UK Visa-Imposition On T&T To Be Reviewed During the Year

• Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Dr Amery Browne has met with the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) to Trinidad and Tobago, Jon Dean, to make a formal complaint about the visa imposition on Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) nationals and the lack of appropriate notice. The meeting was held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters. 
• The purpose of the meeting was to present the position of T&T on the decision of the United Kingdom to impose a visa requirement for nationals of Trinidad and Tobago seeking to travel to the United Kingdom and to outline a way forward. 
• The High Commissioner of the United Kingdom confirmed that the specific reason for the imposition of the visa requirement was an increase in asylum seekers from Trinidad and Tobago and gave an explanation for the lack of notice. 
• The Minister expressed concern about the adequacy of the transitional arrangements, as such arrangements are already adversely affecting nationals who have made plans and reservations to travel to or transit through the UK. Both officials reviewed some specific cases and examples. 
• The High Commissioner acknowledged that the imposition of the visa requirement was sudden, advised that his team would seek to provide as much public guidance as possible during and beyond this initial period, and emphasized that the visa imposition would be reviewed throughout this year. The parties agreed that they would work collaboratively towards an action plan to address the situation that led to the imposition of the visa requirement and to seek avenues for a lifting of the visa regime as soon as possible.

(Source: Trinidad and Tobago Loop)