There is a new visitor visa requirement for Trinidad and Tobago nationals who want to travel to the United Kingdom.
British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Jon Dean, in a social media message, said the visa requirement for Trinidad and Tobago nationals headed to the United Kingdom has changed, effective Wednesday March 12th.
He said the change comes in the wake of an uptick of Trinidad and Tobago nationals seeking asylum in the UK.
“All Trinidad and Tobago nationals must obtain a visa before traveling to the UK for all visits. Trinidad and Tobago nationals will no longer be eligible to travel under the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme, and those planning to transit through the UK will now need a Direct Airside Transit visa.”
In response, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dr. Amery Browne, noted that the move is within the UK’s rights as a sovereign nation, though he noted this country has indicated its disappointment to the UK Government on the new visa requirements as it is a relatively small number of T&T nationals who are taking advantage of the ETA provision to apply for asylum after arrival.
Up to Tuesday, T&T nationals could travel to the UK for up to six months without a visa under the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme.
The T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce also responded to the change, noting that while the body understands the decision of the UK Home Office, it believes this development may have the potential to affect key areas of bilateral engagement, including trade, investment, tourism, student mobility, and cultural exchange.