With effect from Monday, 5th July 2021, public documents originating in Jamaica that are intended to be used in certain foreign countries can be authenticated by way of an Apostille. The list of countries that accept apostilles may be found at: Countries that Accept Apostille and Applicants should consult this list to verify that this service is required.
Please note the following:
- Applicants submitting documents that require pre-certification by an authority such as the Ministry of Education and Youth, Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Ministry of Agriculture, a Notary Public or a Justice of the Peace (JP), must ensure that this pre-certification is done prior to submitting their document(s) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFA&FT) for issuance of an Apostille.
- Applicants are required to complete an Application Form (requisition form) and submit it along with their document(s) to be authenticated by apostille to the MFA&FT. Payment should be made to the Cashier at the MFA&FT or to a Jamaica High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate overseas. Proof of payment is required for submission with the application. Application forms may be obtained from the Reception Desk at the MFA&FT or, if you are overseas, from a Jamaican High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate. Forms may also be requested by emailing: info@mfaft.gov.jm or authentications@mfaft.gov.jm.
APPLICATION FEES & PROCESSING
Applicants in Jamaica
Fees and Processing Periods, Return of Documents
- JM$3,500.00 per document (processing time is 5 business days)
- JM$5,000.00 per document for 24 hr. service (for eligible documents. Please confirm with the Ministry if your document meets the requirements first)
Apostilled documents can be collected in person from the MFA&FT or applicants may make arrangements for their return by a courier agent such as TARA, DHL, or other Courier Service in a prepaid, self-addressed envelope. TRN of the applicant or bearer is required.
Applicants Overseas
Fees and Processing Periods, Return of Documents
- The United States of America: US$30.00
- Canada: CDN $40.00
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: £25.00
- Countries in Europe other than the UK and Northern Ireland: €25.00
- All other countries: US$30.00
Processing period is 10 - 15 business days from date of receipt. Please give allowance for delays as we respond to Covid-19 restrictions.
Documents and payments may be transmitted via a Jamaican High Commission, Embassy or Consulate.
Where documents, fees and application are being sent directly to the MFA&FT by courier, the exact amount of funds are to be remitted. For return of documents, a pre-paid self-addressed envelope from a courier agent such as TARA, DHL or other Courier Service should be sent to the Authentications Section, Consular Affairs Department; Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade; 2 Port Royal Street, Kingston. Please Write on the envelope: AUTHENTICATION. No TRN is required.
Persons applying for an Apostille are strongly urged to download the Application Form and complete before taking their documents to the Ministry for processing.