Everything you need to know about Jamaica passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color rules based on complexion, matte finish requirements, and how to take a compliant Jamaican passport photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Jamaica |
| Document Type | Passport |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Digital Photo Size | 826 × 1062 pixels (at 600 DPI) |
| Head Size | 25–35 mm from chin to top of head |
| Background Color | Plain background (see complexion rules below) |
| Printable | Yes — on matte/dull photo-quality paper |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Finish | Matte/dull finish (not glossy) |
| Number of Photos Required | 2 identical photos |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) of Jamaica has specific requirements for passport photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Jamaica has a unique background color requirement that depends on your complexion:
It is recommended to remove glasses. Reflections from eyeglasses are a leading cause of photo rejection. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare, no reflection from the lenses, and your eyes are fully visible.
Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Jamaica passport photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera can take a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and set to the highest resolution. Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you — selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. Ensure there are no shadows on your face or behind your head — PICA specifically rejects photos with background shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms. If you have a dark complexion, wear colored clothing to create contrast with the white background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or face.
Stand about 1.2 meters in front of the camera. Keep your head straight and centered — not tilted. Ensure your full face from chin to forehead is visible. Shoulders should be relaxed and visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions. Look straight at the camera lens.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
A Jamaica passport photo must be exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm). Your head must measure between 25–35 mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. There should be a margin of at least 2 mm from the top of your head to the edge of the photo.
The background color depends on your complexion. Light complexion applicants should use a blue or grey background. Dark complexion applicants should use a white background. Applicants with grey or white hair should use a blue background. In all cases, the background must be plain with no patterns, shadows, or objects.
It is recommended to remove glasses to avoid glare and reflections, which are a leading cause of photo rejection. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no reflection and your eyes are clearly visible.
You must provide 2 identical photographs with your passport application. Both photos must be printed on matte/dull finish photo paper.
Yes! Upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop to 35×45mm, remove the background, and ensure it meets all PICA requirements. You can then print the result on matte photo paper.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. No smiling, frowning, or squinting is allowed.
Jamaica passport photos must be printed with a matte or dull finish. Glossy finish photos are not accepted by PICA. This is different from many other countries that accept glossy photo paper.
If your passport photo does not meet PICA requirements, your passport application will be delayed and you will need to submit new photos. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official requirements before you submit your application.
