The United Kingdom has imposed new visa requirements on citizens of Trinidad & Tobago, citing a significant increase in asylum applications by Trinidadian nationals. The new restrictions, which came into immediate effect, will require Trinidadians to obtain a visa before traveling to or transiting through the UK, including for short-term visits.
The decision has sparked criticism from Trinidad’s government, with CARICOM and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amory Brown stating that the UK’s announcement came with little warning.Â
We were given only 48 hours’ notice before the policy was made public. This is disappointing, especially given our longstanding ties with the UK.
Trinidad’s CARICOM and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amory Brown
The British High Commissioner to Trinidad & Tobago, John Dean, defended the decision, stating that the UK regularly reviews its immigration policies to ensure they remain effective and aligned with security concerns. He noted that a growing number of Trinidadians were applying for asylum upon arrival in the UK, leading to concerns about abuse of the system.
A transition period until April 23, 2025, has been granted for travelers with confirmed bookings and an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). However, new travelers without prior approval will be required to apply for a visa immediately.
Could Other Caribbean Nations Be Affected?
With Trinidad & Tobago now subject to the UK’s visa restrictions, speculation has arisen over whether other Caribbean nations could face similar policies.
- Dominica, St. Lucia, and Grenada—which all operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs—could be monitored closely for potential security risks.
- The UK has previously expressed concerns about CBI programs, particularly in relation to passport security measures and background checks on new citizens.
Trinidad & Tobago joins a growing list of Caribbean nations facing visa restrictions from major international partners, raising concerns about regional mobility and the impact on tourism and business travel.
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