BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE United Kingdom has imposed visa requirements for holders of Trinidad and Tobago passports due to concerns over the increasing number of individuals seeking asylum within the Caribbean territory.
According to reports from the UK, a growing number of Trinidad and Tobago nationals have been arriving at various airports across the country and applying for asylum. This trend has reportedly escalated over the years, prompting the British government to take action.
The new visa requirement takes effect today (Mar. 12), removing Trinidad and Tobago from the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which previously allowed certain travelers to enter the UK without a visa.
Jon Dean, British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, announced the change in a social media post, stating that “all Trinidad and Tobago nationals must obtain a visa before travelling to the UK for all visits.”
According to a report from The Times, there has been a ninefold increase in asylum applications from Trinidad and Tobago, which the publication describes as a misuse of the UK’s immigration system.
Dean also noted in a social media video that travelers transiting through the UK will now require a visa.
“There will be a six-week, visa-free transition period for those who already hold an electronic travel authorisation and confirmed bookings to the UK obtained on or before 15:00 GMT 12 March 2025 where arrival in the UK is no later than 15:00 BST 23 April 2025,” United Kingdom’s Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Yvette Cooper said
As of press time, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has not yet commented on the development.
