Trinidad and Tobago’s supply of passport booklets is reportedly nearing exhaustion, with concerns emerging that the country could face a shortage of the critical travel document if new supplies are not secured soon.
According to reports from Guardian Media, the remaining stock of passports has fallen to a critically low level, with sources indicating that immigration officials may have been instructed to slow the issuance process in an effort to preserve the remaining booklets.
The exact number of passports currently available has not been confirmed, but reports suggest that unless additional supplies arrive shortly, citizens could face difficulties obtaining new travel documents.
The issue reportedly stems from delays in the procurement process for new passports. According to Guardian Media, concerns were raised with the Ministry of Homeland Security since mid-2025 that existing passport stocks were declining and urgent action was needed to prevent a shortage.
Reports indicate that officials were previously informed that the country had approximately one year’s supply of passport booklets, estimated at between 80,000 and 100,000 documents. In 2023, Trinidad and Tobago reportedly issued a tender for the supply of passports, with the Canadian Bank Note Company, which has supplied the country’s passports since 2007, being awarded the contract in October 2024.
However, according to reports, the final contract was not signed before the 2025 General Election, leaving the agreement incomplete.
The Government has since moved toward transitioning from machine-readable passports to electronic passports, with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander confirming that plans are underway for the introduction of e-passports. Hon. Alexander said the country must move toward a more modern passport system and indicated that the Government is working to complete the transition.
The Minister, however, did not provide details on the current passport stock levels, when additional booklets are expected, or whether processing times were intentionally slowed due to the shortage concerns.
Reports also indicate that some applicants have experienced longer waiting periods for passport processing, including those using expedited services. Citizens have expressed concern about possible delays, particularly those with upcoming travel plans, medical appointments, or educational commitments overseas.
One applicant told a news outlet that authorities may need to consider temporary measures if the shortage worsens, while another said any transition to a new passport system should have been properly planned before existing supplies became limited.
Meanwhile, officials familiar with passport production say obtaining new booklets is not a simple printing process. The documents require specialised security paper, embedded security features, quality checks, and international production processes before they can be issued.
According to reports, suppliers typically plan passport production months in advance due to the complexity involved.
The Government has said that backup plans have been activated and that Trinidad and Tobago will not be held to ransom by service providers. However, with the country’s passport supply reportedly running low, questions remain over how quickly additional booklets can be secured and when the new electronic passport system will be fully implemented.
