In a significant policy shift, the UK government has announced that citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will no longer enjoy visa-free access to the UK. This decision, effective immediately, requires all nationals of Trinidad and Tobago to obtain a visa before traveling to the UK, including for short visits.

The move comes in response to a substantial increase in the number of Trinidad and Tobago nationals arriving in the UK as visitors and subsequently claiming asylum. This trend has been identified as a misuse of the immigration system, prompting the UK government to tighten its entry requirements.

Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, commented on the decision in a statement to the House of Parliament today March 12^th : "This change is necessary to maintain the integrity of our immigration system and ensure that our borders remain secure. While our relationship with Trinidad and Tobago remains strong, we must address the significant and sustained increase in asylum claims from nationals of this country."

Euen Herbert-Small with Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship at the 2024 WNO conference

"This decision by the UK government marks the end of decades of frictionless access  for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, who share a historical relationship with the this country leading back to the colonial era. There is nothing really common about the Commonwealth," said Euen Herbert-Small, a Windrush advocate and campaigner.

The British High Commission in Port of Spain also issued a statement, emphasizing that the decision was not taken lightly and that it aligns Trinidad and Tobago with other visa-required countries. "We understand the importance of travel 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."

Transition Period

To ease the transition, there will be a six-week period during which Trinidad and Tobago nationals who have already booked their travel and obtained an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before the changes can still enter the UK without a visa. This transition period will end on April 23, 2025.

The new visa requirement means that Trinidad and Tobago nationals must now apply for a visitor visa in advance of their travel. The UK government has assured that sufficient capacity will be available at the Visa Application Centre in Port of Spain to handle the increased demand.

The UK government's decision to scrap visa-free access for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago contrasts sharply with its approach to Ukrainian nationals. While the visa requirement for Trinidad and Tobago is a response to increased asylum claims and aims to maintain the integrity of the UK's immigration system, the Ukraine asylum-visa scheme reflects a more supportive stance.

Trinidad and Tobago has long enjoyed visa-free access to the UK since their independence from Britain in 1962 and citizens to the twin island nation were free to enter the UK during the Windrush Era as Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies.

For more information on the new visa requirements, visit the UK government's official website. UK Visa and Immigration