Jamaican passport still cheaper than the rest

Even as thousands of Jamaicans blast the Passport Immigration and Citizens Agency over the pending increase in the cost of a Jamaican passport, checks by The Sunday Gleaner have revealed that even with the hike the official document will remain among the cheapest in the world.

However, this comparison is not adjusted for the standard of living or the per capita income difference among the countries.

The adult Jamaican passport is to be increased from J$4,500 (US$38) to J$6,500 (US$56) come tomorrow, but will still be cheaper than all the major regional and international trading partners, except Antigua and Trinidad and Tobago.

While the Trinidadian passport is for five years, the Jamaican passport is valid for 10 years.

Country Cost US$ Cost J$

Trinidad & Tobago $40* $4,631

Barbados $75 $8,683

St Kitts and Nevis $150 $17,367

Antigua $33 $3,821

Guyana $60* $6,947

Haiti $93* $10,676

Cayman Islands $122 $14,125

Jamaica $56 $6,500

United States $110 $12,745

United Kingdom $110 $12,745

Canada $209 $24,215

Canada $190* $22,013

* Passports are valid for five years.