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The Challenge
Trinidad and Tobago requires 31×41mm passport photos with strict ICAO biometric standards—chin to crown 70-80% of frame height, light coloured background, and recommender certification. Professional services charge TT$100-200. One rejected photo delays your passport application by weeks.
First-time applicants: you do NOT need photos
- First-time Machine Readable Passport applicants have live image capture at the Immigration Office
- You must appear in person at the designated Immigration Office—no photos submitted
- This tool is for renewal, replacement, and subsequent passport applications only
- Renewal applicants must submit two identical 31×41mm printed photographs
Trinidad and Tobago passport photo requirements
Trinidad and Tobago follows ICAO Document 9303 biometric standards for Machine Readable Passports. Photos must be 31×41mm with chin-to-crown height occupying 70-80% of the frame. The Immigration Division of the Ministry of National Security requires a plain light coloured background—white, off-white, or light grey are all accepted. Photos must be taken within 6 months, printed on good or photo-quality paper. Two identical unmounted colour photographs are required for renewal and replacement applications. A recommender must certify one photograph on the reverse side.
Trinidad and Tobago passport photo checklist—will your photo be accepted?
- 31×41mm dimensions exactly
- Chin to crown occupies 70-80% of frame height (28.7–32.8mm)
- Plain light coloured background—white, off-white, or light grey
- Full front view, face centred, looking directly at camera
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- Eyes clearly visible—no hair obscuring them
- No dark glasses or sunglasses (unless physical disability)
- No hats, headbands, bandanas, or facial ornamentation
- Headdress accepted only for religious customs or medical reasons
- All facial jewellery removed (nose rings, eyebrow rings etc.)
- No shadows or reflections on face, glasses, or background
- Colour photo printed on good or photo-quality paper
- Taken within last 6 months
- Two identical unmounted photos (do not pin, staple, or glue)
Common rejection reasons by Immigration Division
- Head height outside 70-80% range (most common rejection)
- Shadows on face, glasses, or background
- Dark glasses or sunglasses worn (including on head)
- Facial jewellery not removed (nose rings, eyebrow rings)
- Hair obscuring eyes or forehead
- Headband, bandana, or non-religious head covering visible
- Photo older than 6 months
- Photos pinned, stapled, or glued to application form
- Recommender certification missing from back of photo
- Low resolution or poor print quality
- Not a colour photograph
- Background not plain or not light coloured
Recommender must certify one photograph
- Your recommender must write on the BACK of one photograph:
- "I certify that this is a true likeness of the applicant [full name]"
- Recommender signs and prints their name in block letters
- No notarial seals on photographs
- Recommender must be a TT citizen who has known you for 3+ years
- Recommender cannot be an immediate relative
- Eligible: ministers of religion, bank directors/managers, university graduates, MPs, JPs, senior public servants, police corporals+, school principals, lecturers
How to print Trinidad and Tobago passport photos at home
- Paper: Use good or photo-quality paper. The Immigration Division accepts both matte and glossy finishes—official requirements say 'good or photo-quality paper' without specifying finish.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 6-8 photos, or Letter for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 31×41mm. Use ruler to confirm before submission.
- Alternative: Print at local photo studio or print shop. Specify '31mm wide by 41mm high passport photo'.
- Leave back of one photo blank for recommender certification—do not print on both sides.
Good vs bad Trinidad and Tobago passport photo examples
Glasses rules for Trinidad and Tobago passport photos
If you wear glasses, the Immigration Division requires eyes clearly visible with no reflections in lenses. Glasses must not have tinted lenses. Heavy frames should be avoided—frames must not cover any part of the eyes. Sunglasses cannot be worn or appear on your head. For best results, remove glasses entirely unless required for medical reasons. If keeping glasses: use anti-reflective lenses, tilt head slightly down to avoid glare, and ensure thin frames that don't block eyes.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Babies are required to have their own passports in Trinidad and Tobago
- Lay baby on plain white or light-coloured blanket on floor
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred
- Eyes must be open—try when baby is calm and alert after feeding
- No toys, pacifiers, bottles, or other objects in frame
- Supporting hands must not be visible in photo
- Same 31×41mm dimensions and 70-80% head height apply
- Children under 16: passport valid for 5 years (adults: 10 years)
- Parent or legal guardian must attend appointment with national ID
Where to apply for a Trinidad and Tobago passport
Passport appointments are scheduled through appointments.gov.tt at no fee. Applications are processed at Immigration Division offices across Trinidad and Tobago including Arima, Chaguanas, Curepe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, and St. James. Citizens residing abroad can apply at the High Commission in London, Embassy in Washington DC, or Consulate General offices in New York, Miami, and Toronto. Application forms must be printed on white legal size paper (8½×14 inches), printed on both sides, fit to page. Linx debit card payments accepted—credit cards not accepted.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional photo services
- Professional photo studio in Trinidad: TT$75-200 for 2 photos
- Pharmacy/convenience store photo services: TT$50-100
- Print at home: TT$5-15 per sheet (photo paper + ink)
- Print at local shop with your file: TT$10-30
- Savings: TT$40-185 per application using DIY approach
- Family of four (2 adults + 2 children): Save TT$160-740 total
Trinidad and Tobago passport validity and fees
Passports for persons 16 years and over are valid for 10 years. Passports for persons under 16 are valid for 5 years. Lost, stolen, or mutilated passports require a Notification form certified by a Commissioner of Affidavits or Justice of the Peace, plus a Police Incident Report. For destruction by fire, a Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services report is required. For flooding, a Regional Corporation report is needed. The deactivated passport will no longer be valid for travel once reported.
