre-pandemic figures.

The agency has observed that many of these applicants were walk-in customers. As such, it is urging persons to utilize the different measures that were introduced to reduce waiting time, minimize delays and provide greater convenience to its customers.

Among the measures that have been implemented is an Online Adult Passport Renewal service, which is accessible on its website at www.pica.gov.jm. This service allows customers to renew their adult travel document at any time, at their convenience and from anywhere they are across the globe.

The applicant will simply complete the application online, upload their passport photo, which does not require certification, and pay the required fees using a debit or credit card. Unfortunately, the following persons cannot use the online system: First-time applicants, persons renewing a child’s passport or applicants who have changed their name or have lost or damaged their passport.

Another initiative that offers convenience to customers is the provision of a Courier Service for the delivery of documents to customers. Both online and walk-in customers can opt for this service and delivery is typically made to any location both locally and overseas.