The rule here is stated plainly by the consulate and applies across every service: all non-Trinidadian documents must be apostilled, and foreign-language documents must be translated into English by a registered translation service. There is no discretion about it.
Quick facts
The two-colour-photocopy rule is the one people underestimate. It applies to every original in the file, including the apostille pages, and the missions say there are no exceptions.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille on a U.S. state document | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State of that state |
| Apostille on a U.S. federal document | $20 per document | U.S. Department of State |
| Notarial service at the mission | Published chart | Witnessing signatures for use under T&T law |
| Registered translation | Per page | Into English |
| Colour photocopies | Your own cost | Two of every original |
The missions describe their notarial service precisely: witnessing your signature on documents to be used in accordance with the laws of Trinidad and Tobago. That is narrower than a general notarial power and worth understanding before you rely on it.
How to prepare a document
- Order a certified copy from the issuing office.
- Have it apostilled by the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or federally where applicable.
- Arrange an English translation by a registered service if the document is in another language.
- Make two colour photocopies of every original, apostille pages included.
- Submit with the application, in person or by tracked mail.
Required documents
- Original document with the apostille attached.
- Registered English translation where needed.
- Two colour photocopies of each original.
- Valid photo identification.
- Money order for any fee.
What the missions do
They take passport and citizenship applications and forward them to the Immigration Division in Port of Spain, issue emergency travel certificates, witness signatures for use under Trinidadian law and assist nationals in difficulty.
No offices currently listed.
Additional notes
Budget for the copying
Two colour copies of a dozen documents is a real cost and a real errand. Do it before the appointment, not in the lobby.
Decisions are made at home
The missions receive and forward; the Immigration Division decides. That is why timetables are measured from Port of Spain.
Order two originals
Where a document may be retained, a spare saves repeating the apostille.
Never apostille a photocopy
The certificate attaches to an original or a certified copy from the record keeper.