Official Trinidad and Tobago Government Resources
- Immigration Division – Passport FAQs Official passport application FAQ from Ministry of National Security
- Adult Passport Application Instructions (PDF) Official application instructions with photo specifications
- Passport Appointments Schedule passport appointment through ttconnect government portal
- Immigration Division Website Immigration Division of the Ministry of National Security
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines (70-80%)
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 31×41 mm
- Resolution
- 732×968 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 70-80% of frame (28.7–32.8 mm chin to crown)
- Background
- Plain light colour (white, off-white, light grey)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Good or photo-quality paper
- Valid For
- Machine Readable Passport (renewal/replacement)
Best Practices
- First-time MRP applicants don't need photos—live capture at Immigration Office
- Renewal applicants need TWO identical unmounted colour photographs
- Head must fill 70-80% of frame height—use guidelines to verify before printing
- Background must be plain light colour—white, off-white, or light grey all accepted
- Official rules say 'good or photo-quality paper'—matte and glossy both accepted
- Remove ALL facial jewellery—nose rings, eyebrow rings explicitly prohibited
- Leave back of one photo clear for recommender to write certification
- Don't pin, staple, or glue photos to the application form
- Recommender must certify: 'I certify that this is a true likeness of the applicant [name]'
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Trinidad and Tobago passport photos?
31mm wide by 41mm high. This is an ICAO-standard size specific to Trinidad and Tobago. The chin-to-crown height must be 70-80% of the frame (28.7-32.8mm). Resolution should be 732×968 pixels at 600 DPI for print quality.
Do I need photos for my first Trinidad and Tobago passport?
No. First-time Machine Readable Passport applicants have live image capture at the Immigration Office. You must appear in person. Photos are only required for renewal, replacement, or subsequent passport applications.
What background colour is required?
The official requirement is a 'plain light coloured background.' White, off-white, and light grey are all accepted. Some online sources incorrectly state white only—the official Immigration Division instructions allow any plain light colour.
Do I need matte or glossy paper?
The official requirement is 'good or photo-quality paper' without specifying matte or glossy. Both finishes are accepted. Use whichever photo paper gives you the best print quality.
What does the recommender write on the photo?
The recommender must write on the BACK of one photograph: 'I certify that this is a true likeness of the applicant [full name],' then sign and print their name in block letters. No notarial seals on photographs. The recommender must be a TT citizen who has known you 3+ years and is not an immediate relative.
Can I wear glasses in Trinidad and Tobago passport photos?
Glasses are allowed if eyes are clearly visible with no reflections. Lenses cannot be tinted. Frames should be thin and must not cover any part of the eyes. Sunglasses cannot be worn or appear on your head. Removing glasses entirely is recommended for best acceptance rate.
Can I wear facial jewellery?
No. All facial jewellery must be removed—nose rings, eyebrow rings, lip rings, and any other facial piercings. This is explicitly required by Trinidad and Tobago immigration authorities.
How recent must the photos be?
Within the last 6 months. Photos must reflect your current appearance. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.
How many photos do I need?
Two identical unmounted colour photographs for renewal/replacement applications. Do not pin, staple, or glue them to the application form. Keep the back of one photo clear for recommender certification.
Where do I apply for a Trinidad and Tobago passport?
Schedule an appointment at appointments.gov.tt (no fee). Offices located in Arima, Chaguanas, Curepe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, and St. James. Citizens abroad can apply at TT diplomatic offices in London, Washington DC, New York, Miami, or Toronto.
Can I submit photos digitally or online?
No. Trinidad and Tobago does not have an online passport application portal with digital photo upload. All photos must be physically printed and submitted with your paper application at an Immigration Office or diplomatic mission.
How long is a Trinidad and Tobago passport valid?
10 years for persons 16 and over. 5 years for persons under 16. Babies require their own passports.