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The following is a press statement from the British High Commission in Port of Spain and a response from the Trinidad and Tobago Government, via Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Dr Amery Browne:
The UK Government has announced today (12 March 2025) that with immediate effect, all nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will need a visa before travelling to the UK, including on short visits.
The decision to introduce a visa requirement has been taken due to a significant increase in the number of Trinidad and Tobago nationals coming to the UK as visitors only to claim asylum on arrival—constituting a misuse of the immigration system.
The UK’s relationship with Trinidad and Tobago remains a strong and friendly one. This decision has not been taken lightly and the UK Government regularly reviews its visa and immigration policies to ensure they remain effective.
The changes, which come into effect immediately, will apply to all Trinidad and Tobago nationals travelling to the UK.
A requirement for transit visas will also be introduced from 13 March. However, there will be a six-week transition period until 3pm on 23 April 2025, during which time visitors who booked their travel and obtained an ETA 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.
(via Platinum Jubilee Celebration Committee.)
“The changes announced today align Trinidad and Tobago with many other visa national countries with which the UK shares close and friendly ties,” said British High Commissioner Jon Dean.
“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.
(via army.mod.uk.)
“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.”
Response from Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne:
“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 T&T 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.
Photo: Office of the Parliament 2024.
“We have noted that their decision to reintroduce visa requirements will be kept under review. 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.”
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I honestly find it hard to believe the TnT gov’t generally, and Browne particularly, did not know this was coming.
Well Trinis will be spared eating bland food. I wonder if they will accept Mastercard for the Visa
So it wasn’t because a known gang member was allowed to travel and they blamed it on TT authorities?