New passport system will require filling out forms online, booking appointments before office visits

Guyanese applying for passports will soon be required to complete their applications online and book appointments before visiting a passport office under a new digital system set to be launched by the Central Immigration and Passport department.

During an exclusive interview with the News Room, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Stephen Telford said the new Guyana passport application and appointment system is designed to make the process more convenient and reduce overcrowding at passport offices.

Under the new system, applicants will first be required to fill out their passport application forms online from their homes or any location of their choice before selecting a preferred appointment date and time to visit a passport office.

“We have seen over the years that persons would flock the passport office in large numbers applying for their passport so this system itself is now geared to eliminate that process.

“So you would have the opportunity in your comfort zone to full out your application form and to book your appointment…and then you will have the opportunity in the process to select a passport office that you would like to go to have that application processed,” Telford explained to the News Room.

Telford stressed that booking an appointment will be a critical part of the new process.

“The appointment is critical and important for you…and then you would need to visit the passport office at the date and time you choose along with the relevant documents and you will see all the documents in the application that you are required to walk with when you are coming,” he further explained.

Currently, persons seeking a new passport or renewal are required to visit any passport office with the relevant documents to begin the process. Passport processing typically takes three working days, while expedited services allow persons to receive their passports within 24 hours. Depending on the circumstances, passports can be processed in as little as half an hour.

Telford said the digital transition is necessary as Guyana continues to modernise.

“The system is needed as Guyana is advancing. We are in the digital arena,” he said.

He said final works are being done and the system is expected to be launched soon. “As of now, we are about 99 percent complete and we would be launching very soon,” Telford said.

There are seven passport offices across the country including at Camp Street, Leonora, Annan Regina and Berbice.  The online service will be available at all the passport offices.