The Ministry of Homeland Security has announced the implementation of a revised fee structure for services provided by the Immigration Division, effective January 1st, 2026.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry said the adjustment, made under the Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, is a vital component of the Government’s ongoing commitment to modernise border management and enhance the efficiency of service delivery to all citizens, residents, clients, and stakeholders of the Immigration Division.
The Ministry noted that many of the fees associated with immigration services have remained unchanged, with the last significant revision occurring in 2007. Since that time, it said the operational landscape of the Immigration Division has evolved significantly, and 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.
The Ministry said it is dedicated to the digital transformation of all public-facing services to ensure greater ease of doing business. Recent and upcoming improvements include:
– Enhanced Online Portals: The launch and expansion of e-Visa and e-Student Permit portals to provide real-time tracking and online issuance.
– Cashless Transactions: The transition to secure, integrated e-payment platforms, reducing the need for in-person cash handling and improving transparency.
– Modernised Infrastructure: Investments in cloud-based systems and interoperable frameworks to link public agencies, ensuring faster processing times and more robust data security.
The revised fees reflect the actual cost of document production and the specialised security features embedded in modern travel documents. Highlights of the new schedule include:
- Standard Passports (Adults 16–59): Revised to $500.00.
- Business Passports (48 pages): Revised to $700.00.
- Expedited Passport Service: An additional cost of $600.00 for those requiring priority processing.
- Lost/Misplaced Valid Passports: Revised to $2,000.00 for both adults and children, reflecting the high administrative and security cost of replacing active documents.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that essential services remain accessible. As such, the following remain at no cost:
- Senior Citizens: Passports for adults aged 60 and over (ordinary 32-page).
- Infants: First-issue passports for children under 2 years of age.
- Valid lost, misplaced, or stolen passports: Replacements for children under 2 years of age.
The Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, stated: “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 Trinidad and Tobago.”
For a full list of the revised fees, members of the public are encouraged to visit the official website of the Ministry of Homeland Security or contact the Immigration Division directly.