The United Kingdom has announced that nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will now be required to obtain a visa for travel, following a surge in asylum applications from the Caribbean nation.
This new policy, set to take effect in April 2025, marks a sharp departure from the previous arrangement where citizens of Trinidad and Tobago could visit the UK with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The decision was driven by a dramatic increase in asylum claims, which rose from an average of 49 per year between 2015 and 2019 to 439 in 2024. Authorities expressed concern that a small number of individuals from Trinidad and Tobago were exploiting the ETA system by applying for asylum upon arrival in the UK.
You can learn all the details about UK visa for Trinidad and Tobago citizens here.
Trinidad and Tobago criticizes new UK visa requirement as "Disproportionate" response to asylum claims
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has strongly criticized the new visa requirement, calling it a "disproportionate" response to the issue. Dr. Amery Browne, the country’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, stated that while the UK has the right to impose such measures, the government believes it unfairly targets regular travelers. He stressed that the actions of a small number of individuals should not negatively impact the majority of citizens who travel responsibly.
“ This move is within their rights as a sovereign nation, but 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.”
He added: “We have indicated our disappointment with the new visa requirement and will continue our consistent engagement with our UK counterparts. 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 remarked in a local media interview.
The UK High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago confirmed that the new visa requirement will be phased in, with a transition period running until April 23, 2025. During this time, travelers who have already booked their trips and obtained an ETA before March 12, 2025, can still enter the UK without a visa.
"We remain committed to welcoming visitors"
Jon Dean, the British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, defended the policy, asserting that it aligns the country with other nations whose citizens already require visas to enter the UK.
“The changes announced today align Trinidad and Tobago with many other visa national countries with which the UK shares close and friendly ties. We understand that travel is important for families, businesses and cultural connections. The introduction of visitor visas is designed to support safe and secure travel while ensuring the UK’s borders remain protected.
The British high commission in Port of Spain has worked closely with the UK government to put in place arrangements that allow Trinidad and Tobago nationals to apply for their visitor visas right here at home. We remain committed to welcoming visitors and look forward to continuing the strong ties between our people. As a valued Commonwealth partner, Trinidad and Tobago remains an important part of the UK’s global community.”
The British government also highlighted that Trinidad and Tobago nationals can apply for visas locally, with support available from the British High Commission in Port of Spain.
