The UK government has announced that from 9 April 2025, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will no longer be able to enter the UK visa-free for short visits. Instead, they will need to apply for a visa before travelling, whether for tourism, business, study or family visits.
The new rule realigns Trinidad and Tobago with other non-visa-exempt countries and is part of the UK’s broader immigration system review, which aims to tighten border controls and ensure that visitors meet entry requirements before arriving in the country.
Background to the change
In an official statement announcing the change, the Home Office cites concerns about immigration abuse, particularly relating to overstayers and asylum claims, with a reported increase in claims for asylum from Trinidad and Tobago nationals.
While the Home Office has not released specific data on the level of abuse, similar measures have been taken in the past for other countries where visa-free travel was deemed to increase immigration risks.
Change in visitor rules for Trinidad and Tobago
From 9 April 2025, all Trinidad and Tobago nationals travelling to the UK for short visits (up to 6 months) will need to apply for a visa before arrival. This applies to:
- Tourists visiting the UK for leisure.
- Business visitors attending meetings, conferences, or short-term projects.
- Students taking courses of up to 6 months under the Standard Visitor visa.
- Family members visiting relatives in the UK.
Applying for a UK visitor visa
Visitors from Trinidad and Tobago will now need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, which allows travel for tourism and leisure, business meetings and events, short-term study (up to 6 months) and visiting family and friends. Visitors will need to apply for their visa in advance of travel. While the standard processing time for a UK Standard Visitor Visa is 3 weeks from the date of application, it is recommended to make the application at least 6 weeks before the intended departure date to allow for potential delays or any additional processing requirements.
When applying applicants will need to provide evidence to prove they are genuine visitors, including their valid passport, proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay, their travel itinerary (such as flight and accommodation details) and evidence that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit.
Need assistance?
The UK government is expected to provide further details on visa processing times and any transitional arrangements. For more information about this change and how it impacts your UK immigration options, contact us.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
