UK imposes visa restrictions on T&T nationals

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

The British government on Wednesday announced that it is imposing, with immediate effect, a visa requirement for Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) nationals wanting to travel to or transiting the United Kingdom (UK), including on short visits.

London said that this is in addition to established requirements to obtain a visa to travel to the UK for the purpose of work, study and settlement.

“There will be a six-week transition period until 15:00 on 23 April 2025, during which time visitors who booked their travel and obtained an ETA (electronic travel authorisations) 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,” London said in its statement.

There has been no reaction as yet from the Trinidad and Tobago government to this latest development.

But the British high commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, John Dean, said the new requirement means that all Trinidad and Tobago nationals “must obtain a visa” for travelling to the UK.

“Trinidad and Tobago nationals will no longer be eligible to travel under the electronic travel authorisations scheme, and those planning to transit the UK will now need a direct visa. In any country, including the UK, security, including border security, has to be our priority.

“We regularly review our visa and immigration policies to ensure that they remain effective. On this occasion, there has been significant increase in the number of unjustified asylum applications by Trinidad and Tobago nationals at the UK border. Unfortunately, the actions of a small minority have meant that our ministers have had to take the difficult decision to introduce a visa requirement.

“I understand many of you will find this news disappointing, and that’s why I wanted to explain it to you personally. Of course, here at the British High Commission, we will continue to work hand in hand with our friends and colleagues in Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen our partnership,” Dean added.