New visitor visa regulations will be put in place for all T&T nationals travelling to the UK, effective March 12th.

This morning, British High Commissioner Jon Dean announced that T&T nationals will no longer be eligible for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Instead, a visa will be required by those going to the UK, while a Direct Airside Transit Visa will be needed to transit through the UK.

However, there will be a brief transitory period until April 23rd for visitors with confirmed travel plans and ETAs.

Mr Dean said the primary reason was a significant increase in unjustified asylum applications from a small number of T&T nationals, noting that border security remains a top priority.

He emphasized that this move was not taken lightly, while reassuring that the UK’s relationship with T&T remains strong and friendly.

Meanwhile Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Amery Browne has expressed disappointment with the new visa requirement.

103.1FM News reached out to the Minister, who said the move was a disproportionate response to UK’s observation that their Immigration system was being misused by a small number of T&T nationals.

He noted that while it is within their sovereign rights, he disagreed that frequent travellers to the UK should be affected by this move.

Dr Browne added that there will be continued talks with UK officials.