Authentication and Legalisation of Documents

Documents issued in Jamaica which are needed for use overseas will require authentication and legalisation:

Authentication. This is the process whereby the Ministry attests or certifies that the signature and stamp/seal on the document is that of the person authorised to sign on behalf of the organisation which issued the document and that the document itself does not appear to be fraudulent. The Ministry cannot attest to any other content in the document.

Legalisation. This is the process where the consular officer in the embassy, High Commission or consulate representing the government of the country where the document is intended to be used attests that the signature and stamp/seal of the authenticating officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is legitimate.
The Consular Department can also certify photocopies of documents provided that they will be accepted in the country where they are intended to be used. The certified document must also be counter-certified by the by the consular officer in the embassy, High Commission or consulate of the country where the document is intended to be used.

Fees and Processing Times

Fees are applicable per document (in cash only), per document depending on the preferred currency of the applicant

– $500.00 Jamaican Dollars
– $20.00 United States Dollars
– €15.00 Euro
– £15.00 Pounds Sterling

Opening Hours of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Mondays – Fridays: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Additional information can be provided by sending an e-mail to: consular@mfaft.gov.jm

If you do not plan to collect the document in person, you will need to make arrangements with a courier service (FEDEX or DHL) to return the documents to you . This may be in the form of a pre-paid label.