Trinidad and Tobago Passport Photo Requirements and Size
Get the exact size, head measurements, and official rules for your Trinidad and Tobago passport photo before you apply.
Official Size and Dimensions
The official size for a Trinidad and Tobago machine readable passport photo is 31 by 41 millimeters, which equals about 1.22 by 1.61 inches[1]. When you set up your photo frame, you must measure your head height very carefully. The distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head needs to measure between 25 and 30 millimeters[1].
Getting these precise measurements prevents the issuing office from rejecting your application due to a poorly cropped image. You can use the tool above to crop your digital photo to these exact size requirements quickly.
Submission Rules and Where Photos are Taken
The way you submit your photo depends on whether this is your first passport or a renewal. For your first passport issue, the Immigration Division captures the photo directly at your official appointment[2][3]. Subsequent machine readable passport applications may require you to supply two printed colour photos[2].
Furthermore, if your passport is lost, stolen, or mutilated, the notification requires one recent photo with a white background[2]. Knowing whether you need a printed copy or an appointment capture saves you significant time during the application process.
Background and Lighting
The passport photo guide specifies a plain light background; the related application instructions specify white[1][3]. White is the standard choice for your backdrop when preparing your documents. You should stand in front of a plain white wall with bright, even lighting shining across your face.
Avoid casting harsh shadows on the wall behind you or underneath your chin. Good lighting helps the immigration officers see your facial features clearly without any distortion.
Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
You must maintain a strict neutral facial expression with your mouth completely closed when the photo is taken[1][3]. Do not smile, grin, frown, or open your mouth in any way. Glasses are not allowed in your passport photo, so you must remove them completely before the picture is snapped[1][3].
Headwear is strictly prohibited unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons, and even then, it must not cover any part of your face[1][3]. Your eyes must remain open and look directly forward at the camera lens.
Rules for Children and Babies
Children and babies need their own separate passport for travel purposes[2][1][3]. For a first passport issue, the image of the child is captured directly at the appointment by the office[2][3].
The same official photo guide rules apply to young applicants as they do to adults[2][1][3]. Subsequent or replacement applications for children may require supplied printed photos rather than an in-person capture[2]. Always check the specific renewal guidelines for your child's age group before booking an appointment.
Taking and Printing Your Photo at Home
You can take your photo at home using a digital camera or smartphone before you print it. Stand about one and a half meters away from the camera and keep the lens at your exact eye level. It is best to ask a friend or family member to take the picture to avoid distortion from a selfie angle.
Next, use the tool above to format your photo correctly. You can save your image as a standard 4 by 6 inch photo sheet to print easily at a local retail store or kiosk.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
Passport offices reject application photos for several common and avoidable reasons. Smiling, showing teeth, or having an open mouth will cause an immediate refusal because a neutral expression is mandatory[1][3]. Wearing glasses or having glare on your lenses is another frequent cause of application rejection[1][3].
Incorrect head height measurements, a busy background, or heavy shadows on your face will also stop your photo from passing review[1][3]. Check all these important details carefully before you submit your final application documents.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my Trinidad and Tobago passport photo?
What are the exact dimensions for the photo?
The official size is 31 by 41 millimeters, and your head height from chin to top of head must be 25 to 30 millimeters[1].
Do children need their own passport photos?
Do I need to submit printed photos?
First issues require an appointment photo capture, but subsequent applications may require two printed colour photos[2].