Ministry of Homeland Security Clarifies Passport Transition, Assures Continued Passport Services

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The Ministry of Homeland Security said it has noted recent media reports regarding the availability of Passports in Trinidad and Tobago. “While public scrutiny is important, several claims contained in those reports are inaccurate, incomplete and fail to present the full picture of the Ministry’s ongoing Passport modernization programme.”

In a Media Release issued last week, on 7th July, 2026, the Ministry said it “wishes to make it absolutely clear that Trinidad and Tobago is not running out of machine-readable Passports, and citizens can continue to apply for and receive Passports as normal. Contrary to suggestions that no action was taken to replenish Passport stocks, the Ministry has been actively managing the country’s Passport inventory.”

According to the Ministry, the Immigration Division, which falls under the Ministry of Homeland Security, “has continued to procure machine-readable Passport booklets to ensure uninterrupted Passport services while the country transitions to the new electronic Passport (e-Passport) system. The Ministry received 50,000 machine-readable Passport booklets in October 2025, followed by a further 12,000 Passport booklets in June 2026, adding to the Division’s existing inventory.”

The Ministry notes that the Immigration Division “currently issues fewer than 6,000 Passports on average each month, ensuring that adequate supplies remain available to meet the needs of the travelling public. Further deliveries have already been confirmed, with approximately 48,000 additional machine-readable Passport booklets scheduled to arrive in September 2026. In 2026, the Immigration Division would receive a grand total of 100,000 machine-readable Passport booklets, providing more than sufficient inventory to support uninterrupted Passport services while Trinidad and Tobago transitions to the new e-Passport system.”

The Ministry also confirmed that in March 2026, it initiated the procurement process for additional Passport booklets as part of its transition strategy and has simultaneously advanced the procurement of the country’s new e-Passport system.

An Expression of Interest (EOl) for the provision of the e-Passport system “has already been completed, and submissions are currently being evaluated as part of a transparent, competitive and accountable procurement process,” the Ministry said.

The e-Passport programme “represents a significant step in modernizing Trinidad and Tobago’s immigration services and strengthening national security. The new system will introduce an online application and appointment platform, creating a more efficient, transparent and user-friendly process for citizens while reducing opportunities for abuse and ensuring a fairer and more streamlined Passport application system,” the Ministry added.

In addition, the next generation of machine-readable Passports will incorporate Trinidad and Tobago’s new Coat of Arms, featuring the Steelpan as the country’s national instrument, together with enhanced security features that further strengthen protection against counterfeiting and document fraud.

The Ministry further stated that the e-Passport itself will introduce “internationally-recognized biometric security technology, including an embedded electronic chip, making Passports significantly more secure and better protected against identity theft, alteration and fraudulent reproduction. It will also align Trinidad and Tobago with modern international travel standards while strengthening border security and improving the efficiency of immigration services.”

Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, MP, said: “The Ministry has been planning this transition carefully to ensure that Passport services continue uninterrupted while we modernize our immigration system. Citizens should be assured that there is sufficient stock to meet demand, additional deliveries have already been scheduled, and the work to introduce a modern, secure e-Passport system is well underway. Our focus is on protecting the identity of every cilizen, strengthening national security and delivering an immigration service that reflects international best practice.”

The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Ministry of Homeland Security remains committed to ensuring that every citizen continues to receive Passport services without disruption while Trinidad and Tobago confidently transitions to a safer, smarter and more secure Passport system.”

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