Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!

PICA Jamaica
The Jamaican Gateway to the World!

Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.

start_here_if_new_image_link

see_jamaica_in_videos_banner_july_2024_large
PICA Jamaica | Caribbean Communities PassportPICA Jamaica | Caribbean Communities Passport

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Who doesn’t dream of travelling? Very few, I assume. Just as many visitors are visiting the island yearly to explore, conduct business and much more, as there are Jamaicans leaving the island to do the same.

New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!

Savour the memories!  Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.


And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!

So, there is an organisation in place to help our citizens go through the process of making this possible. PICA isn’t just for citizens, it does also regulate the policies relating to those coming into the island.

History of PICA Jamaica

The Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA), a self-financing, performance-based, and service-oriented organisation, was founded as an executive agency on June 1, 2007.

Following modernisation efforts beginning in 2005, the Agency replaced the former Immigration, Citizenship and Passport Services Division of the Ministry of National Security. Since then, PICA has been making changes to become a top-tier organisation.

What Does PICA Do?

The functions of PICA are essential to the country's border security system. The Agency supervises the island's immigration procedures, accepts and processes passport applications, and deals with issues relating to renunciation of and applications for Jamaican citizenship. The goal is to give its customers effective, high-quality service by employing qualified, highly motivated people.

The organisation must meet specific performance indicators as an Executive Agency to be considered effective and successful. Some of these are:

to process passengers at ports in no more than two minutes.

Another is to complete passport applications sent to the Kingston offices within seven days, and those from Montego Bay offices within fourteen.

Additionally, local applications for citizenship by descent from Jamaica are handled in 30 days.

The new Agency has made ongoing training a policy, and there are plans to implement a Performance-Based Management System for ongoing staff evaluation and development. These measures are in place to assure staff productivity and performance at their highest levels.

Key Functions of PICA

IMMIGRATION

Immigration screening of all travellers arriving in and departing from Jamaica by land, air, and sea; granting tourists and residents from outside Jamaica visas, entry permits, and other documentation; processing applications for permanent residency managing issues connected to refugees arriving on the island, as well as the deportation and repatriation of individuals not eligible to remain in Jamaica.

CITIZENSHIP

Processing of citizenship, renunciation, and citizenship reinstatement applications.

PASSPORT

At the headquarters in Kingston, Montego Bay, Mandeville, May Pen, St. Ann's Bay, and Jamaican diplomatic missions abroad, we receive passport applications;

a centralised facility at the Constant Spring Road Headquarters issues passports to Jamaicans living in the country and abroad;

ANALYTICAL ACTIVITIES

Investigation of any infractions committed in PICA-regulated locations. Our investigation division handles this task.

FAQs About PICA Jamaica

What is the CARICOM Passport?

An official travel document that can be used for both domestic and international travel within the countries that are members of the Caribbean Communities.

Does Jamaica recognise dual nationality?

Yes, Jamaica recognises dual citizenship.

What is the length of time for obtaining Jamaican citizenship?

The type of application will determine how quickly your citizenship application is processed:

  • Citizenship by Descent applications is processed in 25 working days.

  • Within 24 months, applications for citizenship because of marriage are prepared and submitted to the minister for consideration.

  • Within 24 months, naturalisation will be processed and ready for submission to the Minister for approval.

  • Within 24 months, Commonwealth citizens' registration will be processed and ready for submission to the Minister for approval.

  • Within months24, registration for minors will be processed and ready for submission to the Minister for approval.

How long does the process of extension of stay take and how does one apply?

Applications submitted to their office at Overton Plaza, 49 Union Street in Montego Bay take seven (7) working days to process, whilst applications submitted to PICA's Kingston office at 25 Constant Spring Road take three (3) working days.

Do commonwealth nationals require visas for entry into Jamaica? No, although citizens of Nigeria, the Cayman Islands, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the British Virgin Islands will need a visa.

Thanks to PICA, travelling to and from Jamaica is hassle-free.

Contact Information For PICA Jamaica

PICA’S HEAD OFFICE:

  • 25C Constant Spring Road,
  • Kingston 10
  • Telephone: 876-754-7422
  • Email: info@pica.gov.jm

You might like these

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)


If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Jamaican Passport Renewals from PICA Jamaica
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from PICA Jamaica

References & Sources For PICA Jamaica

  1. Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, https://www.pica.gov.jm/

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

JAMAICA_ON_A_BUDGET_EBOOK_COVER_LEAN

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!

JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!

I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

my_island_jamaica_channel_tv

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Jamaica_subscribe_button

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

copyscape
Back To The Top Of This Page

Like My Site? Please Click Here To Share It With Your Friends

Home   |   JOIN US   |   Site Search   |   Have Your Say   |   Archives   |   Old Archives   |   Contact   |   Disclaimer   |   TIP ME!   |   Link To Us


Do like I did! Share your passion
(about your city, hobby or experience) and make a living from it. Click Here to see how.

By Wellesley Gayle   |   Copyright © 2007-2024 My-Island-Jamaica.com   |   All rights Reserved.   |   Privacy Policy