UK Visas: Trinidad and Tobago Nationals Now Need a Visa to Enter the UK
The UK government has announced that, effective immediately, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) must obtain a visa to enter the UK, even for short visits.
Announced on March 12, the decision follows a sharp increase in T&T nationals entering the UK as visitors and later seeking asylum. Over the past year, asylum applications from Trinidad and Tobago surged nearly tenfold.
A UK government statement explained that the new rule aims to prevent misuse of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and maintain immigration control.
While emphasising strong UK-T&T ties, officials stated the change “was not taken lightly.”
Transition Period and Transit Visa Rule
A six-week transition period has been introduced:
- Travellers who booked their trips and secured an ETA before the change can enter without a visa until April 23 at 3:00 PM BST.
- A transit visa is now required for layovers in the UK, effective March 13.
T&T nationals already in the UK will not be affected for the remainder of their stay but will need a visa for future visits.
UK Visa Requirement
T&T nationals must now:
- Apply online via the UK government website.
- Attend an in-person appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Port of Spain, now open five days a week to meet demand.
A standard six-month multiple-entry visa costs £115, with longer-term options available.
The UK aims to process applications within 15 working days.
Government Reactions
British High Commissioner to T&T, Jon Dean, said the policy aligns T&T with other visa-required nations while ensuring “safe and secure travel” to the UK.
T&T's Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dr. Amery Browne, expressed disappointment, arguing the response is disproportionate. “A small number of individuals misused the system, yet regular travelers now face additional barriers,” he said.
According to The Times, asylum claims from T&T nationals surged from an annual average of 49 (2015–2019) to 439 in the past year. The UK government says the visa rule will help curb this trend but will be “kept under review.”
Will the new visa requirement effectively curb asylum claims? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
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