The UK government has announced that tourists from Trinidad and Tobago will now require a visa to enter the country, as part of efforts to address a growing number of asylum claims.
The Home Office is expected to confirm the new policy later today, following a significant surge in applications from the Caribbean nation. In 2023, 439 asylum claims were made, compared to 348 in the previous year, 173 in 2022, and an annual average of just 49 between 2015 and 2019.
Previously, citizens of Trinidad and Tobago could travel to the UK for up to six months without a visa under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. However, a government source told The Times that the system was being exploited, as many individuals were entering the country as visitors only to claim asylum upon arrival. To prevent further misuse, the ETA status for Trinidad and Tobago is being revoked.
A government spokesperson emphasized that the UK maintains strong diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago and will continue to welcome visitors, though they must now apply for a visa. The decision will be subject to ongoing review.
This move is part of a broader tightening of immigration policies, with the Conservative Party pushing for stricter controls under Labour’s Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill. Their proposed amendments include:
Meanwhile, the number of migrants crossing the English Channel continues to rise. Home Office figures show that more than 4,000 people have arrived in the UK so far this year—23% more than during the same period in 2024, and an 87% increase compared to 2022. On Sunday alone, 237 people made the journey in four boats, marking the tenth consecutive day of crossings.
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