The Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency PICA has announced new passport fees and the introduction of expedited services, effective May 26, 2015,

The price of a regular adult passport will move from $4,500 to $6,500, while the passport for a minor will increase from $2,700 to $4,000. There will be adjustments to other services.

The agency will introduce a same day service at its headquarters and introduce an expedited service of seven and five days at its regional office and outposts in Montego Bay, St. Ann’s Bay, Portmore, May Pen and Mandeville.

The current passport fee was introduced in 2009 and the new fee seeks to cover inflation and the movement in the exchange rate over the period.

The new fees will provide the agency with the necessary funding to employ more Immigration Officers and other staff as well as offer some technological improvements and space requirements for customers and staff.

PICA adds that technological inputs in the production of the documents are quoted in foreign currency which is impacted by the slide in the value of the Jamaican dollars against its trading partners.

The agency is expected to be completely self-sufficient in this financial year as it will receive no money from the Consolidated Fund.