Passport fees go up

A Trinidad and Tobago passport. - File photo by Ayanna Kinsale

THE fees to access another government service have increased. This time, citizens have to pay double to get or renew their passports effective January 1.

The Ministry of Homeland Security announced the revised fee structure for services provided by the Immigration Division in a news release on December 31.

Standard 32-page passports for adults ages 16-59 now cost $500, business or 48-page passports are $700, the cost for expedited passport service is $600 and replacements for lost or misplaced valid passports for both children and adults cost $2,000.

The fees for ordinary passports for senior citizens, first-issue passports for children under age two and valid lost, misplaced, or stolen passports for children under two remain free of charge.

According to the release, the revised fees reflect the actual cost of document production and the specialised security features embedded in modern travel documents.

“For almost two decades, many of the fees associated with immigration services have remained unchanged, with the last significant revision occurring in 2007. Since that time, the operational landscape of the Immigration Division has evolved significantly.

“The current adjustments are necessary to align with the modern costs of providing secure, high-quality services and to support the continuous technological advancements required for national security.”

Made under the Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, the release said the adjustment was a vital part of the government’s commitment to modernising TT’s border management and enhancing the efficiency of service delivery.

The government plans to digitise all public-facing services to ensure greater ease of doing business. Plans include the launch and expansion of e-Visa and e-Student Permit portals to provide real-time tracking and online issuance; the transition to cashless transactions; and modernised infrastructure to ensure faster processing times and more robust data security.

Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander said, “The decision to revise these fees was not taken lightly. However, it is a necessary step to ensure our Immigration Division has the resources to provide world-class service.

“This is not merely about revenue; it is about investing in the technology and security infrastructure that protects our borders and simplifies the lives of our citizens. By moving toward a fully digital, cashless system, we are removing the bureaucratic hurdles of the past and building a more resilient TT."