Trinidad and Tobago Disappointed by UK's Visa Requirement Imposition

PORT OF SPAIN – The Trinidad and Tobago government Wednesday expressed its disappointment at the decision of the United Kingdom (UK) government to impose with immediate effect, a visa requirement for Trinidad and Tobago nationals wanting to travel to or transiting the UK including on short visits.

London said that this is in addition to established requirements to obtain a visa to travel to the UK for the purpose of work, study and settlement.

“There will be a six-week transition period until 15:00 on 23 April 23, 2025, during which time visitors who booked their travel and obtained an ETA (electronic travel authorisations) before the changes can still enter the UK without a visa. There is also a transition period for passengers who are transiting via the UK to an onward destination,” London said in its statement.

But, CARICOM and Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Amery Browne said that while London is within its right to take such action, “we do not see it as a proportionate response to what UK authorities conveyed to us, which was their observation that a relatively small number of Trinidad and Tobago nationals were misusing the UK immigration system by being processed for an ETA in the normal existing process and then suddenly applying for asylum after arrival.

“We are not of the view that regular travellers to the UK should be negatively affected by a relatively small number of persons who have been trying to abuse the British immigration system,” Browne added.

The British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, John Dean, said the new requirement means that all Trinidad and Tobago nationals “must obtain a visa” for travelling to the UK.

“Trinidad and Tobago nationals will no longer be eligible to travel under the electronic travel authorisations scheme and those planning to transit the UK will now need a direct …visa. In any country, including the UK, security including border security has to be our priority.

“We regularly review our visa and immigration policies to ensure that they remain effective. On this occasion there has been significant increase in the number of unjustified asylum applications by Trinidad and Tobago nationals at the UK border. Unfortunately, the actions of a small minority have meant that our ministers have had to take the difficult decision to introduce a visa requirement”.

The British diplomat said there will be a short transition period until April 23 this year for visitors with a firm booking and an ETA.

“I understand many of you will find this news disappointing and that’s why I wanted to explain it to you personally. Of course, here at the British High Commission, we will continue to work hand in hand with our friends, colleagues in Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen our partnership.

‘As part of that we want you to continue to travel to the UK as much as Brits do to Trinidad and Tobago to discover the best of both countries,” he added. (CMC)