As of the 12 March 2025, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago are no longer eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom. The country has now been added to the UK’s Appendix Visa National list, meaning that travellers from Trinidad and Tobago will now need to apply for entry clearance (a Visitor Visa) in advance of their trip to the UK.
What does this change mean?
For many years, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago have been able to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, which allowed them to travel to the UK for short stays without the need for a traditional visa. However, this convenience has now come to an end, and Trinidad and Tobago is now classified as a “Visa National” country. This change is effective almost immediately, meaning travellers must secure a Visitor Visa before traveling.
The Home Office Response
This move aligns with the UK’s updated immigration regulations, partly in response to an alleged increase in asylum claims from Trinidad and Tobago. In 2024, there were 108,138 people who claimed asylum in the UK, with those from Trinidad and Tobago representing only 0.4% of the total asylum claims. Nevertheless, the alleged increase in claims contributed to the UK government’s decision to add the country to the Visa National list.
Transitional Period: What you need to know
For those who already have plans to travel to the UK and have obtained an ETA, there is a transitional period in place to ease the shift. This transition period will last for six weeks, providing some flexibility for travellers who are already in the process of planning their trips.
If you are a national of Trinidad and Tobago and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as well as a confirmed booking to the UK made before 3:00 PM on 12 March 2025, you are allowed to travel under the previous rules. However, you must arrive in the UK no later than 3:00 PM on 23 April 2025.
If you don’t meet these criteria, or if you plan to travel after the transitional period, you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa in advance. If you already have an ETA but will not be able to use it, it will be cancelled, and you will not get a refund.
The Visa application process and requirements
For those now required to apply for a Visitor Visa, here’s what the application process involves:
- Completing an online visa application form
- Providing supporting documents verifying the purpose of the visit, financial means, and ties to Trinidad and Tobago
- Payment of the visa fee of £115 (other fees apply for different types of visitor visa)
- Submission of biometric data (fingerprints and photograph)
Processing times can vary, so it is encouraged to apply well in advance of your planned travel date. The current published processing time is 3 weeks but the process may take longer if your application is deemed complex, or more information is needed.
For more information on how to apply for a visitor visa see Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Overview – GOV.UK.
